Lost Pet Scams: How to Recognize and Avoid Scammers Targeting Dog Owners

Losing a dog is every pet parent’s nightmare. Scammers exploit your desperation by targeting worried pet owners through fake animal control calls, phony “found your pet” messages, and fraudulent pet detective services.

These scammers typically demand immediate payment through untraceable methods before returning your pet — but they never actually have your pet. Common tactics include Google Voice verification code scams, fake animal shelter calls, and fraudulent pet recovery services. Knowing how these scams work can help protect you during an already stressful time.

What Are Lost Pet Scams?

Lost pet scams are fraud schemes that target people searching for missing animals. Scammers monitor social media posts, community boards, and online lost pet registries to identify vulnerable targets. According to the Better Business Bureau’s 2025 study on pet scams, the median loss for pet-related scams was $600 in 2025, with reports spiking during December and January when more pets go missing during the holidays.

These scams exploit emotional distress. When someone posts about a lost dog, scammers immediately reach out pretending to have found the animal or offering recovery services. The FBI warns that scammers create fake profiles and join missing pet Facebook groups specifically to identify potential victims. A microchip can help verify legitimate finders, since any vet or shelter can scan it to confirm ownership. Scammers, however, rely on urgency and emotion to extract money before you realize they never had your pet.

How Do Lost Dog Scams Work?

Lost dog scams follow a predictable pattern. First, scammers identify targets by monitoring posts on Facebook, Craigslist, Nextdoor, or community lost pet pages. They gather details from your post — your dog’s name, breed, and appearance — to make their contact seem legitimate.

Next, they initiate contact through text, phone call, or social media message claiming they found your dog or can help locate them. The Better Business Bureau identifies two primary variations: someone claiming they found your pet, or someone offering professional recovery services. Both versions quickly escalate to a demand for money.

The person contacting you creates urgency. They might claim your dog needs immediate veterinary care, that shipping costs must be paid upfront, or that a finder’s fee is required before release. They insist on untraceable payment methods like wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps. Once you send money, they either demand more payments or disappear completely. Your pet was never in their possession.

What Types of Lost Pet Scams Should I Watch For?

Specific scam variations follow predictable patterns. Recognizing these common lost dog scams helps you spot warning signs.

Google Voice Verification Code Scam

Someone contacts you claiming they found your dog. Before sharing photos or information, they ask you to verify you’re a real person by sending them a verification code. The Federal Trade Commission explains that the scammer is actually setting up a Google Voice account using your phone number.

When you share the code, they gain access to a Google Voice number linked to your phone. They use this to scam others while the activity traces back to you. Massachusetts consumer protection officials reported 850,000 imposter scam complaints in 2024, with Google Voice scams representing a significant portion. Never share verification codes with strangers, regardless of their claimed reason.

Fake Animal Shelter or Animal Control Scam

In this variation, someone calls claiming to be from animal control or a local shelter. They say they have your dog but need payment for boarding fees, vaccination updates, or administrative costs before release. The caller may sound official and reference real shelter names to seem credible.

Legitimate animal shelters and municipal animal control facilities have standard processes for reclaiming pets. They don’t demand immediate payment over the phone or threaten to rehome your pet within hours. Real facilities will verify your ownership through identification, microchip records, or licensing information — not through rushed wire transfers.

Truck Driver Scam

This scam involves someone claiming they’re a truck driver who found your dog along their route, often in another state. They say your dog is safe but they’re continuing their route and need shipping costs to send your pet home. They create elaborate stories about how they found your dog and where they’re currently located.

The person contacting you demands payment for a pet shipping service, crate, or transportation costs. Once you pay, they either request additional fees or vanish entirely. While most scams involve smaller amounts (the median loss is $600), extreme cases have resulted in substantial losses — one Connecticut woman lost $42,000 to a pet scam, while another victim, Chere Norris, lost $47,000.

Fake Pet Detective or Recovery Service Scam

This scam targets desperate pet parents willing to try anything. Someone contacts you offering professional pet recovery services, claiming expertise in finding lost animals. They quote fees for their investigation services, drone searches, or scent-tracking dogs. They may have professional-looking websites and fake testimonials.

After you pay the initial fee, they produce no results but request additional payments for extended searches or specialized equipment. The BBB warns that fake recovery services are an increasingly common variation of lost pet scams. While legitimate pet detectives exist, scammers exploit this industry to defraud worried pet owners.

Emergency Vet Bill Scam

In this emotionally manipulative scam, someone claims they found your dog but it was injured and required emergency veterinary care. They say the veterinary clinic is holding your pet until medical bills are paid. The scammer creates urgency by claiming your dog needs ongoing treatment or will be surrendered if bills aren’t settled immediately.

They may provide fake veterinary clinic names or reference real clinics in distant locations. They demand payment through non-refundable methods before they’ll release your pet or share the clinic’s location. Legitimate veterinary clinics have established processes for handling found animals and won’t refuse to return a pet based solely on unpaid bills from a finder.

How Do I Know If Someone Really Found My Dog?

Legitimate finders provide specific, verifiable information. They should describe unique characteristics not mentioned in your lost pet post — unusual markings, behavioral quirks, or distinctive features only someone who actually found your dog would know. Ask detailed questions about your dog’s appearance, behavior, or identifying marks.

Request recent photos or videos showing identifiable features. A real finder can easily provide current images. Be cautious if they claim their phone camera is broken or they can’t send photos. If your dog has a microchip, the finder can have it scanned at any veterinary clinic or shelter to verify ownership.

A genuine finder typically wants to return your pet to their rightful home, not extract money. While offering a reward is reasonable, legitimate finders don’t demand specific payment amounts or insist on untraceable payment methods before allowing you to see your pet. Research shows that microchipped dogs have significantly higher reunion rates with their owners.

Arrange to meet in a safe public location or ask them to bring your dog to a local veterinary clinic or police station. Real finders will accommodate reasonable verification requests. Scammers avoid in-person meetings because they don’t actually have your pet.

What Are the Warning Signs of a Lost Pet Scam?

Several red flags indicate you’re dealing with a scammer. Immediate demands for payment before you can see your pet is the most obvious warning sign. No legitimate finder requires payment before reuniting you with your dog. Related warning signs include insistence on untraceable payment methods like wire transfers, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or peer-to-peer payment apps set to business rather than friends and family.

Refusal to meet in person or provide video calls showing your pet indicates fraud. If they claim to be in another state or country, especially with elaborate stories about how your pet traveled so far, approach with extreme skepticism. Requests for verification codes or personal information beyond basic contact details signal the Google Voice scam or identity theft attempts.

Pressure tactics and urgency are hallmarks of scam operations. Scammers claim your pet will be given away, euthanized, or sold if you don’t pay immediately. They create artificial deadlines to prevent you from thinking clearly or verifying their claims. The FBI advises that scammers frequently impersonate official organizations and create convincing fake profiles.

Poor communication quality can indicate overseas scam operations. Watch for unusual grammar, spelling errors, or responses that don’t directly answer your questions. The BBB reports that only 4.8% of pet scam victims report the fraud, partly because many feel embarrassed about falling for these schemes.

How Can I Protect Myself From Lost Dog Scams?

Prevention starts with how you post about your lost pet. Limit the information in your lost pet announcements. Include enough detail for legitimate finders to identify your dog, but withhold one or two distinctive features you can use to verify real contacts. Don’t share your full address or excessive personal details in public posts.

Microchipping provides powerful protection against scams and increases reunion chances. According to research published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association, microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time compared to just 21.9% of non-microchipped dogs. This permanent identification can’t be removed like a collar, and when someone finds your microchipped dog, any veterinary clinic or shelter can scan the chip and contact you directly, bypassing potential scammers entirely.

To maximize microchip effectiveness, keep your registration current with accurate contact information. The American Veterinary Medical Association identifies incorrect contact information (35.4% of cases) and unregistered chips (9.8%) as the main obstacles to reunification. Learn more about why chipping your dog is important and typical microchipping costs.

Spot Pet Insurance offers microchip implantation coverage in every base plan, making this crucial safety measure accessible to all pet parents. While microchips aren’t GPS tracking devices, they provide the permanent identification necessary for safe, verified reunification.

Never send money before meeting in person and verifying the finder actually has your pet. If someone demands payment, insist on seeing your dog via video call or in-person meeting at a neutral location. Trust your instincts — if something feels wrong, it probably is.

What Should I Do If I’ve Been Targeted by a Pet Scam?

If you suspect a scam, stop all communication with the person immediately. Don’t send any money or share additional personal information. Document everything — save messages, emails, phone numbers, and any other details about the scammer.

Report the scam to multiple authorities. File a report with the BBB Scam Tracker, the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3). If the scam occurred on social media, report the profile to the platform. Your state attorney general’s consumer protection division also accepts fraud reports — for example, Georgia residents can report to the Attorney General’s office.

If you already sent money, contact your financial institution immediately. While recovery isn’t guaranteed, quick action sometimes allows banks or payment platforms to freeze transactions. If you shared a verification code in a Google Voice scam, visit Google Voice settings to reclaim your number and secure your account.

How Can I Safely Search for My Lost Dog?

Focus your search efforts on legitimate channels. Contact local animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and animal control facilities directly — don’t rely solely on people contacting you. Visit shelters in person if possible, as descriptions over the phone may miss your pet.

Use reputable lost pet databases and registries. Post on verified community lost pet pages with active moderation.

Expand your physical search in your immediate area. Most lost dogs are found within a few miles of home. Create flyers with clear photos and your contact information, but remember to withhold one distinctive feature for verification. Check your search efforts don’t create additional stress for your dog — dogs experiencing separation anxiety may hide rather than come when called.

Follow established pet safety tips to prevent future incidents. Secure fencing, proper identification, and consistent training all reduce the risk of losing your pet again. Remember that while the search is stressful, staying alert to scams protects you from additional harm during an already difficult time.