The Internet is certainly a very convenient place for buying pets, but before you whip out your credit cards and buy the first cuddly you see, read this first. Not all online pet stores are equal. Some will be able to give you all the services you need and more, while some are just out to take your money. How can you tell what online pet stores to avoid? Here are some red flags to watch out for.

Sketchy return policies. An online pet store should be willing to take the pet back if there are any problems. Do not buy from ones that refuse to do so. Read the return policy before signing up for anything, because once you agree to the terms and conditions, it will be very hard to complain.

Zero customer support. Avoid buying from online pet store that does not have consistent support facilities for pet owners. You will find it very hard to solicit important pet information, such as when to get vaccines for your pets or what types of food your pet can eat. Instead, go for stores that provide support for pet owners. If the store has an in-house vet, that's even better!

Incomplete paperwork. Do not buy from online stores that refuse to send you the papers documenting a pet's purebred status before or immediately after you purchase. They are probably hiding something. Some online vendors, for example, claim that their puppies are registered with an exclusive organization and promise to send you the documentation at a later date, when in fact, they never do.

High prices. There's no reason to pay loads of money for a pet when you can purchase from other online pet stores that carry the same quality pets for a lower price. Remember that just because an animal is expensive does not mean it is "better." Some online pet stores cash in on the sudden hypes about certain breeds. Do not let them take your money - there are many other genuine, dedicated breeders who are not too concerned about profit margins. They sell healthy pets for reasonable price.