Struggling to Find Trustworthy Buyers? How to Vet Potential Italian Greyhound Owners Online

 

The Hidden Anxiety of Rehoming Dogs

If you’re an Italian Greyhound breeder or owner trying to find a forever home for your pup, you’ve probably felt this: excitement mixed with worry.

• Will this person really care for the dog?

• Are they serious, or just wasting my time?

• Could this even be a scammer?

Sadly, the online world has made it harder than ever to separate genuine, loving owners from fake buyers and bad fits. And when it comes to Italian Greyhounds—a sensitive, high-maintenance breed—finding the right home isn’t optional. It’s a responsibility.

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Step 1: Spotting Red Flags Early

Scammers often reveal themselves if you pay attention. Some common warning signs:

• Too fast to commit: Someone says “I’ll take the dog” without asking about the pup’s age, health, or background.

• Weird payment requests: They push for strange payment methods (gift cards, wire transfers, “overpaying” scams).

• Minimal communication: Short, vague answers when you ask about their living situation.

• Avoiding video calls: If they refuse to hop on a quick video chat, it’s a problem.

👉 If someone checks any of these boxes, pause immediately.

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Step 2: Ask the Right Questions

Instead of just chatting casually, treat it like an interview for parenthood. Some powerful screening questions:

1. Why do you want an Italian Greyhound?
   (Checks if they know the breed’s quirks—clinginess, separation anxiety, need for gentle handling.)

2. Have you owned dogs before? Which breeds?
   (A first-time owner isn’t a dealbreaker, but you’ll know if they’re realistic about the challenges.)

3. What’s your daily schedule like?
   (Italian Greyhounds don’t thrive if left alone for 8–10 hours.)

4. Do you rent or own your home? Any breed restrictions?
   (Landlords can quickly end a “forever home” if pets aren’t allowed.)

5. What’s your plan for vet care, emergencies, or travel?
   (You’ll spot who’s thought things through—and who hasn’t.)

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Step 3: Use Online Tools to Verify Identity

You don’t need to be a private detective. Just a little effort helps:

• Google their name + city → See if their story checks out.

• LinkedIn or Facebook → Most genuine buyers have at least some online footprint.

• Request ID for contracts → Normal in responsible rehoming. Serious buyers won’t resist.

• Video call → Meet the person and see their living space.

This isn’t about mistrust—it’s about making sure your pup doesn’t end up in the wrong hands.

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Step 4: Create a Simple Buyer Application Form

Take the pressure off your gut feelings by standardizing the process. A short online form (Google Forms works fine) can filter out time-wasters. Include:

• Full name, contact info, location

• Experience with Italian Greyhounds or similar breeds

• Daily lifestyle description

• Vet reference (if available)

• Agreement to a trial period or rehoming clause

People who are genuine won’t hesitate. Scammers and unserious “window shoppers” usually disappear once asked to fill out real details.

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Step 5: Trust But Verify

Once someone passes your initial checks:

• Ask for a deposit to confirm seriousness (reasonable, refundable if you back out).

• Share updates and request photos/video of their home setup.

• Stay in touch after adoption—you’re not just selling, you’re entrusting.

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The Bottom Line

Finding the right buyer for your Italian Greyhound isn’t about luck. It’s about structure, questions, and healthy skepticism.

• Watch for red flags.

• Ask real, thoughtful questions.

• Use tools to verify identity.

• Require an application process.

• Keep communication open even after adoption.

By doing this, you’ll weed out scammers and unsuitable homes—and sleep better knowing your pup is where they belong: safe, loved, and cared for.