Locating Responsible Resources for Your Pet
Being aware of the history of your pet can help you avoid disappointment later
When you have chosen your pet, it is important to locate a reliable source. Understanding where your pet comes from and the conditions they were raised in can make a significant difference in your long-term relationship.
Understanding Your Options
There are mainly four sources that people can choose their pet from: breeders, shelters and rescues, pet shops or pet stores, and the general public. All of these sources have their pros and cons, and potential pet owners should learn where the most reliable sources are.
Breeders: If you're looking for a purebred, registered pet (for example a dog or cat), it is important to choose a breeder who is responsible and raises their pets in the home where appropriate, tests for any genetic health issues, and is dedicated to the well-being of their animals and any progeny that they produce.
Shelters and Rescues: These organizations can be limited in what they can do and what they may offer. Each one will offer something different, so it is important that you do your due diligence and learn about the shelter or rescue before committing to a pet from them.
Pet Stores/Pet Shops: In many areas, pet stores or pet shops no longer are able to sell pets, or if they do, it is very limited. Many of these pets are raised in a kennel or farm type environment, and regulations are not always maintained.
General Public: Pets obtained from the general public can be a win or lose proposition. The quality, personality, and background varies widely and will depend on who is giving away or selling the pet.
Take Your Time
It is important that you take your time in choosing the right individual pet, as this should be a lifetime commitment. The correct choice the first time will be much easier to deal with than finding that the pet you brought home has any number of issues that may make it difficult or impossible to deal with. Being aware of any potential issues ahead of time and learning how to handle those issues if or when they arise can help make the transition smoother.
Questions to Ask of Potential Sources
- If a breeder, do they health test their animals and are they active in their breed?
- Is there any support offered to the new owner?
- What condition are the living areas?
- If you are able to see the parents, what condition are they in and what are their personalities and temperaments?
- Are they active in their breed association?
- Do the animals look well cared for and healthy?
- Do they have very stringent qualifications to adopt?
- How difficult is it for potential adopters to be selected?
- Do they have a support program in place that helps the adopter?
- If something prevents the owner from keeping the pet in the future, will they help rehome it or take it back?
- Are they dedicated to matching the pet with the right owner?
Taking the time to find the right resource for your new pet can help you create a healthy, more positive relationship. It can also help you to avoid unexpected health or behavior issues if you enter into the relationship with knowledge and forewarning.