With over 200 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star reviews, and over 70 years of experience – We are proven Ethical Breeders with health and temperament as our top priority.

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Avoid Puppy Scams: Tips for Safe Buying

Buying a puppy should be one of the most joyful experiences in your life. But with puppy scams and backyard breeders on the rise, it’s never been more important to know who you’re buying from.

At Banksia Park Puppies, we’ve met countless families who’ve come to us after a bad experience elsewhere, this has been on the rise lately with cost of living pressures pushing people to look at cheaper puppies. We believe that transparency, ethics, and accountability should be standard—not special.

Here’s how to tell if a breeder is the real deal—and why cheap puppies often come at a big cost.

✅ What to Look For in a Legitimate Puppy Breeder

📍 1. You Can Visit In Person

We encourage tours of our property so you can see exactly where our puppies are raised. We also have a brick-and-mortar Puppy Information Centre you can walk into and speak with our team. That’s something no backyard breeder can offer.

A warm and welcoming puppy information center with a table where a family of children and adults are engaged in a discussion, surrounded by pet supplies and accessories displayed on the wall.

🧾 2. They Accept Secure, Verified Payments

We offer secure payment options like BPAY, which adds another layer of protection and credibility. Be cautious of breeders who only accept cash or direct transfer to a personal bank account with no receipts.

🧑‍💼 3. They’re Registered & Audited

We’re proudly:

  • ✅ Registered with the Wellington Shire (you can call them to verify)
  • ✅ Audited by the Victorian Government Animal Welfare team (click here to see)

These aren’t just formalities—they’re legal and ethical requirements that ensure our dogs are raised to the highest standards. If a breeder can’t prove this, they’re not operating responsibly.

Logo for Animal Welfare Victoria indicating approval for a commercial dog breeder.

🧬 4. They Care About More Than Just Looks

We don’t just breed for cuteness (although Cavoodles are certainly adorable!). We focus on health, temperament and socialisation. Our puppies are raised with hands-on care, play, and early development training.

A colorful dog play area featuring artificial grass, a play structure, and several dogs walking and playing.

💬 5. They Have a Track Record You Can See

Scammers usually have no history. We’ve been around for years, and you’ll find:

  • Real reviews from real families
  • Photos, videos, and regular updates on social media
  • Families coming back to us for a second or even third puppy

⚠️ Beware of Cheap Puppies

We get it—puppies are a big investment. But raising happy, healthy puppies takes time, care, and cost.
If a deal looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Cheap puppies often come from:

  • Under-socialised environments
  • Unvaccinated litters
  • Parent dogs with no health testing
  • Breeders with no oversight, no ethics, and no care
  • And even – no puppy – cheap puppies can often mean no puppy exists and you are being scammed

Backyard breeders don’t offer secure payment, property tours, or proof of registration. And if something goes wrong—they’re nowhere to be found.

Four dogs, including a happy, fluffy dog in the center, are gathered on a low wall in a sunny outdoor area with artificial grass and buildings in the background.

❤️ Final Thought

You’re not just buying a puppy. You’re choosing a lifelong family member.

At Banksia Park Puppies, we’re proud to offer the peace of mind that comes with doing everything the right way—from ethical breeding to personal connection.

📍 Visit us in person, Gippsland, or NSW, or our Puppy Information Centre in Chirnside Park.
📞 Call the Wellington Shire to verify our registration
📩 Reach out any time with questions

We’re here to help you feel confident, safe, and excited about your new best friend.

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