Bringing Home A Puppy Not A Scam - How To Stay Safe And Find Trusted Dog Groomers In The UK

Bringing home a new puppy should be all wagging tails, squeaky toys and excited videos sent to your mates. For one woman in Gloucestershire though, the dream turned into a proper nightmare when a breeder she trusted took her money then vanished. Her story is sadly not rare and it is a big reminder that we all need to be careful when buying pets online and when choosing services like dog grooming and dog groomers.

In this case the buyer found a golden retriever breeder on the internet. The website looked smart, full of glowing testimonials and reassuring details. The breeder asked questions about her home, lifestyle and finances so it felt like he was being responsible. She paid a five hundred pound deposit, bought all the essentials, even booked the vet and started looking at puppy classes. Everything felt sound.

The day before she was due to collect her puppy she received an email saying the dog had died after swallowing plastic. Heart breaking and also very suspicious. When she politely asked for her deposit back the responses stopped. Calls were ignored, emails went nowhere and when she checked the breeder’s website it had completely disappeared. Just gone. Not exactly bostin behaviour.

After that shock she dug deeper and realised pet fraud is a serious problem. Action Fraud reports that since twenty nineteen scams involving pets have cost people in the UK millions of pounds, with many of the dodgy adverts starting on social media. Behind every number is a family who feels embarrassed, upset and sometimes left explaining to children why the promised puppy is not arriving.

The good news is that buyers are fighting back. In this case the victim used her experience to create a tool that helps people verify breeders and check identities. It is all about slowing things down and giving you a moment to ask the right questions before you send any money. That idea of pressing pause is so important whether you are choosing a breeder, a dog groomer or any other pet professional.

So how can you protect yourself when you are searching for a puppy online

Here are some sensible steps that can save a lot of tears later.

Always see the puppy with its mum and litter mates in the place it lives

Never pay a large deposit before you have seen the puppy in person

Be wary if the seller is pushing you to decide quickly or pay straight away

Check if the breeder is happy to answer questions and provide ID and paperwork

Avoid sellers who refuse video calls or who will not show you the environment

If the price looks too good to be true you can bet your last biscuit that it is

Reputable breeders are proud of the way they raise their animals. They expect you to ask questions and they will ask their own because they want a good match. They are also usually happy to recommend trusted dog groomers, trainers and vets. If someone selling you a puppy becomes awkward when you ask for proof or gets stroppy when you mention contracts or health tests that is a huge red flag.

Where does dog grooming fit into all of this It is easy to think of grooming as just a bath and a trim but it is actually a vital part of long term welfare. Regular dog grooming keeps coats free of mats, helps to spot skin problems early and lets someone experienced notice changes in weight, lumps or sore areas. Good dog groomers are like an extra pair of eyes and hands watching over your pet’s health, working alongside your vet and your breeder.

That is where Groomly comes in. At groomly.uk you can discover dog groomers across the UK who are building their reputation in public, not hiding behind disappearing websites. You can browse profiles, see photos of their dog grooming work, read reviews from other owners and choose someone who suits your dog’s breed, temperament and needs. Instead of scrolling through random social media adverts, you are using a proper platform that is built for pet people.

If you are bringing home a new puppy, especially a breed that needs regular dog grooming such as a cockapoo, cavapoo, golden retriever or poodle mix, it is smart to plan ahead. Use Groomly to find a dog groomer before your puppy’s coat gets out of hand. Many groomers offer gentle introductory sessions for young dogs so they learn that the salon is a friendly place, not something to fear. Booking through groomly.uk keeps everything in one place which is handy when life is already full of training, toilet trips and chewed slippers.

Choosing the right dog groomer can even help you spot problems with a breeder. If a groomer regularly sees dogs from a particular source arriving with fleas, skin issues or behavioural problems they quickly notice a pattern. When you connect with experienced dog groomers through Groomly you are tapping into a community that cares about welfare, not quick cash. That is a world away from the scammers who disappear the moment you ask for your money back.

If you have been through a bad experience yourself, please do not let it put you off having the companionship of a dog forever. Take what you have learned, share your story to help others and next time lean on tools and communities that are built around transparency. Use verification where you can, insist on seeing animals in person and use platforms like groomly.uk to find trusted professionals for everything from dog grooming to ongoing coat care.

So if you are dreaming of soft paws on the kitchen tiles and a furry head snoozing on your lap, do it the safe way. Take your time choosing a breeder and then use Groomly to find a caring dog groomer who will be part of your dog’s life for years to come. Pop over to groomly.uk, explore the dog grooming options near you and book with confidence. Your future best mate deserves nothing less.