Medium riskOnline Shopping Scams

Pet Boarding Scam

In this scam, a fake pet boarding service, kennel, or sitter advertises great care at low prices, takes a deposit or full payment upfront, then provides no service and disappears.

Quick verdict

Risk level
Medium risk
Scam type
Advance-deposit (fake service)
Main red flag
A cheap pet boarding or sitter booking that needs a deposit before any visit or verification.
What to do first
Visit the facility or meet the sitter and verify reviews before paying.

What this scam usually looks like

In this scam, a fake pet boarding service, kennel, or sitter advertises great care at low prices, takes a deposit or full payment upfront, then provides no service and disappears.

Example message pattern

Example pattern — not a real report
Example pattern: 'Loving pet boarding, limited spaces! Pay a deposit now to reserve your dates before they're gone.'

This is a fictional, anonymised example used to illustrate the pattern. It is not a verified real message, and any names are used only to show how the scam typically reads.

Red flags to watch for

  • A deposit demanded before any visit
  • Prices well below normal
  • A facility or sitter you cannot verify
  • Payment by transfer or gift card
  • Pressure citing limited spaces

What to do

  • Visit the facility or meet the sitter before paying
  • Verify reviews and credentials independently
  • Use reputable, established services or platforms
  • Pay by a method you can dispute

If you already clicked or replied

  • If you paid, contact your bank or payment provider to try to recover it
  • Report the listing and provider
  • Keep messages and payment records as evidence
  • Arrange genuine care for your pet

What not to do

  • Do not pay deposits before visiting or verifying
  • Do not pay by irreversible methods
  • Do not let limited-space pressure rush you

Similar scams

Medium risk Marketplace

Free Pet Rehoming Scam

In this scam, a 'free' or low-cost pet is advertised for adoption, but once you are attached the scammer demands escalating fees for shipping, a special crate, or insurance for a pet that does not exist.
High risk Rental

Vacation Rental Scam

This scam uses a fake or hijacked holiday rental listing, often with copied photos and a below-market price, to pressure you into paying a deposit off-platform by bank transfer for a property that is not actually available.
Medium risk Online Shopping

Car Rental Booking Scam

In this scam, fake car rental websites or 'customer service' numbers offer cheap deals and take a prepayment or deposit for a vehicle, then provide no car and no refund, or harvest your card details.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book pet care safely?
Visit the facility or meet the sitter, verify reviews and credentials, use reputable services or platforms, and pay by a method you can dispute.
Is a cheap rate with limited spaces a red flag?
Unusually low prices plus pressure to pay a deposit before visiting are warning signs. Verify the provider first.
I paid a deposit and the service isn't real. What now?
Contact your bank or payment provider to try to recover it, report the provider, keep your evidence, and arrange genuine care.
Should I pay before meeting the sitter?
Avoid it. Meet the sitter or visit the facility and verify reviews before paying any deposit.

Last reviewed: June 2026

Disclaimer: This page provides educational information only to help you recognise common scam patterns. It is not legal, financial, cybersecurity, or law enforcement advice, and it does not confirm whether any specific message, company, or person is genuine or fraudulent. When in doubt, contact the official organisation directly and report concerns to your local authorities.