POSSIBLE SCAM ALERT!
We have been notified that there are people out there claiming to be with "PetFinders".  They are offering to do a "phone sweep" of your neighborhood in hopes to locate your LOST PET.  They either want wired money or your credit card, charging so much per block. This could be a SCAM! WichitaPetFinder.com does not charge any money whatsoever for lost pet listings, nor do we phone solicit for lost pet services associated with fees.  If anyone says they are with WichitaPetFinder.com hang up immediately. 

There may be legitimate businesses that do this but be sure and get references before sending anyone your money.   And remember, be careful when you are offering a reward associated with a lost pet.  If someone calls and says they have your pet, meet them in a public place and do not go alone!  Also be sure and leave out some identifying mark or trait in your lost pet listing so that you can better determine if someone really has your pet.

SAFETY TIPS FOR THOSE WHO HAVE LOST THEIR PETS:

1. Please be aware that there are people out there who prey on those that are vulnerable.  When someone loses a pet, they are often devastated and would do almost anything to find their lost pet.  Never put yourself at risk to find your lost pet.

2. Never pay someone in advance if you are offering a reward for your lost pet.  Meet them in a public place and bring someone with you.  It is not necessary to offer a reward when placing a lost found online or in the paper.  Although rewards are more motivating to people to return your pet should they find it, most people would probably return your lost pet for free.  Be careful when offering a reward and it is not necessary to disclose the reward amount.

3.  Never give too much information out over the phone when you receive a call about your lost pet. Let the caller do the talking! Be sure and leave out identifying marks or traits in online and newspaper ads.  This will help you to be sure someone does actually have your pet.  Ask for their name and phone number and call them right back.  If the caller does not want to give you their phone number, chances are they do not have your pet.

4. Phone scams are becoming more and more common with lost pets listings.  Never, ever, give your credit card number to anyone or wire money for lost pet services.  If someone claims to be a legitimate "pet detective" type of business, find out their location and verify it with their city offices first!  WichitaPetFinder.com does not offer any services for lost pets other than free online listings.  Some of these pet scammers are calling from out of state such as California or Kansas City, MO.  If you receive any calls from out of state area codes, investigate first and again, never give anyone your credit card number.

SAFETY TIPS FOR THOSE BUYING, ADOPTING, SELLING OR LOOKING FOR A PET

1.  Always screen your calls by getting a name and phone number and calling them back.

2.  Never go to anyone's house alone to find a pet or to give a pet away.

3.  Never give out your address unless you have verified the caller first and have someone at home with you.  It is not always necessary for strangers to come into your house when looking at a pet or bringing a pet to you.  Make sure you feel safe before letting anyone into your home.  If you have any doubts, meet in a public place.

4.  Get Veterinarian references if you are giving away a pet or if you are buying or adopting a pet from someone.  This will also help to eliminate "pet scammers."

5.  If you are giving away your pet, please be aware that there are people out there who sell "free pets" to medical labs for research.  These people make a living off of collecting free pets.  We recommend to all who are giving away a pet to really screen the callers.  Don't let your pets be tortured.  We must take this seriously!  Take the time to really investigate where your pet is going. 

If you have been scammed, we want to hear about it. Help us to prevent other pet owners from becoming prey to pet scammers. Email heather@wichitapetfinder.com of any pet scam alerts you know of.  We want to help to inform and educate our community on these issues.  Your safety should always come first!