Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona is alerting consumers to a business identity theft scam that is victimizing a Tucson business. Happy Tails Travel, Inc., which specializes in “personalized pet transportation services” for adopted pets, began getting phone calls in February from consumers who claimed they had wired money to Happy Tails with the promise of having a pet delivered to them.

Happy Tails learned through these phone calls that scammers had copied their Web site, and were soliciting business from prospective customers, using the business’ name. The scammers are operating under several fictitious names, including: Flint Pet Shippers, Skilled Pet Shippers, Blink Pet Shippers, and Stratos Pet, Inc.

The callers told the business that the scammers posing as Happy Tails requested that their victims wire the money to them- making it almost impossible for law enforcement to track where the money went.

Copycats not only design similar-looking websites, but will create fraudulent advertisements and solicitations featuring real business names, logos and contact information to cheat consumers under false guises and potentially ruin other businesses’ reputations.

Stolen identity clues include: unusual product or service requests; unfamiliar advertisements posted in directories or online; and unwarranted complaint reports filed by unknown customers.

BBB urges any consumers who are solicited by these companies, or a company who claims to be Happy Tails Travel and requests you wire them money, to report the website to the FBI’s Internet crimes division by visiting  www.ic3.gov.

All too often, common sense seems to fly out the window when faced with an adorable animal, but buying a pet is a long-term investment. As with any other purchase, the more you know before you buy, the better off you will be. Before buying a pet this holiday season, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona reminds you to do your research.

Since January, BBB has received close to 500 complaints nationally against dog breeders. Most allege that the puppies developed severe illnesses or, in some cases, passed away shortly after purchase. Additionally, some consumers allege they were misled about the dog’s breed or pedigree.

Before making the leap and adding a furry friend to your family this holiday season, consider the following tips:

• Find a responsible breeder. You can find responsible breeders by asking for referrals from your veterinarian or trusted friends or by contacting local breed clubs. Visit bbb.org to see the BBB Business Review of any dog breeder you are considering.
• Visit the premises and ask to see the parents. Responsible breeders provide a loving and healthy environment for their canine companions, one that they will be proud to show you. Before bringing your puppy home, ask to see his or her parents and the living area where he or she was born and raised.

• Ask for references. Ask the breeder for contact information of people who have bought puppies in the past. Talk to people who have had their dog for a while in order to check for issues that may not be immediately apparent.
• Avoid buying a puppy online. If you cannot meet the breeder and the animal before making the purchase, it is very likely to be a scam. Especially if the so-called breeder or seller asks for money up front and/or payment via wire transfer.

• Read contracts thoroughly. If the seller offers a health guarantee, make sure it is in writing. Read it carefully for limits and proof requirements. Guarantees should cover more than a few weeks or days, since it can take weeks for symptoms to appear.
• Ask for medical records. Get a written account of all medical care your puppy has received, including vaccinations and antibiotics. Take this record to your vet during the first examination, which should happen within a couple days of bringing your puppy home.
• Keep your puppy quarantined. If you already have pets, keep them separated from your new puppy until it is given a clean bill of health.

As families gear up for their summer vacation, Better Business Bureau of Southern Arizona has advice for pet owners looking for a safe place to house their furry friend.

BBB receives hundreds of complaints from consumers every year about boarding facilities, also known as kennels. Complaints allege problems with billing, as well as concerns about the treatment of their pet. Some owners allege their pets came back from the kennel severely dehydrated, malnourished or covered with fleas, ticks and even maggots. A few even allege their pet became extremely ill from their brief stay at certain kennels.

BBB advises pet owners looking to board their pets to plan accordingly and thoroughly research local kennels.

Consumers should use the following tips as a guide to finding a trustworthy kennel:

- Ask for recommendations. Turn to friends and family members who own animals for recommendations on where they take their furry friend. Additionally, check out any recommendations at bbb.org to see their BBB rating and history of complaints.

- Personally visit the facilities. Check for cleanliness and note the overall safety of the kennel and cages. If your pet is prone to running away, ask about steps the kennel takes to make the facility secure.

- Ask about interactions between animals. Some kennels let animals play together while others keep them separate at all times. Make sure the facility requires that all entering pets have proof of immunization. Also ask about its policies regarding flea and tick control.

- Take notice of the staff. Ask about the background and experience of company staff and take a few moments to see how they interact with the other pets that are being boarded.

- Thoroughly read the boarding agreement. Verify it includes the feeding and exercise schedule as well as pick up and drop off hours. Some facilities offer bathing, nail trimming and immunization as additional services. Make sure these and any other additional fees, like medical emergencies or other care, are included in the agreement.

- Have a backup plan. Make sure you have a local friend, family member or veterinarian you can trust in case of emergencies.

To check the reliability of a company and find trustworthy businesses, visit BBB.