Profile red flags
- Photos that look like stock images or appear on other listings
- Refusing a video call or a meeting in person
- Vague answers about age, health testing or where the dog lives
- Pressure to decide immediately, or a 'someone else is interested' push
Money red flags
Never pay a stud fee, deposit or transport cost before you have met the dog in person. Avoid bank transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency and payment apps that offer no buyer protection. PimpMyHound never asks for stud fees and is not involved in any payment between owners.
Welfare red flags
- Dogs kept in poor conditions or not allowed to be seen at home
- Multiple breeds and constant litters advertised at once
- No interest in your dog's health results or temperament
- Talk of breeding a bitch on every season, or very young dogs
What to do about it
Report the profile or chat in the app so our moderation team can review it, and block the owner to remove them from your matches. If you have lost money, report it to Action Fraud (or Police Scotland in Scotland) and your bank.
Key takeaways
- No payment before you have met the dog in person
- Refusal to show the dog at home is a serious warning sign
- Report and block. It helps protect other owners too
Useful sources
This guide is general information for UK dog owners and is not legal or veterinary advice. Always check with your local council and your own vet.