This article is based on information provided by the puppy’s family and records shared with Stop Online Puppy Mills. Statements describing the family’s interactions with the breeder, PuppySpot, and veterinarians reflect their reported experience.
The family purchased a 21-week-old Cocker Spaniel through PuppySpot.com. Their puppy’s condition at pickup, veterinary findings the following day, and questions about the paperwork they received raised concerns about breeder transparency and PuppySpot’s breeder-screening process.
Puppy Purchased From PuppySpot Arrived in Deplorable Condition
A family’s dream of welcoming a new furry friend turned into a harrowing experience. They purchased a 21-week-old Cocker Spaniel puppy on PuppySpot.com, a website that is registered as a USDA Dog Dealer. The family’s experience raised questions about PuppySpot’s breeder-screening process and the health paperwork they received.
From Dream to Distress
Unfortunately, joy quickly turned to worry. Upon meeting the breeder in a parking lot, the puppy was lethargic and barely able to walk. The breeder dismissed it as just being tired, the dogs new mom held him on her lap for the drive home. She found 50 ticks on his little body while in the car.
They rushed him to the vet the next morning and found he was suffering from double ear infections, severe dehydration, requiring intravenous fluids for 3 hours, swollen joints and parasites.
Over 100 Ticks, Ear Infections, Parasites and Lethargy
His general state of lethargy painted a clear picture of a sick animal in urgent need of care. Over 100 ticks were found on the sweet puppy. One day after he was sold with a clean bill of health, he was diagnosed to have a parasite called giardia, a double ear infection and swollen joints (likely caused by tick-borne illness and parasites, he is awaiting test results) This infestation and his condition makes you wonder about the environment he was raised in. Puppy Spot told the puppy’s owner they have been using that breeder for 14 years!
Questions About PuppySpot’s Breeder Screening
In addition to the stated comprehensive proprietary screening process, PuppySpot states on their website; “No puppy mills. No scammers. No headaches.” But this case raises serious concerns about PuppySpot’s vetting and screening process and the practices of the breeders they work with.
They also state “PuppySpot has a zero tolerance policy for puppy mills or substandard breeding practices of any kind.”
She is licensed in her state and by the USDA as a commercial dog breeder. She has been in business a long time but changed the name of her kennel in 2019. Her 2023 USDA inspection shows her having over 330 dogs and puppies on her property.
Breeder Information Was Not Disclosed Before Payment
The family was not allowed to know the breeder information until after they paid for the puppy. There is information on the internet about this breeder but the family was not able to research where their puppy was actually coming from.
Health Paperwork Raised More Questions
Even more concerning was the PuppySpot health paperwork. The document, was signed by a vet the day before, declaring the puppy healthy and tick-free. The health paperwork reportedly stated that the puppy was healthy and tick-free the day before pickup.
The family’s veterinarian documented significant health problems the following day, including parasites, dehydration, ear infections and a heavy tick infestation.
The family also questioned paperwork indicating that the puppy had been neutered at one month of age after they contacted the veterinary practice and were told it had no record of performing the procedure, they also mentioned they do not perform such procedures at such a young age.
What This PuppySpot Story Shows About Buying Puppies Online
This story highlights a larger issue – the potential dangers of purchasing puppies online from puppy broker websites that won’t disclose breeder information.
PuppySpot claims to use vetted breeders, this case raises questions about the effectiveness of their vetting process and the overall well-being of the animals they source puppies from.
Always visit the breeder in person. Meet the mother dog so you can see her physical and mental conditions, then see the living conditions of all of the dogs in that breeders care.
Responsible breeders have nothing to hide.
Read more firsthand experiences from families who bought puppies online.
Learn more about PuppySpot.
