Buying a living, breathing being is a big deal. You are not just buying a table or a TV.
Sellers online (Kijiji, FB Marketplace, websites etc) can be anyone they want to say they are. They are virtually untraceable.
When getting an animal, the “source” is so critically important because it is the quality of that source and the environment in which the animal comes from that determines overall health, sociability, behaviour, temperament, genetics etc.
A buyer cannot determine the quality of where that animal came from unless you go there, look around, look at the other animals, the parents (at LEAST the mother animal).
Most Important:
NEVER meet someone in a random location (like a parking lot) to buy an animal. Even if someone offers to “meet you half way” to save you travelling…HUGE red flag!!!!
Do not pay cash. Pay by e-transfer to add a level of traceability between you and the seller. Make sure you keep their address, telephone number and email address.
Is the seller interested in you, the type of home you can provide or is it just a transaction?
Ask for a sales receipt showing a CRA number for tax remittance purposes.
Follow your gut…if something does not seem right…walk away and report the ad to the platform.