Are you searching for a furry companion? If you’ve done your research, then you probably know what species and breed you’re searching for. From kittens being given away in a parking lot to rescuing strays on the side of the road, there are always animals in need of a home. However, you may not come across these two scenarios for a while. Working with a breeder or choosing a shelter might be the better option. Let’s explore some tips to help you through the process.
Work With A Breeder
The relationship between you and the breeder is all about trust. They’re the source of your information when it comes to choosing the right pet. However, there are breeders who aren’t as transparent as others. You’ll need to do a few things before deciding to work with them.
· Meet The Breeder
First thing is first, meet the breeder. In-person interactions reveal a lot more than a phone call or email does. This is your chance to explore the kennel, too. Is it clean? Are the animals well-fed? How do the animals interact with the breeder? If they shy away from them, that’s a red flag.
· Ask Questions
If they’re an honest breeder, they won’t mind answering your questions. There are no dumb questions when it comes to animals and their care. This person should have most, if not all, of the answers you seek. Consider the way they answer, too. Were they clear or did they beat around the bush?
· See The Parents
If you want to gauge your future pet’s temperament, size, and appearance then look at the parents. There’s no reason the breeder should have a problem with this, unless they’re hiding something. Some breeders may try to pass mix-breeds for pure-breeds by hiding one of the parents. A change in breed can mean a change in personality, and this won’t be shown until they’re already grown.
· Collect Medical History
Reputable breeders won’t have any issues providing you with health screenings like OFA and CERF certificates. They’ll also explain the health conditions that come with that particular breed, as many bred animals have health issues. You need to know so you can watch out for them as they grow.
Adopt From A Shelter
Just as there are many passionate and wonderful shelters, there are also those who simply want to get rid of the animals they have. This can mean being lied to and ending up with an animal that has a bad temperament or expensive medical issues. So, let’s go over the things you should consider while picking an animal shelter.
· Meet The Pet
Photos and bios are great, but meeting the pet is essential. There are a few shelters who don’t allow you to meet the animal, and that’s a red flag. A transparent shelter will allow you to visit the animals as many times as you want, however, you can’t call dibs on a pet unless you sign the paperwork. If you wait, they may be gone the next time you visit.
· Adopt From The Shelter, Not The Transport Vehicle
When you see animals being delivered via a transport vehicle, that often means that they aren’t getting to know the animals. That means improper medical checks and lack of personality awareness. Don’t trust shelters that do this. If they’ve been with the shelter the appropriate amount of time, then you’ll receive accurate information.
· Adopt Age-Appropriate Pets
You can’t vaccinate an animal until they’re at least eight weeks old. If a shelter is trying to foster an underage animal, that means that they’re not taking the necessary medical precautions. Keep this in mind when those cute little noses stare up at you.
· Gather Medical Documents
If your shelter doesn’t have proof of vaccinations, then you should look elsewhere. Every reputable shelter keeps accurate and up-to-date documents for every animal. In short, get the paperwork. There’s no other way to find out about the animal’s history. Do it even if that dog is looking at you with sad eyes.
· Choose A Shelter That Is Patient And Transparent
If the shelter is trying to rush you, then rethink your decision. This is especially true if they try to arrange a meetup at a different location. A good shelter will be concerned with the long-term happiness of the animal. That requires time and patience. Trust your instincts when it comes to interacting with shelters. You’ll know who cares about the animals and who doesn’t.
