Avoid Mistakes When Selling a Dog Online: What Every Dog Owner Should Know

Brought to you by Havanese Haven

Life changes. Sometimes, despite our best intentions, we find ourselves needing to sell a dog online. Whether it’s due to an unexpected move, allergies, or personal circumstances, the goal should always be the same: ensuring your pet finds a safe, loving new home.

At Havanese Haven, we believe that every dog deserves the perfect pet parent — even if that parent changes. If you’re considering selling a dog online, here’s how to do it responsibly and what mistakes to avoid along the way.

Mistake #1: Rushing the Process

When people search how to sell your dog online, they often post to the first site they find. But not all online platforms are safe or trustworthy.

DO:

• Use verified rehoming networks or breed-specific groups
• Ask questions and screen potential adopters
• Give yourself time to find the right match

Never treat a pet like a product — treat them like the perfect pet they are.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Scams

Just like with people trying to buy a dog online, there are scams targeting sellers too.

Warning signs of a scam:

• Offers to send overpayment checks
• Buyers refusing to video chat
• Anyone requesting you ship the dog to a random address

If someone seems too eager and avoids personal interaction, it’s likely unsafe. Just ask Baby Dog Justice — our canine crime-fighter — he sniffs out sketchy buyers in seconds!

Mistake #3: Not Disclosing the Dog’s Health or Behavior

Transparency is key when selling a dog online. Hiding information will only lead to rehoming failure — or worse, the dog being surrendered again.

DO:

• Be upfront about health conditions (like dog constipation, anxiety, or allergies)
• Share vaccination records
• Provide details about their routine and temperament

This helps match your dog with someone ready for their needs — whether it’s an active family or a couch-loving retiree with baby dog toys galore.

Mistake #4: Skipping a Rehoming Fee

Even if your priority is finding a home fast, offering the dog for free is risky. Free dogs are more likely to end up in:

• Unethical breeding operations
• Irresponsible or unqualified homes
• Dangerous situations (especially for small breeds)

A reasonable fee helps ensure the adopter is serious and invested in your dog’s future.

Tips for Selling a Dog Online Responsibly

At Havanese Haven, here’s what we recommend for responsible rehoming:

1. Write a Thoughtful Listing

Include:

• Breed and age
• Feeding habits (mention any best affordable puppy food used)
• Training history (mention puppy training online or best online puppy training taken)
• Any quirks — does your dog sneeze a lot? Do they get excited for puppy training treats?

2. Use High-Quality Photos and Videos

Show the dog playing, resting, and engaging with humans. Add clips of them using baby dog toys to highlight personality.

3. Interview Potential Adopters

Ask:

• Do they work from home?
• Have they owned dogs before?
• Will they continue training (such as online puppy training)?

4. Offer a Transition Period

• Favorite toy
• Feeding instructions
• Constipated dog treatment info, if needed
• Vet records, especially if they’ve dealt with dog constipation relief, dog sneezing treatment, or other medical needs

Health Concerns You Should Mention

Transparency builds trust. Let potential adopters know if the dog has ever had:

• Dog constipation or needs special food
• Seasonal allergies (common in a sneezing dog)
• Digestive issues (and whether you’ve tried how to make a constipated dog poop quickly)
• A history of skipping meals (know how long can a dog go without eating safely)

Being upfront ensures your dog finds the right home — and prevents misunderstandings later.

What to Avoid When Selling a Dog Online

• Don’t sell to people without doing basic background checks
• Don’t hand off your dog in a parking lot without meeting the family
• Don’t rehome if the person refuses to speak on the phone or video chat

Just as buyers should know how to buy dogs online safely, sellers must be equally responsible.

Final Thoughts: Rehome With Heart, Not Just Haste

At Havanese Haven, we believe that every pet deserves a safe and loving environment. If life changes force you to sell your dog online, do it with care, compassion, and honesty.
The right home is out there — it just takes effort and integrity to find it.

Because whether you’re buying dogs online or selling a dog online, what matters most is giving our furry friends the forever love they deserve.