Information and Alerts

Alert

In June 2023, BBB Serving New Mexico and Southwest Colorado investigated Shetland Shelter business practices. This investigation was prompted by a complaint and Scam Tracker report.

Consumers have alleged the following through BBB complaints: 
-Purchased Sheltie puppy for $600 plus $200 shipping. Puppy was delivered to Blue Collar Express. Was informed that puppy needed air conditioned crate for $1,350 additional shipping. Informed that $1,300 would be refunded once I receive puppy. Two days later informed that puppy was sick and needed $1,200 for vet bill. Puppy was shipped and had layover in Alabama. Informed again that puppy was sick and would not be shipped until another $900 was paid for additional vet bill. Informed Breeder that I wanted all monies returned to me via the agreement that puppy health was guaranteed for one year. I believe this is a total scam and fraud. Tried to contact Breeder who won’t return calls. I am out $2,500.
-Photos used for puppies are used in another scam website called ************************ when reverse engineered. They offer to sell the puppy for pick-up or delivery. Scammer pretended to have an emergency during pick-up time and would say they are available the next day and would need to secure the deposit of $300 to hold it. Upon receiving deposit stated another couple had placed a deposit at the same time so they would need the rest of the payment of $600.

In June 2023, BBB checked the website www.shetlandshelter.store to determine when it was created. The website was created on April 18, 2023. 

During the course of our investigation, BBB found this business is not located at the reported address in Carlsbad, NM. In July 2023, BBB was notified by the owner of the residential postal address in Carlsbad, NM, that the address is not a valid address for the business. BBB was made aware that the owners of the listed address have no affiliation with Shetland Shelter. BBB is unable to verify the true location of this business. 

BBB made inquiries to Shetland Shelter via email asking the following:
-Contact information for all locations- operations addresses, mailing addresses, telephone numbers, and email addresses.
-A list of all websites and social media sites they operate or sell their puppies on.
-Copies of the following documents that Shetland Shelter provides to consumers- contracts, refund policy, shipping policy, and Health Guarantee.
-Lists of the veterinarians and shipping companies Shetland Shelter uses.

To date, BBB has not received a response from Shetland Shelter.

Based on the information detailed above, BBB cannot state with confidence that we have a clear understanding of the business.

If you are having difficulty with a purchase, and have not already done so, you may want to contact your payment provider, such as your bank, credit card company, electronic draft company, prepaid card, etc. to file a dispute. Filing a dispute is time sensitive and should not be delayed. However, not all payment providers allow disputes. Consumers may want to check with their payment provider prior to purchase to find out what payment protection options are available.

Additionally, you can view BBB articles on pet purchases for more information.

You may also want to file a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission and/or the Federal Bureau of Investigation Internet Crime Complaint Center. Consumers can also contact their local Attorney General’s office. BBB also suggests consumers file BBB Scam Tracker Reports.