The Truth About Cats and Dogs

With the holidays quickly approaching, I think it's time to review the Do's and Don'ts of a popular gift: pets.

So, you're thinking of adding a furry friend to your family? First, let's review the DON'TS of pet ownership: specifically the becoming an owner part.

Don'ts
1. Don't buy ANYTHING from a pet shop.
First, some clarification on what I mean by "pet shop". There are plenty of good pet stores out there: they sell toys, food, books, and supplies. Pet shops may sell all of that but the distinction is that pet shops also sell pets. You can often find these shops in malls, of the shopping or strip variety. They feature cute puppies and kittens in their storefront windows and scattered around the store, as well as listed as "inventory" in their accounting books. Selling things for profit means that the profiter needs access to a lot of that item, and for cheaper than what she will be selling it for. Pet shop owners need a steady supply of cheap puppies, and puppies that will sell. This is a business, after all. So, where can pet shop owners find a steady cheap supply of puppies in whatever breed they need?
Well, here: Make no mistake about it. If you buy ANYTHING from a pet shop, this what you are supporting. I know that it can be hard to resist the cute puppy or kitten in the store, but buying it will only support this.

2. Don't buy dogs or cats on the internet!
The internet has opened up a huge market for the same breeders that often supply pet shops. What better way to increase your profit than by selling directly to the consumer?! There are legitimate, reputable breeders out there, but they will not advertise on the internet and will certainly make you jump through some hoops to buy a dog from them (see: Do #3).

3. Don't buy hybrid breeds or "Designer Dogs"!
Poodles of America are certainly popular, especially to people who don't really want a poodle. Instead they want a labrapoodle or a cockapoo or a yorkipoo or some other "-oodle". Despite what their advocates (otherwise known as the people who are breeding and selling them) want you to believe, these are not purebred dogs. These are instead a blatant example of irresponsible breeding. Yes, all of today's purebred dogs were once "hybrids". But a past mistake does not give us permission to perpetuate that mistake and "make" new breeds of dogs. Incredibly, people spend up to $1000 or more for one of these hybrid dogs. Supporting this craze not only supports breeding dogs for profit, but it supports intentional breeding of different breeds of dogs.

So, you still really want a pet?

Do's
1. DO ADOPT!
Adopting an animal is one of the most rewarding things you can do. You are not only welcoming a new member of the family, but you are giving a dog or cat another shot at happiness. Additionally you are NOT contributing to the overpopulation of cats and dogs.
You can easily find your closest animal shelter or humane society by Googling, or find adoptable pets in your area at Petfinder or Pets 911.

2. DO ADOPT!
Even if you really want a specific breed or age, you can still adopt! Petfinder allows you to search by breed, size, sex, and age. Additionally, most breeds have breed-specific rescues.

3. Purchase from a Reputable Breeder.
So you want to adopt, but you really want a specific breed and you can't find it. I understand. Even if you must must must have a purebred dog, you can still be a responsible consumer. This will take some extra work and expense on your part, though. The best way to find reputable, responsible dog breeders in your area is to check out any local dog shows. You can purchase programs at shows that tell you who the breeder is and their contact information. Another good way to find responsible breeders is to contact the state or national association for that particular breed.

How will you know you've found a responsible breeder? Responsible breeders don't raise dogs for profit. Additionally, those breeders will not sell their dog to you very easily. These breeders often require potential homes to fill out questionnaires and may even require interviews and home visits before agreeing to sell you a dog. Obviously, this, in addition to actually finding a breeder who has available dogs, is a long process and requires patience. But, you can always adopt.