A warm welcome to all our readers. This week’s CertaPet newsletter is taking you to Missouri, where a Kansas City resident fell prey to a Craigslist Pet Scammer as he was searching for an emotional support animal. Stay with us to learn the details.
Kansas City Resident Targeted in Teacup Yorkie Scam Warns Others to Stay Alert
Johnny Turnage believed he had found the perfect support companion when he saw a Craigslist posting for a Teacup Yorkie named Clover.
“(The seller) described Clover as a really cuddly dog,” Turnage said. The puppy was supposed to be 8 weeks old. Turnage, who lost his eyesight and his mother in the same year, hoped Clover could serve as an emotional support animal for him. “I really got excited because I was able to see exactly what my therapist had begun telling me that it would do,” he explained.
The seller advertised the Yorkie for $300, a price Turnage felt he could manage. He received what appeared to be a legitimate invoice with the seller’s name, address, and driver’s license number. After paying a $150 deposit, Turnage expected to bring Clover home. Instead, new fees began piling up.
“After the deposit, he kept hitting me with fees,” Turnage said. “At every turn, I did what you asked me to do, and there was no follow-through on his end.”
Still hopeful, Turnage arranged meetings at a mall and later at a police station. However, the seller failed to appear each time. “It was very hurtful, overwhelming,” Turnage admitted. Even police officers spoke to the seller by phone, but no dog was ever delivered.
The seller later demanded another $100 from Turnage, promising to deliver Clover. Turnage agreed, bringing his total payment to more than $500. He and his brother waited at a gas station, monitoring every entrance. The seller never showed, and since then, Turnage has heard nothing.
The American Kennel Club (AKC), which the seller claimed to be affiliated with, confirmed the man had no connection to them. “It’s very disheartening to us. We try to keep our constituency as educated as possible. These scammers, they will not stop scamming,” said Brandi Munden with AKC.
Munden cautioned that repeated demands for extra payments are a red flag. “Most of the time, it’s all wrapped up into one price. They’re not trying to nickel and dime you,” she said. She also noted that $300 for a Teacup Yorkie was too low to be genuine.
Turnage now shares his experience to prevent others from being victimized. Meanwhile, his brother has organized a GoFundMe campaign in hopes of helping him finally get the emotional support dog he needs.
Source: Fox4
CertaPet’s Thoughts on This Week’s News
Pet scammers often target individuals seeking emotional support animals, knowing how deeply these companions are needed. The promise of comfort, along with low selling prices, can make victims more vulnerable to false claims. Experts urge potential buyers to remain highly cautious, thoroughly verify every source, and consider shelters or trusted breeders to avoid falling prey to such schemes. It is very important to notice that it is not possible to purchase an emotional support animal, however, people can buy or adopt animals and then have them prescribed as emotional support animals by a licensed mental health professional via an ESA letter. It is crucial to keep educating the general public about laws and regulations surrounding ESAs and service dogs.
Getting an emotional support animal as part of your treatment care plan has never been easier. If you’re living with emotional or mental health challenges, an ESA could ease your symptoms and help you live a happier, fuller life. If you’re ready to start the process, take our 5-minute pre-screening test for free. We’ll connect you with a licensed mental health professional, who will have a consultation with you. Then, if you qualify, you’ll get your Emotional Support Animal letter in no time.