Kane In Your Corner podcast: Consumer Alert on pet scams - listen here

If you're looking for a new pet, you've got to do your homework. Walt Kane talks to Larry Cohen with the Humane Society of the United States & Melissa Companick with the Better Business Bureau about what to know when getting your next pet.

News 12 Staff

Apr 5, 2019, 8:34 PM

Updated 1,854 days ago

Share:

Kane In Your Corner podcast: Consumer Alert on pet scams - listen here
For years, the advice on how to get your next pet was simple: Adopt, don't shop. The problem is it's not as easy as it used to be. 
Some 85 million American families now own a pet – about seven in 10 families -- but many unwittingly get animals raised by mass breeders, sometimes called “puppy mills.” And consumer advocates say thousands of prospective pet owners fall victim to pet scams each year. Last month, authorities in Iowa busted a “puppy-laundering ring.” Dogs from puppy mills were given to fake rescue groups that existed only on paper, then were sold to pet stores.
If you're looking for a new pet, you've got to do your homework. Walt Kane talks to Larry Cohen with the Humane Society of the United States & Melissa Companick with the Better Business Bureau about what to know when getting your next pet.


More from News 12
0:45
Fire engulfs building in Elizabeth; multiple crews respond to scene

Fire engulfs building in Elizabeth; multiple crews respond to scene

2:03
Cooler temps today in the 60s for New Jersey ahead of some wet weather this weekend

Cooler temps today in the 60s for New Jersey ahead of some wet weather this weekend

2:05
Aftermath of deadly house explosion in South River shows home blown into pieces

Aftermath of deadly house explosion in South River shows home blown into pieces

0:18
South Brunswick police searching for missing man last seen on Route 1

South Brunswick police searching for missing man last seen on Route 1

Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference semis, topping 76ers 118-115 in Game 6

Knicks advance to the Eastern Conference semis, topping 76ers 118-115 in Game 6

2:44
Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in Edgewater

Main Street New Jersey: Restaurants, businesses to visit in Edgewater

1:12
Several house fires break out Thursday in New Jersey; 1 man dead

Several house fires break out Thursday in New Jersey; 1 man dead

0:23
South Orange woman indicted for stealing over $1 million federal benefits intended for dead aunt

South Orange woman indicted for stealing over $1 million federal benefits intended for dead aunt

0:33
Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

Experts fear 'catastrophic' college declines thanks to botched FAFSA rollout

Traffic Alert: I-95 closed until at least Monday in Norwalk. Here's how the tanker fire is affecting the area.

Traffic Alert: I-95 closed until at least Monday in Norwalk. Here's how the tanker fire is affecting the area.

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

10 organizations to donate to in support of the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities

1:26
Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

Look up! Annual Eta Aquarid meteor shower peaks early Sunday morning

1:20
Pro-Palestinian protest that postponed final exams at Rutgers ends peacefully

Pro-Palestinian protest that postponed final exams at Rutgers ends peacefully

0:36
Jersey Proud: Police officers gather for town cleanup in memory of fallen officer

Jersey Proud: Police officers gather for town cleanup in memory of fallen officer

2:17
Bound Brook starts Lithium Ion Identification Program to help firefighters identify risks

Bound Brook starts Lithium Ion Identification Program to help firefighters identify risks

0:57
Funeral services held in Newark for Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.

Funeral services held in Newark for Rep. Donald Payne, Jr.

0:22
Prosecutor: 61-year-old man dies in Jersey City high-rise fire

Prosecutor: 61-year-old man dies in Jersey City high-rise fire

NJ Transit teams with BetMGM to provide rail service to MetLife Stadium concerts

NJ Transit teams with BetMGM to provide rail service to MetLife Stadium concerts

0:46
Car crashes into Hasbrouck Heights apartment building; residents evacuate

Car crashes into Hasbrouck Heights apartment building; residents evacuate

Biden says 'order must prevail' during campus protests over Gaza

Biden says 'order must prevail' during campus protests over Gaza