Interview with edogs about safe dog buying

You've given considerable thought to whether you want to get a dog and which breed might be right for you, and now you're wondering where to find your new companion? Then you may have come across the edogs platform in your online search: This online marketplace connects prospective dog owners with reputable breeders and responsible adoption agencies.

In an interview, they explained to us how edogs manages to provide greater transparency and security in the dog search process.

Who can rehome dogs through edogs?

“In principle, reputable breeders, animal welfare organizations, and animal shelters can offer dogs on edogs. Private individuals may only advertise their puppies if they provide the necessary documentation. Every seller is vetted before their listings are activated. This ensures that only responsible rehoming takes place and that no puppy mills or disreputable dealers gain access to the platform.”

Why have you intensified your efforts against the unethical puppy trade?

“Unfortunately, the illegal puppy trade has increased significantly in recent years – especially via online platforms. Puppies have repeatedly been bred in appalling conditions and sold far too early. We could not and would not tolerate this. Therefore, we have significantly tightened our vetting processes and invest considerable time and personnel in monitoring new sellers. It is important to us that edogs is not just a marketplace, but a safe place where animal welfare is paramount. This is also outlined in our listing guidelines.”


Unfortunately, the illegal puppy trade has increased sharply in recent years – especially via online platforms. Puppies have repeatedly been bred under appalling conditions and sold far too early. How do you vet the breeders or animal welfare organizations that rehome dogs through edogs?

“Every new provider goes through a multi-stage vetting process with us:

Identity verification: We verify the person or organization behind the listing using official documents.

Verification check: Breeders, for example, must provide their breeding license and proof of club membership, and animal welfare organizations must provide their official permit according to Section 11 of the Animal Welfare Act.

Listing review: Every listing is manually reviewed before being published – we ensure complete information, realistic photos, and coherent descriptions.

Spot checks & monitoring: Even after publication, we continuously monitor the providers and follow up on reports from users.”

What do you experience during these checks?

“The range is vast. We often work with dedicated breeders and animal welfare organizations who are passionate about what they do and want the best possible homes for their dogs. But we also encounter cases where information is simply incorrect – for example, when photos are used multiple times or documents are missing. Sometimes it turns out that a seller has advertised the same litter under different names – a clear warning sign. After a brief investigation, we were able to uncover the fraud and immediately block the ads. Moments like these show us how important our checks are – and also the vigilance of our community.”

Have you ever had to stop fraudulent dog adoptions?

“Yes, regularly. Unfortunately, people repeatedly try to sell puppies that don't even exist using fake profiles or stolen photos. In many cases, we detect these fraudulent attempts even before the listings are activated.

When users report suspicious ads to us, we react immediately: We investigate the case, block the account, and inform the relevant authorities if necessary. In recent years alone, we have been able to prevent dozens of fraudulent adoptions – thus not only protecting buyers but, above all, saving many dogs from suffering.”

What three important tips can you give prospective dog owners for buying or adopting a dog?

Always meet in person: Visit the breeder or foster home. This is the only way to get a feel for how the dogs live and are raised.

Insist on official documentation: Reputable providers will show vaccination records, microchip numbers, health certificates, and, if applicable, pedigrees – without excuses.

Take your time with the decision: A dog is a family member for many years. Trust your gut feeling – if something seems strange, it's better to keep your distance and keep looking.