Castroville Texas-Based Company Selling Sick Animals Online
Austin TX BBB serving Central Coastal and Southwest Texas reports the Web site MySpoiledPuppy.com operated by the business Adorable Petz currently has a BBB rating of F due to among other things revocation of BBB Accreditation and a pattern of complaints. Click here to view the companys current BBB Reliability Report™.
Consumer complaints received by BBB allege that puppies purchased from the company developed severe illnesses resulting in high veterinary bills and in some cases death of the animal. Complaints received by BBB further allege the company was slow to return payments or deposits to consumers who did not receive pets. The company responds to these complaints by explaining the health warranties and policies on the animals sold however repeated BBB attempts to correspond directly with Adorable Petz regarding their pattern of complaints have had no response.
Kristie Williams of San Antonio purchased a maltipoo puppy named Peyton from Adorable Petz on September 16 2009 for $350. Five days later the puppy was rushed to Williams vet.
I got up one morning and she was totally limp" said Williams. After the vet visit the breeder took her because he was going to take her to his vet but she died in her sleep."
Adorable Petz offered Williams a replacement puppy and she accepted on September 28th. Three days later her new puppy Daisy became sick and was taken to the same veterinarian that saw her first puppy. Williams took Daisy back home after an overnight visit but had to readmit her four days on October 6 2009 when she was diagnosed with Parvo.
We gave Daisy back to the breeder for a second vet visit" said Williams. She died overnight before he could take her to the vet."
Williams is seeking a refund from Adorable Petz but as of December 11 2009 had not received it. Her dispute is echoed by Rebecca Clark of Houston who had to return her puppy to Adorable Petz on November 15th after it was diagnosed with a heart murmur. She was given a new puppy named Lennox but like her first puppy he became ill two weeks later.
Lennox experienced diarrhea and began to have seizures" said Clark. He had to be put down on December 5th."
As of December 11 2009 Clark had not received her requested refund from Adorable Petz. BBB serving Central Coastal and Southwest reminds consumers to be aware of the following red flags when searching for a reputable dog breeder.
The breeder lacks knowledge about the breed. Every breed of dog has different physical and behavioral traits. If the breeder cannot tell you basic information such as how big the dog will grow possible health concerns that may arise later in its life and how it usually interacts around other dogs and children you should consider purchasing from a different breeder.
The breeder does not let you observe the puppies. It is important to see how a puppy is taken care of before you purchase it. If the breeder will not allow you to tour the kennels it may be a sign that the living conditions are less than adequate. You should also request to see the parents of the puppy to make sure they are in a healthy state.
The breeder does not have references or paperwork. A reputable breeder should be able to provide a list of satisfied customers as well as veterinarian paperwork for the puppy you are interested in. The breeder should also have a membership record with the American Kennel Club the Continental Kennel Club or the United Kennel Club which maintain a code of ethics for breeders.
The breeder does not ask you questions. A responsible breeder will want to know if you have had other pets whether you have children if you rent or own or live in a house or apartment with a fenced yard. The dealer may ask if you are familiar with dog laws in your community and whether you are aware of the costs involved with owning and maintaining a pet. It should be just as important to them that their puppies find a good home as it is for you to find a good breeder.
To check the reliability of a company visit
www.bbb.org.
