A puppy may seem like the perfect gift this holiday season. Most of us are spending more time at home, which is good to help the puppy get settled. Most of us would love to find this addition to our family waiting under the tree on Christmas morning. But, before you decide to go through with adding a puppy to your family, the Better Business Bureau has several tips that can help make sure you’re not getting scammed when it comes to purchasing your furry little friend.

For example, see the puppy in person. Which is something you should do anyway to make sure not only that it’s real, but that it’s right for you and your family. The BBB also suggests you do your research and know what a fair price would be for the breed you’re considering. They also urge people to check local animal shelters for first. This is a great way to ensure you are getting a healthy animal at a fair price that is also in need of a good home.

For more tips on avoiding puppy scams see the link from the BBB below.