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"But they sounded SO kind and caring!"

Would they be able to sell you a puppy sight unseen if they weren't?  Think about it.
 

And why are you willing to make a major investment in emotions and finances without some assurance of good health, long lifespan and actually being what they are advertising?  Simple... because that 'puppy in the Internet window' responds to a human desire, crafted to look cute and cuddly, despite the reality of how they were bred and raised.  Buying puppies over the Internet and adopting one from your local shelter is darn near the same thing --- except you will be paying a MUCH greater price in initial costs for an Internet puppy and on the average, vet bills that will be four to five times higher to either get them healthy or keep them healthy - if they don't die shortly after their arrival in your home.  Please take the time to read through some of the "Lessons Learned" by others before deciding that you are going to buy a puppy off the Internet.

 

  Here are some warning signs to look out for: 

• A seller is pushing you to buy the animal online without first meeting it.  Depending on the breed, a healthy dog can live from five years to twenty - would you invite a guest to your home for this length of time sight unseen and no first hand knowledge of them?
• The puppy acts fearful or shortly shows signs of sickness once they arrive.
• The seller focuses on getting paid and asks little questions of you besides your credit card number... they're not interested in the home you are providing for their puppy, how many other dogs you have, how much experience you have with the breed and/or puppies, etc.
• If you are even allowed to visit the seller's facilities, you are not allowed to spend time with the parent dogs or see where they are kept.  You are advised to stay put while the seller disappears to get the puppy.
• Referrals from BOTH other buyers of puppies AND the seller's vet are not forthcoming in advance.
• Deeply discounted prices for breeds that commonly carry higher price tags... if it's too good to be believed, it should be a 'buyer beware only.'  Cheap puppies are always VERY expensive vet bills in the long run!
• ANY complaints against the seller filed with the Better Business Bureau - a reputable breeder will insure ANY and ALL problems are resolved with purchases of their puppies!
• Google the seller's phone number before consideration of a purchase - if you find they are selling multiple breeds and/or have posted ads all over the Internet, there's a reason.  Reputable breeders usually have a waiting list for their puppies and seldom need to advertise like this!
• If you are inquiring about a 'purebred' puppy, ask the breeder if they are registered with the American Kennel Club and will the papers be delivered with your puppy.  Then call the AKC directly (phone numbers are here) BEFORE  you buy a puppy - confirm the breeder is in good standing (and not suspended) BEFORE you purchase one of their puppies, not afterwards!  Remember, a high price or a mention of "AKC papers" does not necessarily mean a healthy, quality puppy. Generally all pet shops puppies, puppy mill puppies and many backyard breeders have some form of registration papers.  And there are at least 30 online registries that don't require much more than someone paying the fee and knowing how to fill out the form!
• REMEMBER, purebred registration is voluntary and depends on the truthfulness of the breeders - few inspections are done and even less verification of accuracy.  The AKC has a DNA program that attempts to solve the issues of impure dogs being sold as purebreds, but until you yourself have tried to register your new puppy with them, you're unlikely to know of problems unless you yourself call and ask! 
• The seller should be willing to send you a copy of their purchase contract BEFORE you agree to purchase a puppy from them.  It should contain SPECIFIC health guarantees - and the steps the seller will take should your puppy prove to not be healthy.  Will they refund the full price of your purchase AND any vet bills you incur?  Is there a time limit?  Will they only replace the puppy and not reimburse you for your expenses should the puppy prove to be ill? 

You should exercise as much care buying a puppy over the Internet as you would buying a house or getting married, for many new owners have outlaid thousands of dollars trying to save a sick puppy they bought off a website. 

 

If you want a puppy, don't buy one online.  That's the short answer to avoiding the heartache of paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a puppy that never arrives, getting a different one than the one you ordered or, worst of all, getting a puppy that becomes ill and dies.