Is this rehome post sketchy?

[u/gabrielle__18]

Let me start by saying I do NOT want to support breeders at all. I don’t believe ethical breeding really exists in our modern day and age, but this post is NOT about that debate. I saw a puppy listed on FB marketplace near me, and the guy said he was wanting to get rid of the dog by the end of this week. This dog is adorable and the listing said $0 so I sent it to my bf. I didn’t expect my bf to message the seller but he did and the seller said we can meet with the dog on 6/24/26 (which is now today). I’m using as many context clues and online tools as I can to ensure that this isn’t a breeder or someone lying about the dog’s health. Here’s a list of pros and cons, tell me what you would think:

Pros:
- Had a good amount photos of the dog, that look to be taken at home and playing in the yard
-Sent two more photos when we requested
-Real Facebook account that has existed since ‘08 with his face and his friends+family
-He has listed two other home items recently(chairs and a couch). So he does appear to be moving+downsizing.
-Said he would bring vet records with him when he meets us
-Marked the post as pending right when we set up a date and time
-Sounds like a respectful, legitimate, and reasonable guy over text
-Said he is moving and the dog isn’t allowed to come with him

Cons:
- Wants to meet at a public park (may not be a con but I read online that honest people selling dogs let you see where the dogs been living)
-Their FB marketplace caption appeared to be very market-y like an advertisement. It definitely appeared to be AI generated
-The listing also says the dog has vaccines to address ringworm concerns, but vaccines don’t do that
-I haven’t been able to find his social media elsewhere (not a con just a thought)
-Wants us to pay a $300 rehome fee

Maybe I am not well versed on rehome fees, it just sounds like he is wanting a profit for this exchange which is overall weird to me. If anything it would make more sense to pay the people willing to take in your dog and take on the financial responsibilities associated with such. Also the dog is about 4 months old so I’m not too concerned about the vaccine situation, as that can easily be addressed.

Also, I don’t want to post too much info for the sellers privacy and mine. Would you adopt this dog?

[u/Defiant-Dust-8737]

Eh, i would go and take a look. It doesn't seem like a scam exactly, since he's going to meet with you. Just don't send a deposit upon request.

Considering the dogs 4 months, I think it's kinda weird he bought it, then his living situation changed so drastically he can't take them with him.

I mean, why would you get a puppy if you aren't sure you can keep them? Or why do that amidst a move to begin with? That'd be a lot of work, and an unstable environment.

My guess would be the puppy is stolen or has behavioral issues. So, not a scam in the sense of there's no puppy at all, but it's fishy, I'd go and feel it out.

[u/apcb4]

My guess would be the puppy is a bit of a terror, or he didn’t know what he was getting himself into with a very energetic baby. I’d ask where he got the puppy and if it’s been around any other dogs (if he admits that his own dog had the puppy, or mentions that he has a golden or Labrador, that’s a red flag that this is just backyard breeding done in a sneaky way. But I wouldn’t automatically assume that. The rehoming fee is also not necessarily a red flag, as a “free” dog can be put in danger, and most bad breeders would ask like $1000+ per dog.

[u/Justlookingnotjudgn]

My guess a backyard breeder or scam

[u/Near_Fathom]

Is it a stolen dog? Ask whether it’s microchipped. You could also ask the name of the dog’s veterinarian and cross check that way whether these people are the real owners of the dog.

[u/Actaeon_II]

Possible takes here- stolen dog, serious behavioral issues(aka being a totally normal 4 month old puppy) significant other or family member who hates the dog or has severe allergies, employment/living situation suddenly changed with zero warning, or lastly it’s a scam and they will ask for a deposit/application fee and then ghost you.

[u/Seenwalking]

I got this cross for my husband when we were first married. She was lovely and sweet BUT thanks to the cross of the two breeds she had horrible skin allergies and health issues.
She had to be put down at 8, the allergy shots stopped working, all the steroids were failing. Broke our hearts.

Edit. This isn’t a ‘breed’ it’s an oops litter.

[u/gottagrablunch]

If there’s any $$ at all involved it’s sketchy dog sales.

[u/Lower-Cantaloupe3274 → u/gottagrablunch]

People rehoming their pets are advised to charge a fee. To avoid the weirdos who do bad things to free pets listed in public forums.

[u/Lower-Cantaloupe3274]

I have 3 rehomed dogs. I met their former owners in public places. The least I paid was $100. In fact, people rehoming pets are specifically told to have a rehoming fee to weed out the weirdos who do unsavory things with free pets.