Families looking to buy pets in the lead up to Christmas are being urged to stay vigilant of social media scams.

Australia’s Consumer Protection Watchdog has received 41 complaints about pet sales this year so far, with nearly half of those involving animals with health issues.

Others have reported breeders keeping deposits for puppies they never received, and making false claims about breeds or pedigrees.

Commissioner for Consumer Protection Trish Blake told Oly Peterson on Perth Live buyers need to be particularly weary when using social media, where these types of scams are prevalent.

Click PLAY to listen to the full conversation below: