Where Can I Adopt a New Puppy?

When you are looking for places to adopt a puppy, you have a number of options available. Each has positives and negatives, and each should be considered carefully and your options weighed. You will want to think about the breed of puppy you'd like to adopt, how much you will be able to pay for the puppy, and how far you can travel to pick the puppy up when he or she is weaned and ready to go home with you and be a part of your family.

One of the most obvious choices would be, of course, a local pet store. Many believe that adopting a dog from a pet store is not the best option, for a few different reasons. Some believe that the pet store does not have particularly well-bred puppies, so you would want to look elsewhere.

Another issue some people have with pet stores is the condition in which they keep the puppies. Each is typically alone in a small wire cage for the duration of his or her stay at the store. Many feel that this isn't healthy for the pups and that they will go home already in a sickly state; lowering the possibility that they will grow to be healthy adult dogs and live long lives.

If you are a person that takes issue with the cramped living quarters of a puppy from a pet store, you might prefer the option of adopting puppy from someone who breeds dogs and keeps them somewhere like a farm. These one-litter-at-a-time breeders often do it for the love of the breed or perhaps a little extra money, but whatever the reason, they bring the puppies into the world of nature and fresh air and sunshine; a healthy start for a young pup that will surely help him to become a healthy adult dog.

An issue that someone looking to adopt a puppy might have with this option is that the breeders are often far out in the country and make take quite some time to get to when its time to pick up your pup.

One other place you may opt to go to adopt your puppy is a professional breeder. Adopting from a professional breeder would ensure you get a clean line with papers showing such. You would also be able to have the assurance that your puppy was well-taken care of in the interim between birth and adoption; this is what the breeder does for a living, not as a side job for "fun" so they put everything into it that's necessary to continue the business's success.

The issue someone looking to adopt a puppy may have with a breeder is the cost. You may feel it's not worth the extra money to have a finely bred dog if you are simply looking for a family pet.

Wherever you decide to adopt your puppy from, if you check each place and find it reputable, you can rest comfortably knowing that your puppy will in all likelihood be just terrific and an awesome addition to your family.

My name is Kevin Highfill. Please visit my site at http://www.online4pets.com/ to discover more information about places to adopt a puppy.

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

Where to Get Free Pet Adoption Agencies

We know that the world is being very cruel for those pets that used to wander here and there in search of food and shelter. The cruelty of the weather also takes part in their devastation. The summers are too hot and the winters are too cold for those homeless pets. There is no rescue for that pet except the homeless pet's adoption agencies whose services really make the difference in all aspects. The cats and the dogs really deserve the right to have better life qualities just as the humans because they are living beings and have the same emotions as we have. They also used to feel love and affection. At the same time they do feel anger and resentment. Moreover they are able to feel the pain and relief as well.

The first resource is to find local shelters on pets adoption on the net which is really an integration of the information technology services at one focal point. This web site just acts like a polestar on the internet for all those who want to get the germane place for getting the pet adoption agencies in the world. This is the best pet adoption agency which supply the best shelter for the homeless pets like the cats, dogs, rabbits along with the homeless puppies etc. This agency is really the blessing in disguise for the homeless pets.

Besides this there is also an agency that takes the benefits of the ads on radio and the TV to attract the attention of those who are in the planning phase for adopting a pet. The name of that agency is "adopt a pet charity". This charity agency is also making a great difference in providing relief to the homeless pets.

The choice is yours. You could find many more gems on the net that are operating for this noble cause. Just select the best one and participate either by donation or by giving your old non usable stuff to them which could be further used for the benefits of the homeless pets.

Click here for more information

Where Can You Adopt a Puppy or Dog?

There are lots of places where you can adopt your new puppy or dog, so it can get pretty overwhelming. Sometimes knowing exactly what kind of dog and what age you want can narrow down your choices, but you should still do research and shop around. The more open minded you are about the dog breed, age, and sex, the easier the process might become! Below is a rundown on the more common avenues people take when adopting their new dog.

FRIENDS

Most polls and data seem to support that a majority of people find puppies and dogs through friend networks. Either a friend or a friend of a friend has found an abandoned stray and you take it in, or you specifically ask around within your circle of friends for anyone who might have a knocked up dog about to give birth or has already given birth.

When adopting your pet from a friend or personal contact, you can probably get a pretty good deal on price, you'll most likely be able to see and meet the puppy's parents, and chances are you won't have to travel very far for the dog. Also, if your friend found a stray, you'll be saving the dog from a trip to the pound. It's a win-win!

However, keep in mind that you won't have as much choice on breed, sex, or age when adopting from a family member or friend. You can either be patient and wait to hear through the grapevine that a particular breed has been put on the market, or you can just take the first fuzzy thing that needs a home!

BREEDERS

Many of those people who had no luck finding what they want from their friends (or those without friends) seem to be looking to professional breeders for their new dogs. Coming in as the second most popular adoption route, breeders offer people a lot of advantages that you just can't get anywhere else.

For one, you'll be able to find almost any breed you want. A quick search engine hunt will yield dozens of breeders that offer the breed you want. And most of them offer safe (though not always that cost-efficient) shipping methods.

Breeders also often times offer health guarantees with their puppies for peace of mind. Furthermore, most breeders LOVE dogs and know how to treat them right! They take great care of their mommy and daddy dogs and also do a great job of weaning the puppies until they are sold.

The down side of adopting from breeders is that you probably won't be finding the cheapest price, especially if the dog has to be shipped. We recommend that you drive and pick up the dog whenever possible. Road trip!

PET STORES

Buying from pet stores seems to be losing popularity - in fact it is the least popular place for people to adopt dogs. The reason for this is because the stigma around Puppy Mills.

Many pet stores get their puppies from Puppy Mills. These Puppy Mills treat dogs like reproducing machines and nothing more. The dogs are often malnourished and abused, kept in small cages and used for breeding until they can breed no more, and then they are put down. As more knowledge about Puppy Mills came out and people became informed, fewer people were going to Pet Stores.

It is important to note that not all Pet Stores acquire their puppies from mills, so it's crucial that we not generalize all Pet Stores. You should just be aware of the potential issue and educate yourself before buying from a Pet Store.

Also, Pet Stores generally have the highest costs dogs.

SHELTERS/RESCUES

It seems more and more people are discovering the advantages of rescuing a dog from shelters or rescue organizations. The misconceptions of rescue dogs are being debunked and many people are finding their perfect pet from a shelter...but there are still millions of dogs being killed every year in pounds and shelters!

Not only are you saving a dogs life, but you are also saving a lot of money. Though most rescue pets come with an adoption fee (and rightfully so!), you will still be paying much, much less than compared to breeders and pet stores.

And if you don't think you can get a purebred dog from a shelter you are just plain wrong! About 25% of dogs left at shelters are pure breeds! And I would be remiss if I didn't also say that mutts make some of the best pets out there!

Another advantage of rescuing a dog is the possibility of missing the puppy stage. Sounds like a disadvantage, eh? Well...now think of all the little messes that puppy would leave you, the shredded pillows, the slobbered slippers. Puppies are great but they are a lot of work. Rescuing an adult dog will prove better than you'd think!

Everyone has different tastes and needs, so there is no right or wrong answer here. It is important that you are aware of all the different adoption routes you can take and that you educate yourself on what will be best for you and your new dog! Good luck and happy adopting!

Peter is a pet blog editor and proud rescue dog owner! You can read his advice regarding pets and pet adoption at the http://www.recycler.com blog.

Where To Adopt A Puppy

One of the biggest decisions you will make is to adopt a puppy for your family. Finding the perfect little four legged edition to your family is important, there are a lot of things to consider. The first two major issues are figuring out how to adopt a puppy and where you can adopt one from.

There are a number of places of places were you can adopt a puppy. There are listings in most local newspapers that can be found in the classified sections. You can also visit a local veterinary office most of them have a community board where people place signs for puppies that are available.

Your local Human Society or Pet Rescue also has puppies that are available for adoption. You can check with your local pet supply stores as to when they will be hosting their next pet adoption days. There are pet stores that also have animals that are available for adoption. Finally, don't feel like you can only adopt a dog locally, you can also search the internet for breeders and adopt a puppy that way.

What is the difference between all of these places when it comes to adopting a puppy? There are two main differences, one is cost. Adopting from a pet store is probably going to be the most expensive route to adopt a dog. Paying more does not mean that you are getting a better dog. If you are able, visit all the options that you have available to you. Go to the Humane Society, visit the Pet Refuge, talk to a number of people before you decide on a puppy.

The second major difference between where you are going to adopt a puppy is where the puppy came from. If you go with independent people that have placed ads in the newspapers, you can ask them if the puppies they have are good with kids, have then been house broken, what shots have they had.

If you choose to go with a breeder they can answer the same questions. I am not going to tell you that one option is better then they other, but you need to ask questions to make sure you are getting the right puppy for you and your family.

Now that we have covered where you can adopt a puppy, let's look at how. Again this is going to depend on where you decide to adopt a puppy from. If you go through an independent person, either a breeder or your neighbor the adoption is pretty simple. You pay them for the puppy and the puppy comes home with you. If you go through a place such as the Humane Society or the Pet Rescue the process is a little different.

The Pet Rescue will actually interview you, ask you a number of questions to make sure that you are a good fit for the puppy. Their goal is to make sure the animals they have are placed in loving, healthy and safe environments. The Humane Society is similar, they will ask about any other animals you have, they will also have the pet spayed or neutered before they come home with you.

In most states both of the Humane Society and the Pet Rescue will have the puppy micro chipped as well. This is for the safety of the puppy, in case he/she ever gets away from you and are found, the Humane Society and the Pet Rescue can get the pup back to you.

Where ever you decide to adopt a puppy from make sure that you are getting the right dog for you and your home. Realize that adopting a puppy is a lot like having a baby. They need love, they need care, they need patience and understanding.

To find more information on where to adopt a puppy and how to housebreak a puppy visit The Pooch Place. There you will find videos, articles and reports to help you take care of your new family member.

Shelter Vs Pet Store: Where Should Your Next Pet Come From?

I have spent my entire life owning pets. From my first dog Spot, an ugly terrier mix with an under bite that jumped our backyard fence to play with my sister and me, to hamsters and snakes. In the past year I have said goodbye to two wonderful animals. My big black tom cat Tyrone and a "lovable doofus" of a dog named Morgan (after Morgan Le Fay from the stories of King Arthur). Tyrone was 20 years old and had been the undisputed king of our house forever. Morgan was 15 years old and was a German Sheppard, Rottweiler mix. She was dumb as a rock but was the sweetest dog I've ever known. Owning and caring for a parade of animals over the years has been a rewarding experience.

Pets enrich your life in so many ways. They depend on you for all their basic needs but in return give hours of companionship and unconditional love. There is nothing like a welcoming bark and snuggle when you return from work at the end of the day. Just spending time petting an animal has been show to lower your blood pressure and who doesn't need their blood pressure lowered after dealing with work, traffic, and the aggravations of a busy day. Pets give you a reason to keep going when things get tough, they are there to comfort you when you are down, they can be workout buddies, and they keep your feet warm at night. I really miss Tyrone on cold winter nights when my husband is out-of-town. He slept at my feet and always kept them toasty warm.

Now where do you find these treasures? In all my years of pet ownership I have never purchased an animal from a pet store other than fish and mice. Even then I only use a small local pet store that does not deal with puppy mills and other more sordid aspects of pet breeding. Every animal I have owned has either been a stray or was rescued from a shelter. In my opinion, these are the only two options for obtaining a new four-legged member of the family. One of the dogs that I own right now, Kokopelli, was found "hitchhiking" in New Mexico while we were on vacation. She was abandoned as a puppy at a campground. When we pulled into the campground and opened our car doors, she jumped in, made herself comfortable in the back seat and looked at us as if to say what took you so long. She was meant to be a part of our lives. Most people do not find their pets this way but you can help save an animal and add an important member to your family by checking out animal shelters and rescue groups.

Every year three to four million animals are euthanized at shelters across this country. Each animal that is adopted is a life saved. People mistakenly believe that animals at shelters have been left there due to behavior problems or for something that the animal has done wrong. Not true! Most are left for very human reasons such as divorce, people moving, death of an owner, or just not being able to care for the animal. With a little advanced planning, you can find your new best friend at a shelter or rescue operation and make both of you very happy.

There are a few questions you need to ask yourself when getting ready to adopt. Do you have the time needed to care for an animal? What are the rules about pets where you live? Can you afford to care for an animal? Do you have the space required for the pet you are considering? Are you willing to care for this animal for the next ten to twenty years? If you can answer all these questions positively it is time to think about the kind of pet you are looking for. Do you want a large dog or a small one? Do you want an older animal or a kitten or puppy? Do you want a cat or a bunny rabbit? Decide and then begin your search.

The internet is a wonderful resource for learning about the shelter or rescue operation that you are considering. Every state has a branch of the Humane Society and they have a very informative website that will explain every aspect of pet adoption. If there is not a Humane Society near you, the ASPCA also operates shelters across the country. These facilities make sure the animals up for adoption are healthy and have no behavior problems. They often include the cost of spay/neuter in the adoption fees and sometimes even obedience classes. Follow up veterinary care may be included for free or at a reduced price. Employees at these shelters are dedicated to helping you make a good match between your family and the pet you adopt. Having all the people or even other animals in your household meet your new pet is a good idea before bringing him/her home.

Suppose you have your heart set on a purebred animal. Twenty five percent of animals left at shelters are purebred. If you are looking for a specific breed and are unable to find one at either of these two places there are rescue groups dedicated to the rescue of nearly every breed of dog or cat. Once again a search of the internet is the first place to look for these groups. Each of these groups is run differently and will have different requirements for the adoption of an animal. Research them completely and talk to the volunteers about all their rules. Asking, your local veterinarian is also a wonderful source of information.

When you have found the animal that you want to make a part of your family, you will need to fill out some paperwork and pay the adoption fees. These fees usually run from $50 to $125 dollars, much less expensive than any pet store. Some shelters even have free adoptions for cats over 3 years old. There are so many animals out there in shelters and rescue programs that anyone should be able to find the perfect companion for their particular circumstances. Please consider using one of these options when searching for your next animal.

Pet stores are always a viable option when looking to get a pet but these places are businesses. They are in it for the money. Making a good match between pet and owner is not a priority for them. You are not guaranteed a healthy animal. I had a friend that purchased a puppy for nearly $700.00. Within twenty-four hours of bringing the puppy home it got very ill. It had a very contagious disease called parvovirus which was then passed to their older dog. Hundreds of dollars in veterinary bills later, the puppy died. Their older dog happily survived. They were able to get their money back from the pet store but it was a heartbreaking experience. Nearly every dog sold in pet stores has come from some kind of puppy mill. Google "puppy mill" and research the horrendous practices that produce sick, deformed and genetically fragile animals. Every purchase of one of these dogs is supporting this horrible industry.

I support the ASPCA and give a $1 donation to the local shelter for every paid order on my website. It is my way of giving a little back. Check it out and help me to help the animals.

http://www.darbysgiftsandmore.com

Darlene Bunevac is the owner of a successful online gift shop. To check out our full service online store go to http://www.darbysgiftsandmore.com for a safe and user friendly shopping experience.
We specialize in gifts for every occasion, weddings, showers, birthdays, holidays and housewarmings.
Candles, candleholders, and home and garden decor are our specialty.

Where to Find the Perfect Pet

Are you thinking about getting a pet? Dogs and cats have been a companion to Man since the beginning of history. They have provided us with protection, helped us with hunting, and provided unflinching loyalty and companionship. In today's world, companionship is the primary need for the average household. Whether you live alone or are married with children, whether you have an active outdoor life or prefer to stay at home, there is a dog or cat to fit your lifestyle. So where do you find such a wonderful companion? Your local humane society is the best source for a good and healthy pet.

What is a humane society? A humane society is a non-profit organization that provides multiple services to domestic animals including animal rescue and care, pet adoptions, and public education. The animals of the humane society are pets that have been neglected or abandoned by the previous owners or from people who give up their pet for various reasons including moving, they can't afford the pet, the pet grew too big, or because of behavior problems that the owner may not have had the knowledge to correct. The humane society evaluates these various homeless animals and cares for them until a quality home can be found. In order to try to prevent more homeless animals, the humane society is also committed to providing education to the public and to providing low-cost veterinary services such as preventative care and spaying or neutering.

Why get a pet from a humane society? The humane society assesses the health and temperament of all the animals that come their way. They also evaluate the people looking to adopt the pet. This ensures that you get the perfect pet to match your lifestyle. The humane society works to provide pets for experienced pet owners as well as for first-time pet owners. Since some dogs at the humane society are already trained and house-broken by their previous owners, an adult dog would be great for someone who doesn't want to go through all the training required of a puppy . But if you'd prefer to raise dog from a puppy, the humane society has puppies too. If you are a cat lover you can easily find a grown cat with the perfect personality. Or you can choose a cute little kitten to bond grow with your family. The humane society will also be able to help you find the perfect dog or cat that will be good with your children. And if you have other pets, the humane society will find you a new pet to get along with your already established household. For active outdoor people who want to share their lifestyle with a companion, the humane society will have the perfect dog to join you on your morning run or evening bike ride.

Besides the owner-pet matching advantage, the humane society also provides comparatively low cost spaying or neutering services and preventative veterinary care. All the shots necessary for a dog or cat will already be taken care of or arrangements will be made to get those handled when the pet is old enough. Some humane societies also provide after-adoption services such as continued pet care advise and obedience classes.

The final reason to adopt a pet from the humane society is because the employees and volunteers of the humane society are dedicated animal lovers. Wouldn't you rather get a pet from someone who is knowledgeable about dogs and cats and who is committed to their well-being? Janet is one such volunteer at the Humane Society of Greater Kansas City (HSGKS). She has four years of volunteer experience with the humane society and can attest that the employees and volunteers of this organization work from the heart and that a team of skilled veterinarians work to ensure the health of the animals. Janet's two dogs, Brody and Lily, were adopted from a humane society. Lily was about two months old when she was adopted. She is a cute Australian shepherd while Brody is a chocolate lab who Janet calls a "gentle giant". He was adopted a year after Lily when he was about two months old. He is now four years old and over 100 pounds. There was an adjustment period between the two dogs due to Lily's herding instincts but Brody learned to adjust and gladly succumbs to the smaller dog. Janet says that Brody and Lily "are an integral part of my life and I am glad our paths have intertwined; I'd be lost with out them."

If you are looking for a new pet as wonderful as Brody and Lily, remember that adopting a pet is a lifetime commitment. Adopting from a humane society is not a simple process because the people who work there want to make sure that you are not only ready for that commitment but are also capable of fulfilling it. However, the benefits and rewards of adopting a pet from the humane society far outweigh the lengthy adoption process. For more information on adopting a pet, contact your local humane society. There is a wonderful dog or cat just waiting for you.

Dawn Ross http://www.PetAutoSafety.com