Is a puppy adoption website that requires an air transport fee a scam?
Almost certainly yes. Transport fee requests for pets you have not seen in person are a signature element of online pet fraud.
Last reviewed: 1 June 2026
Explanation
Pet scammers build convincing websites with stolen photos of adorable puppies or kittens, often listing breeds that are in high demand and priced attractively. After contact, they claim the animal will be shipped by air and ask for payment of transportation, insurance, or customs fees. Once the initial fee is paid, follow-up demands appear — crate costs, veterinary health certificates, and so on. The pet never arrives because it does not exist. Victims can lose hundreds or thousands before realising. Only purchase or adopt pets from breeders you can visit in person, local shelters, or verified rescue organisations. Never pay for a pet you haven't physically seen.
Common red flags
- Pet must be delivered by air because the seller is abroad
- Price is unusually low for a sought-after breed
- Seller communicates only by email or messaging app
- Multiple additional fees requested after initial payment
- Photos reverse-search to stock images or other websites
What to do now
- Reverse image search the pet photos before paying anything
- Insist on a live video call showing the animal before committing
- Only buy from breeders you can visit or from registered rescue organisations
- Report the website to your consumer protection authority and domain registrar
Frequently asked questions
Are there legitimate online pet adoption services?
Yes. Rescue organisations and reputable breeders do list animals online, but they will facilitate in-person visits or verified video introductions and will not ask for unusual advance fees outside of standard adoption processes.