ADOPT OR SHOP?

Backyard breeding, overbreeding, puppy mills, and farms whose sole goal is to produce canine offspring are the main reasons there are so many homeless animals in our country today. Careless breeding results in thousands if not millions of animals who are unwanted, behaviorally imbalanced, and/or abused. Regulations around companion animal breeding are unfortunately slim, resulting in accidental litters being passed out in parking lots and farms of small cages that ship puppies to window pet shops as “pedigrees”.

When purchasing a dog, there is a significant difference between a “purebred” and a “well-bred” dog of any breed. Well-bred dogs are carefully crafted by advocates of their breed that seek greatness for all of their animals. But without a big red stamp that screams “certified reputable breeder” to help guide puppy seekers down the right path, it can feel difficult to find what you believe to be the right fit. However, you will feel a reputable breeder when you meet one. They are passionate and borderline obsessive of their breed(s), providing extensive health testing, care, and concern for their breeding dogs and puppies which only proves their dedication.

Always do extensive research on the breeder and/or rescue you are thinking about using including their breeding methodology, genetic health testing, how they raise their newborns up until they arrive home, and anything else that you can find. Believe it or not, purchasing a dog from a truly reputable breeder or rescue whose intentions lie with preserving health and/or maintaining a particular breed standard, helps lower the amount of unwanted dogs in our country as a whole. However you will quickly find that they are picky about who does and does not actually receive a puppy and for good reason. They specifically select the best homes they can for their dogs to ensure they will have the highest possible success rate in life, resulting in zero unwanted animals.

Although it may seem like a hassle, rescues and breeders who have the well being of the dogs in mind will likely ask you to fill out an extensive application, require a home visit, and a signed contract upon purchase or adoption all to ensure the dog is in a responsible home for life.