What is the best payment method when buying from a small time breeder in a different location?

Paypal is probably the most prefered method for buyers, but I think it realy offers a false sense of security. I heard that when purchasing a live animal with Paypal, that the transaction is not disputable. Does anyone know if this is true??? Details??? I know sellers don't particularly like Paypal because of the transaction fees.

Nobody wants to send cash. Aren't money orders pretty much the same thing as cash? Personal checks could work, but I don't think they are disputable either if you don't get what you were supposed to get, or if what you get is dead / damaged.

Can anyone shed some light on this topic???!!!