How to buy a dog?
Owning a dog is a very rewarding experience. Your dog can provide you with years of love, companionship and loyalty. As rewarding as it can be to own a dog, buying a dog is a major decision requiring careful thought and consideration. There are many things to consider when deciding to buy a dog, so take the time to do your research before making the final decision choosing where to buy a dog.
Find a reputable breeder. This is applicable if you are buying a puppy and are looking for a specific breed. It is essential that you find a responsible and ethical breeder. This will require you to do your homework, because there are many breeders, backyard breeders who do not practice ethical breeding practices, and just want to make some extra money. Ask your veterinarian and other dog owners for information on responsible breeders in your area.
You can also visit the American Kennel Club for a list of reputable breeders in your area. A responsible and ethical breeder will be happy to show you around the breeding facility and allow you to ask as many questions as you can. Think of a reputable breeder will also have documentation of veterinary care and will provide you with a health guarantee and contract identify animal shelters and rescue groups in your area.
If buying your dog through a breeder is not in your budget, consider adopting a dog through one of your local animal shelters or rescue groups if you are not sure where to start looking. Talk to your veterinarian and other dog owners for reputable animal shelters and rescue groups in your area. You can also do an online search to identify local animal shelters online resources include the shelter pet project, and adopt a pet.
Adoption fees with animal shelters and rescue groups are usually low many animal shelters and rescue groups have websites where you can look at their adoptable pets. Visiting the websites would also let you know and learn more about the organization’s themselves.
Animal shelters have many mixed breed dogs which typically have fewer health problems than purebred dogs. Animal shelters and rescue groups are good choices if you are looking for an adult dog. Visit your local animal shelters rescue groups tend to do foster care temporarily housing dogs in people’s homes so they may not have a central facility for you to visit.
Visiting the animal shelters in your area will give you a good chance to see the dogs in person and determine whether you are comfortable with how the shelter cares for the dogs. Be aware that visiting an animal shelter can be a very emotional experience for you to keep your emotions under control. It may be helpful to bring a notepad with you and take notes as you see dogs that interest you.
Some animal shelters have moved away from same day adoption to prevent people to do impulse adoptions. Do not go in with the mindset that you will be leaving with a dog. Prepare for multiple visits and an extended application process to make sure you and the dog is a good fits for each other.
During your visit ask as many questions as you can. Think of the particular dog that you are interested in. Ask about his medical history, veterinary care and whether he has had a behavioral assessment. Ask about the food type of food nutritional value the shelter is feeding the dogs if you adopt from the shelter.
You may want to continue feeding the dog the same food or gradually transition your dog to a new food to avoid digestive upset.
Inquire about the shelter’s adoption fees. Adoption fees could be higher for puppies, and select breeds.
Evaluate animal rescue groups. Check the internet for animal rescue groups in your area. They could be many to choose from. It may be challenging to know which ones are the most reputable to determine if a rescue group is reputable. Ask about its adoption process. A rescue group that does not require a potential dog owner to fill out an application sign a contract or undergo a home check is probably not very trustworthy.
If the shelter does not have a central facility, ask if you can visit the foster home where the dogs are currently staying. A reputable rescue group will be able to coordinate a visit at the foster home. An unreliable group may agree to set up the visit but end up being unavailable when it’s time for you to make the visit.
Ask how the rescue group screens for potential foster parents and adopters if there is no screening process. There is a good chance that rescue group probably just sell the dogs to anyone who has money. This is highly unethical.
Inquire about the rescue groups finances and reputable. Group will be forthright about the source of their donations, and how they use the donation fees.
Do not buy a dog from the pet-store or directly from the internet. I cannot emphasized enough that buying a dog from a pet store or from the Internet is a bad idea.
If you are looking for a puppy, do not look for one at a pet store pet store. Most of these puppies usually come from a puppy mills that keep puppies in deplorable conditions. In addition, puppies from pet stores may develop serious behavioral and health issues later in life.
Buying a dog from the internet is not a good idea. It is crazy not to see the dog in person before buying it. You should always see, hold, feel, play with the dog in person before deciding whether he is good for you. A dog could suffer serious physical and emotional stress if he is being shipped to you from a long distance.
