How to spot a pet transport scam.
Fake transporters and fake pet sellers take deposits and disappear. These checks take a few minutes, and they work on any company, including us.
The price is far below everyone else's
A quote that is half what other companies charge often means the trip will not happen as described, or fees will appear later. Get at least two quotes and compare what each one includes.
You are asked to pay by wire, gift card, crypto or a payment app
Payments like these are very hard to reverse, especially when sent to an individual. A credit card gives you dispute rights if something goes wrong.
They will not get on a phone call
If everything happens by text or email and no one will talk, be careful. Call, ask how the trip works, and listen for specific answers.
You are pushed to pay right now
Scammers invent urgency: the last spot on the truck, a price that expires today. A real company can give you time to check them out.
They dodge questions about registration
Ask for the company's USDA APHIS registration number and check it. A company that avoids the question is telling you something.
The deal involves a puppy you have never seen
A common scam pairs a fake seller with a "shipping fee." Never pay transport for an animal you have not seen or video-called with the seller.
The details do not add up
Check that the company name, phone number and email match on the website, your quote and any social pages. Search the company name with the word "scam" and read what comes up.
Check any transporter in five minutes.
- Ask for the USDA APHIS registration number, then look it up with USDA's Animal Care Public Search Tool or ask APHIS.
- Ask who the handler will be, and whether they stay with your pet the whole trip.
- Get the price and the terms in writing.
- Pay by credit card when you can.
What to do if you were scammed.
- Call your bank or card company right away and ask about reversing the payment.
- Report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov and to the FBI at ic3.gov.
- File a report with your local police.
- Keep every message, receipt and screenshot.
Ask us anything before you book.
Happy Arrival Pets is a USDA APHIS registered Class T carrier. Call or text (214) 631-9555 or email hello@happyarrivalpets.com. If a payment request ever looks off, call us before you send money.
More: safety tips · 12 questions to ask a pet transport company
Ready to coordinate your transport?
Reach us by call, text or email during business hours. After hours, send a text and we'll respond when we're back.
- Call or text(214) 631-9555
- Emailhello@happyarrivalpets.com
- HoursMon–Fri, 8am–6pm CT