Where Do I Go to Get My Pet?

So, you've done your homework. You've researched the types of animals kept as pets, you've looked at your finances and resources, and know you are ready to bring a pet into your life, and you've chosen the type you want. The question now remains, "Where do I get him?" There are so many places to consider, the choice can seem overwhelming. Here are your options.

Shelter or county animal control facility:

Approximately four million animals are killed each year, in shelters across the U.S. That seems like a pretty good reason to head straight for the nearest shelter. Unfortunately shelter animals still get a bad rap. Too many people assume that all animals dumped in facilities are there because they are "bad". There are countless reasons why an animal ends up at a shelter; death of the owner, confiscated from an abusive situation and victim of foreclosure, to name just a few.

Of course, there are animals surrendered due to behavioural issues, but when you do your homework you will find, it is almost always due to a lack of training by the owner, who has no clue how to handle the animal once they bring him home. You can find all kinds of animals, small to large, young to old, mutt to purebred. Some facilities will adopt out unfixed pets with a deposit, others will not. Adoption fees and requirements will vary by shelter. Long time volunteers are often good people to talk to. Because they spend so much time with the animals, they can often tell you more about them, than a staff member can. There are so many incredible animals waiting for loving homes, it's worth a trip.

Rescue group:

There are breed specific rescue groups for any kind of pet you're looking for. They are usually foster based, with a network of homes that care for the animals, until a permanent one can be found. A reputable foster group will have each animal examined by a vet, to make sure he/she is healthy, and treat any conditions/illnesses they may have. Again, a reputable group will have each animal fixed before allowing him to be adopted. Since the animals are in foster homes, you will get a good sense of how they behave in a home environment, including how they interact with people, children, and other pets.

Ads in the paper/at work/free to a good home:

There are ads everywhere, advertising pets for sale, or free to a good home. These are people that have either put two animals together to breed for profit, or just irresponsible pet owners that allowed their unfixed pets to wander, and are now looking for a way to get rid of the babies. Although the possibility of getting a pet for free may be tempting, the only thing this will accomplish is showing these people that irresponsibility pays.

Petfinder.com:

This is an online resource where you can find lists of pets available for adoption, from around the country.

Your veterinarian:

Veterinarians often know of pets available for adoption. Some even care for them at their clinic, until a home can be found.

Breeder:

If you insist on buying a purebred animal, and won't consider going anywhere else but a breeder, there are some things to be aware of. Just because someone calls themselves a breeder, doesn't mean they are. Anyone can put two animals together and produce a litter. Do extensive research to make sure the breeder is legitimate, licensed and known. Puppy mills are also considered breeders, but the conditions these animals are kept in, and the suffering they endure, is horrendous.

Internet:

Many animals sold on the internet come from kitten and puppy mills, and other questionable sources. Best to steer clear.

Pet shop:

Unless the pet shop has rescue animals available for adoption, it is best to steer clear of them as well. Most of the animals (no matter what kind they are selling) come from mills of some sort, or places where animals are cruelly treated. Buying from these sources means you are helping to fund these cruel practices.

I have been involved in animal welfare/rescue for about 12 years. I owned a dog walking and pet sitting business in Canada, before joining a farm animal welfare organisation in the UK. I worked in the education department, where I helped recruit volunteer speakers to give talks in schools throughout the country, and attended education conferences to promote our resources. As a campaigns coordinator I coordinated and managed campaign plans including timelines and budgets, I was involved in EU campaign and coalition work, and liaised with member offices and groups across Europe to organise lobbying and public awareness events. I live in the U.S. where I volunteer at an animal shelter and write articles about pet rescue and animal welfare on examiner.com.

http://www.examiner.com/pet-rescue-in-fort-lauderdale/hindy-pearson
http://www.examiner.com/animal-welfare-in-fort-lauderdale/hindy-pearson