So you’ve decided to become one of the millions of people that have found joy in the getting a puppy. You’ve decided to share your life with a lovable and caring addition to your family. We’re happy for you; we think it’s a great idea. Now where are you going to get a puppy? Typically there are five places to get a puppy: your local animal shelter, from listings in a newspaper, a local breeder, a breed rescue, or a pet store. In the following we will break down each of these options to help you better make a decision as to where you would like to get a puppy. Ha, your puppy!
The animal shelter is a great place to get a puppy. You are doing your dog a favor by rescuing them from a kennel. That being said there are numerous questions you will want to ask. Find out if the dog can live with children, other dogs, or in an apartment (if applicable). Similarly the shelter staff will be asking you a few questions to find out if you are a viable dog owner (do you travel for work, do you have small children, do you have other pets?).
Most dogs that end up in animal shelters are there because they have been turned in by their original owners. This can be due to a variety of reasons, many of which may have no bearing on whether or not the dog is a “good” dog. Dogs have been turned in for trivial reasons like the owner no longer wanted a dog, they had no idea how expensive maintaining a dog would be, or they just got sick of picking up poop. None of these reasons should deter you from getting a puppy.
Puppies featured in newspaper advertisements can be a tricky bunch. “Pug litter. 3 female fawns, 1 male fawn, 1 black male. Free, first come first serve.” may sound like a great deal. Unfortunately you will have no idea of the medical history of the mother and father, or the temperaments of these animals. Medical history and temperament can quickly turn your “free puppy” into a money pit.
Breed rescues are some of the best places to adopt puppies or dogs. Breed rescues are run by people who are basically fans of a specific breed. They take in dogs of a specific breed and care for them properly in the hopes of having a loving home adopt them. If you are looking for a purebred puppy or dog, and want to ensure that they have been properly taken care of, breed rescues are a great option. The staffs of these facilities are also a great information resource for future questions on dog food, dog healthy, dog diet and nutrition, and dog training.
Breeders are a great option for people that wish to know everything there is to know about their dog, and their dog’s family history. If you are looking for a papered (information about the dog and their lineage) dog, breeders will have this information. Be cautious, however, many breeders are unethical. Check out the breeder you are contemplating purchasing by speaking with other clients of theirs. Good breeders should have no problem giving you contact information of their satisfied customers.
Pet stores are the worst place to buy dogs. Dogs in pet stores come from puppy mills, unethical breeding grounds where dogs live in inhumane conditions. These dogs are often riddled with disease and parasites. Their temperament is greatly affected by living in confined spaces. Never purchase a dog from a pet store. Good luck getting a puppy!
