Reporter: Lauren Matter,
SPRINGFIELD, Mo. - The USDA wants to make sure if you buy a pet online, you're getting one that's healthy and treated well.
A new proposal would change regulations on how pets are sold on the Internet.
The USDA wants to make sure the breeder selling on the Internet is given the same inspections as the breeders you meet in person.

The way people find the newest 4-legged member of their family is changing.
Springfield Veterinarian Denise Roche has been taking care of animals for 20 years.
She says it still surprises her how many people are finding their pets online.
"We start looking and searching and typing in the search engine and find something and that's it and we want to get that pet," says Roche.
Roche says that anticipation is how problems can happen.
That's why she agrees with the USDA's proposal to change the way Internet pet breeders are regulated.
"It really needs to be buyer beware and do your homework," explains Roche.
Someone who did that homework is Abbey Turnbough.
She found her dog, Yoko, on Facebook.
"I just couldn't resist her, she looked adorable and I had to contact him," says Turnbough.
But even after asking the owner common health questions, she says she was still a little worried.
"It was a little nerve-racking. You never know with a dog if they're going to be really nice or if they're going to like you," says Turnbough.
Luckily for her, the Internet found her a perfect, healthy match.
But that's not always the case.
"You can have congenital heart problems. You can have hip dysplasia, that'll show up later on when they're older, knee problems, or dental disease," explains Roche.
And Roche says these health problems aren't only found in pets bought online, that's why it's always important to remember if you're searching also search the right questions to ask.
"I would be aware of people who don't want to provide you references," says Roche.
"I love her, she's a really great dog," Turnbough says.
Turnbough says she had such a great experience, if she's ever searching for a friend for Yoko, she knows where to look.
"I think as long as I checked it out and make sure there's papers and that someone has had experience with the dog, then yeah," says Turnbough.
If the proposal passes, anyone selling dogs online would have to open their doors to the public so buyers can see the animal before they buy them.
If they choose to not allow that, the breeder must get a license and will be inspected by the USDA.
The change would only affect dog owners who breed more than four females and sell them over the Internet or phone.
The proposed change does not affect backyard breeders who sell puppies from their homes.