Safety tips
A neighborly board works best when everyone looks out for each other. These are the simple habits that keep buyers and sellers on the level.
The one rule
Meet in person before any money moves.No exceptions worth making. If someone can't or won't meet you, walk away.
For buyers
- Meet the animal and the sellerin person before paying anything. Somewhere public if you can — a feed store parking lot, a public boarding barn, or the seller's home with someone else along.
- Never wire money, send gift cards, or pay a deposit to someone you haven't met. Those payments can't be reversed, and that's exactly why scammers ask for them.
- Be wary of anyone rushing you to move off BulletinBarn — to email, Venmo, or a different app — before you've met. Real neighbors are patient.
- If a seller "accidentally" overpays and asks you to refund the difference, it's a scam. Always.
- Ask for records in writing: vaccinations, deworming, Coggins (for horses), health certificates for interstate travel, registration or pedigree if it matters.
- Bring your own carrier or trailer. Inspect the animal calmly, ask questions, and don't feel pressured to close the same day.
For sellers
- Meet buyers at home or a public place you're comfortable with, ideally with someone else around. Trust your gut.
- Take cash for private-party sales — that's normal. Skip anything that requires you to share bank details, gift-card codes, or your login to another app.
- Have your paperwork ready: age, sire/dam if relevant, vaccination records, health certificates. Buyers who care will ask.
- Keep the conversation on BulletinBarn so you have a record. If someone insists on moving elsewhere before you've met, that's a flag.
What BulletinBarn doesn't allow
- Exotic or wild animals of any kind. Regardless of permits or licensure.
- Dogs or cats under 8 weeks old. They need to be with mom.
- Shipped or sight-unseen sales. Local pickup only, buyer meets the animal in person.
- Commercial dealers posing as private parties. Every seller confirms private-party status when posting.
See something that doesn't belong? Use the Report button on the listing or the conversation — a real person reads reports.
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