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Where to buy a Pet?
 Choosing
the right pet can be a daunting task. We have compiled information
on various ways to obtain the perfect companion for you and your
family. Please take the time to consider all options available to
you. Remember that by purchasing a pet from a pet shop you are
contributing to the suffering of that puppy's parents, and thousands
of others like them.
Also be aware that purchasing from a puppy mill, pet store, or a
back yard breeder is not a wise choice if you are looking for a
sound, healthy, well-socialized animal.
Choosing the Right Pet
Bringing a pet into your life is a major decision! Ask yourself this
- would you buy a car without first doing some research? What make,
model, colour, year? The answer is NO! But each year well meaning
people purchase a companion animal on impulse. Pet stores count on
this fact! You will own your car for an average of five years, your
pet is a fifteen year commitment! Your car is steel and plastic,
your pet is flesh and blood, with emotions & feelings, much like
humans. Where will you be in 15 years?
Adopting from Shelters & Rescue Organizations
Adopting from a shelter or reputable rescue can be just as
rewarding, for those of you who aren't keen on a puppy or don't have
the time, adoption is an excellent route. You still have the same
considerations as buying a dog, but if you adopt, the shelter or
rescue will know more about the dog and will try to match you with a
dog that suits your lifestyle. There are SPCA's, Humane Societies,
Private Rescues and Breed Specific Rescues out there, tons of
resources! Check out
www.petfinder.com
for a great start!
Finding A Reputable Breeder
If you are looking for a purebred puppy to be the perfect
addition to your family, then it is well worth your while to find a
reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will be able to help you
choose a companion that is compatible with your lifestyle, and will
be there for you for the puppy’s whole life.
So, what is a reputable breeder? Click
here to
find out.
Places to Avoid
When choosing the perfect pet, avoid unwittingly supporting millers
and back yard breeders. Every "doggie in the window" is from a puppy
mill or back yard breeder. No matter what the shop keeper tells you,
reputable breeders DO NOT sell to pet shops.
Ever seen an adorable pup in the local pet shop and considered
purchasing him/her? Impulse pet shop buys lead to the over
population of dogs in our shelters and rescues, while the pet store
earns hundreds of dollars on one pup.
What is a "Purebred"?
Defined by the
Canada Animal Pedigree Act, a purebred dog is a dog that has
parents of the same breed that are registered with the Canadian Kennel
Club or an accepted club*. One can NOT sell a dog as
purebred without papers from the registry as well it is
ILLEGAL in Canada to charge extra money for those papers!
Dogs
with parents of two different purebreds does NOT make the dog a
purebred, lately we see fancy new names for mutts aka the 'doodles',
'bugs', 'morkies', etc
these mixes, aka mutts, they are not purebred, no matter what they tell you,
they are sure cute, but are NOT purebred. There
also some newer registries that are not very strict and will simply
allow any dog to be registered, be careful and be aware and educate
yourself.
Even if you feel sorry for the puppy in the pet store, by
purchasing him, you are supporting the puppy mill business and
opening another spot for a mill puppy. If there is NO demand, there will be no
supply.
 *There
are only a handful of accepted clubs by the Canadian Pedigree Act,
clubs such as the Continental Kennel Club, American Pet Registry,
Federation of International Canines etc. are not legitimate
recognized clubs. |
