PET SCAM VICTIM LAUNCHES APP TO PROTECT OTHERS

A victim of pet fraud said a seemingly reputable dog breeder “disappeared into thin air” after scamming her out of £500.

Kate Margolis, a designer from Tetbury, had planned to buy a golden retriever due to be born in December 2019. But in February 2020, the day before she was scheduled to collect the puppy, she was told it had died.

When she tried to recover her deposit, her calls went unanswered and the breeder’s website vanished, leaving “absolutely no trace.”

After learning that scams like this are common, Ms. Margolis developed an app called Pet Proov to help protect people buying animals online from falling victim to similar fraud.

Ms. Margolis said she found the breeder online and that the website featured credentials and testimonials.

“He told me he was having a litter in December 2019 and asked questions about my living situation and financial status,” she recalled. “I felt he was checking me out, which I thought was great.”

After paying the £500 deposit, she bought pet supplies, booked a vet appointment, and began researching puppy classes.

However, the day before she was due to pick up the dog, she received an email from the breeder saying the puppy had died from ingesting plastic.

“It was really upsetting, but I also thought it was very strange,” she said.

The breeder then asked if she wanted a female dog instead, to which she declined. When she requested her deposit back, he stopped replying to calls and emails—and soon after, the breeder’s website vanished.

“They disappeared into thin air, leaving absolutely no trace,” Ms. Margolis added.

Since 2019, pet scams have cost the UK £2.5 million, according to Action Fraud, with the majority originating on social media.

Ms. Margolis eventually purchased a golden retriever named Milo from a different seller who allowed her to see both parents and their living environment.

Her experience inspired her to create an app that helps buyers and breeders verify each other. The platform automates an email requesting completion of a verification form, identification documents, and a biometric face check.

The app also provides access to an Innate Health Assessment (IHA), developed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Animal Welfare (APPGAW), which evaluates whether a selectively bred dog meets regulatory physical requirements for welfare.

APPGAW director Marisa Heath said the app addresses concerns about poor breeding and fraud by giving people “a moment to check they are doing the right thing.”

“It really is to empower the public and help dog welfare,” Heath added. “It’s a one-stop way to ensure you’re making the right decision for someone who will become part of your family—a creature that could cost a lot in veterinary fees and cause a lot of heartache if things go wrong.”