Vibrant Nation

Adopting a dog? Where to find the perfect pup

Silva Battista's avatar Posted on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 by Silva Battista Silva Battista is a cofounder of Best Friends Animal Society and our Vibrant Giver for August 2009. If you're ready to adopt a dog, Silva shares some suggestions on where to find the right animal friend for you.
  1. Your local shelter
    There are many wonderful dogs (including purebreds) at your local shelter. Statistics show that 25 percent of dogs in shelters are purebred animals. When you choose one of these dogs, you often get the added bonus of knowing that you have saved a life.

  2. Avoid pet stores
    We don't recommend that you buy an animal from a pet store. Most pet stores buy from puppy mills and "backyard breeders" - people who are just in it for the money and often don't care about the health or well-being of the dogs.

  3. Reputable breeders
    If you decide to purchase a purebred dog from a breeder, do some research and choose a reputable breeder. All dog breeders are not alike - the top-quality breeders work hard to produce genetically healthy, emotionally sound puppies. They have an interest in ensuring that each puppy has a happy life. Good breeders have a return policy if the puppy turns out to be unhealthy; they offer support if you have questions or concerns. Some spay or neuter all their puppies to ensure that careless breeding will not occur.

    4. Some questions to ask to determine if you are dealing with a responsible breeder:
    • Can you visit their facility and see all their dogs? (If so, is the facility clean and airy? Do the dogs seem healthy and happy?)
    • Are they knowledgeable about the breed they are selling?
    • Do they show their dogs? (The best breeders are serious about their breed and want to show quality dogs who exhibit the best of the breed’s standards, and who are healthy and well cared for.)
    • Do they belong to breed clubs? (Belonging to breed clubs also shows commitment to the quality of the dogs.)
    • Do they breed more than one breed of dog? (If so, breeding for profit may be their main motivation.)
    • Have they tested their breeding dogs for genetic problems?
  4. Animal rescue groups
    Getting a dog from a breed rescue group is another option to consider if you have decided upon a particular breed. These groups rescue purebred dogs that have been given up, for one reason or another, and find new homes for them. Some breeders also do rescue for their breed. To find a rescue group for the breed you’re interested in, do a search on the Internet (for example, search for "dachshund rescue").

      5. These tips were written by Sherry Woodard, the dog training and care consultant at Best Friends.

responses (6)

ShirleyB 's avatar ShirleyB
ShirleyB said to Silva Battista
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Right on! Another suggestion would be to talk to your local veterinarian. An experienced DVM can give you signs to look for to be sure you are adopting a healthy animal. My daughter is in vet school and has a pipe-line to the local shelters (or so her menagerie would have me believe!)

Lynnette's avatar Lynnette
Lynnette said to ShirleyB
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for some reason i cannot read the whole post.  DOGS are my life and I love all dogs, ALL.  Have no found one that i do not like, well pekineese (sp) are not my thing but i am sure they are nice too.  I will never buy a dog, there are too many that need a home.  On my page on facebook there is a gorgeous female dog in Pto Rico wondering around a school.  It is too cute, so i guess she is either lost or someone picked her up and left her stranded somewhere away from her neighborhood.  If you want we can ship her to u.  I am kidding but everything in life is possible.  YOUR dream dog would depend on what do you want to do with it?  Sit at home and watch TV?  Take long walks?  Run w/you in the mornings?  There is a dog for every person on this earth.  Do u live in an apartment or a house?  I believe all dogs should be part of the family and not be left on the yard sort of abandoned.  Dogs love a relationship with their master.  They can give so much love is amazing, they are trustworthy and they will love you unconditionally.  Can u find that w/any man?  Noooot!   Not ever, have i been dissappointed by a dog, or any animal for that matter.  I think in my previous life i was either a dog or a vet.

Denise7's avatar Denise7
Denise7 said to Silva Battista
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I totally agree with getting a pet from your local shelter or Humane Society.  Or there is a national pet rescue group called "Pet Finders" (on-line) that have great pets in most cities.

When you adopt a pet from these places, you are saving a life and giving a deserving pet a good home.  They will pay you back many times over in love!

JMomOhio's avatar JMomOhio
JMomOhio said to Silva Battista
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I'm a certified professional dog trainer and all my dogs have been rescues from either bad homes or from dog pounds and shelters.  These dogs are always grateful and know you've saved their lives.  Pick a breed that suitable for your lifestyle, personality and wallet.  Dogs that need regular grooming adds to money out of your wallet so take that into consideration when adopting.  Also, very small dogs for the elderly isn't always the best idea as they tend to move quickly and owners will sometimes trip over them and fall.  A mid size dog is the best bet for someone in their 'golden years!' :)

Also, avoid buying dogs at flea markets and swap days as they usually come from puppymills as well!!

pacobecky's avatar pacobecky
pacobecky said to Silva Battista
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if you are considering a purebred dog please please research what the dog was originally bred for.  I have worked at our local shelter looking after dogs for the last three years.  most of the purebred dogs we have surrendered are border collies, huskies, maremma's, jack russels, aussie cattle dogs.  mixed breed dogs are usually very hardy and not prone to some of the genetic problems of purebreds.  they usually don't have the obssesive temperment traits of some of the purebred.  good ol fashion pound puppies..heinz 57

Myke 's avatar Myke
Myke said to Silva Battista
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If you rescue a dog one of the best books on the market is, Secondhand Dog. Great insight and understanding about what you, and your furry friend, will go through on your journey to becoming a little family.

Most importantly, remember, there is NO perfect pup. All dogs will get into your garbage, shred kleenex (used is more tasty), vomit on your best rug, howl when they are lonesome, shed, sniff a crotch, poop in the house if they get sick or scared or upset.

Dogs and cats are not stuffed animals. They want to play and to walk and to have their imaginations stimulated through play and through daily experience. Make sure you have the time for the committment because if you do, you are in for one of the best times of your life filled with an unending supply of unconditional love.

Pure and Natural