puppies com

September 16, 2025

Looking for a new puppy? Puppies.com is one of the first sites that pops up—and for good reason. But is it as reliable as it looks? Here's everything worth knowing before clicking “Buy Now.”

What Puppies.com Actually Is

Puppies.com is not a pet store. It’s a marketplace. Think Craigslist, but for dogs—and much more organized. Breeders, hobbyists, and sometimes regular pet owners post listings. The site connects them with people hunting for their ideal puppy.

The platform started in 2003 as PuppyFind.com, then rebranded to Puppies.com in 2022. The newer name sounds cleaner, more direct, and is definitely easier to remember. But beneath the polished surface, the fundamentals haven’t changed: it’s still just a listing service.

Unlike Petfinder (which focuses on adoption), Puppies.com is about buying—purebreds, hybrids, designer dogs, you name it. There's no in-house vetting process for breeders. That matters.

How It Works—For Buyers

Buying on Puppies.com feels like online shopping, minus the instant checkout. You browse by breed, location, gender, or price. Want a female French Bulldog in Florida under $3,000? That’s a few clicks away.

Each puppy listing includes:

Photos (sometimes adorable, sometimes suspiciously professional)
Price
Age
Location
Breeder profile
Health and vaccination status
Registration info (e.g., AKC papers)

Once you find a listing, you message the seller. Everything beyond that—payment, transport, health guarantees—is handled privately between you and the breeder.

This is where due diligence becomes non-negotiable.

For Sellers, It's a Business Tool

Breeders sign up, create a profile, and post puppies. They pay to list. The longer the ad runs or the more puppies they want to feature, the more it costs.

There are subscription options—monthly or annual—with perks like extra visibility or direct message access. It’s structured to reward volume breeders.

There’s no mandatory background check, no USDA license requirement, and no automated health documentation filter.

In plain terms: anyone with a puppy and a credit card can post.

What's Great About It

Puppies.com isn’t sketchy by default. Plenty of people have found healthy, happy pets through it.

Pros:

Huge variety. From Goldendoodles to rare Shiba Inus, it’s all there.
Powerful search filters. Narrowing by state or breed saves hours.
Convenience. No need to call 20 breeders manually.
Ratings and reviews. Some breeders have feedback from previous buyers, and that’s a major trust boost.

The interface is clean. Listings are detailed. And for many buyers, it’s their first step into dog ownership.

The Catch: Quality Control is Minimal

Here’s the issue: Puppies.com doesn’t guarantee anything.

The company isn’t inspecting kennels. They’re not checking vaccination records. They’re not confirming a puppy actually exists in the photos. That’s on you.

This creates two problems:

Scams. Fake listings asking for deposits via Zelle or Cash App. Vanishing breeders. Untraceable sellers.
Puppy mills. High-volume breeders who churn out litters for profit, with minimal attention to health or behavior.

These are real risks. And while Puppies.com does have a reporting system, it’s reactive. The platform doesn't remove breeders unless someone complains and evidence is solid.

Signs a Breeder Is Trustworthy

A flashy website doesn’t mean ethical breeding. Look for specifics:

Detailed health records
Willingness to FaceTime with the puppy
Proof of vaccines and deworming
Transparent contract terms
Breeder asks you questions too (that’s a good sign)

If they rush the sale, won’t video call, or offer to “ship today,” pause. No ethical breeder treats puppies like overnight packages.

The Science: Why Buying a Bad Puppy Hurts

Puppy mill dogs often suffer from genetic disorders, chronic infections, and severe anxiety. Studies show dogs born in substandard breeding environments are more likely to develop behavioral issues—fearfulness, aggression, noise sensitivity.

A 2011 study published in Applied Animal Behaviour Science found that pet store dogs (often sourced from mills) were significantly more likely to exhibit behavioral problems than those purchased from responsible breeders.

So, it’s not just about ethics. It’s about your future dog’s quality of life.

What Real Users Say

On Trustpilot, Puppies.com scores well—mostly 4 and 5 stars. People say they found great puppies, especially if they already knew what to ask.

But there are also 1-star horror stories. Scam listings. Sick puppies. Ghost breeders.

The difference? Buyers who researched breeders in-depth had better outcomes. Those who didn’t often regretted it.

Puppies.com vs Competitors

Puppies.com vs Lancaster Puppies: Both are breeder marketplaces. Lancaster skews more toward Amish country breeders, which draws ethical concerns.

Puppies.com vs Petfinder: Petfinder lists adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues. Better if you're not fixed on a specific breed.

Puppies.com vs AKC Marketplace: AKC offers listings from breeders who meet specific registration criteria. More regulated, but smaller pool.

FAQ: Quick Answers That Matter

Is Puppies.com safe?

Yes, but only if you do the legwork. They don’t screen breeders.

Are all breeders licensed?

No. Many aren’t. Licensure varies by state and isn't enforced by the site.

Can I get scammed?

Absolutely. If a breeder refuses to FaceTime, asks for non-refundable deposits via sketchy payment apps, or won’t share vet records, walk away.

What breeds are listed?

Over 100. Everything from popular Labradors and Frenchies to more niche options like Cavapoos or Boerboels.

Can I adopt a puppy through the site?

Not really. This is for purchasing, not adopting from shelters or rescues.

What’s the average puppy price?

Anywhere from $500 to $5,000, depending on breed and pedigree. French Bulldogs, for example, routinely go for $3,000+.

Final Verdict

Puppies.com works. It’s user-friendly, has massive breed variety, and can lead you to a fantastic dog. But it's not a safety net. The platform won’t hold your hand, screen your breeder, or refund a bad decision.

Think of it as a tool, not a guarantee.

Use it wisely. Ask hard questions. Trust your gut. Because when you're adding a four-legged family member, there’s no room for shortcuts.