Austin Dog Breeder Earns F Rating from Better Business Bureau
Multiple Disputes Allege Poor Health of Purchased Puppies and Mislabeled Breeds
BBB has issued an F rating to local dog breeder, Amanda’s Puppies, due to failure to resolve consumer disputes. According to customer complaints filed with BBB, the Austin-based company advertises and sells puppies on the Internet at www.maltipoopup.com for as much as $950. The owner of the company, Amanda Schnell, has responded to one consumer dispute, but others remain unresolved.
According to BBB files, consumers are asking Amanda’s Puppies for a refund because the dog they purchased became ill shortly after they received the puppy. According to the purchase agreement, puppy buyers have four days to return the puppy, along with a written assessment from a licensed veterinarian, in order to receive a replacement at the discretion of Amanda’s Puppies. While Amanda’s Puppies does recommend that all puppies be examined immediately, consumers allege that Schnell is slow to respond to consumer correspondence about illness symptoms during the four day guarantee period. Two of the dogs have died from the illnesses diagnosed.
Other consumer disputes filed against Amanda’s Puppies allege that the company mislabeled the breed of the puppies sold. The company has not responded to either of these complaints.
BBB contacted Amanda’s Puppies on August 13, 2010 to discuss the unanswered disputes and address concerns that these disputes are beginning to form a pattern. The company’s owner, Amanda Schnell, responded by stating she “do[es] not own a registered business” and asked BBB to “not contact [her] about business matter[s].” Click here to view the company’s current BBB Business Review.
Identify Red Flags of Dog Breeders:
· The breeder lacks knowledge about the breed. Every breed of dog has different physical and behavioral traits. If the breeder cannot provide 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, 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 living conditions may be less than adequate. Request to see the parents of the puppy as well 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 breeder 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 and find trustworthy businesses, visit BBB.
About BBB:
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