How to Find a Puppy : The Right Way

Owning a dog is more rewarding than can words can describe. Anyone having a family pet knows how much they become an integral part of family life and how much happiness they bring.

As a result, puppies are in high demand, which attracts those who sell puppies in high volumes and, the less they provide quality care for these puppies, the more they profit – an abusive and despicable practice. So how can you avoid buying a puppy from disreputable sources?

More than the Horrible 100

Because there is no quality of care certification pertaining to puppies for sale, and because local authorities can only react to complaints, making sure you purchase your puppy from a reputable pet store, salon or breeder requires your due diligence. Some organizations have created lists of disreputable pet stores and breeders but, sadly, this list may just be scratching the surface.

Reputable Pet Stores

Any reputable pet store will share with you the names of breeders they buy from. It’s recommended that you only buy from pet stores who buy from USDA-registered breeders that are also affiliated with kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club (AKC) and the American Canine Association (ACA).

The health, temperament and happy disposition of puppies should be everyone’s utmost concern, so make sure the pet store fully warranties their puppies, vets all of the breeders they buy from, and has each puppy examined by a properly licensed veterinarian. Ask for the puppy’s vaccine history, health record and pedigree papers. Many reputable pet stores also include a microchip with your puppy and register them to you at the time of purchase and will take your puppy back for any reason.

Buyer beware: if any of the above is not presented, or if the puppy is less than six weeks old – too young for these pups to be separated from their mother – steer clear of the pet store and consider reporting them to local authorities.

Reputable Breeders

In addition to being registered with the USDA, how do you know if a breeder is reputable or not? By talking with them and seeing their premises.

Honorable breeders, as well as reputable pet stores, are usually very selective of who they sell to. They want to ensure these puppies that they love so much find good homes, and often offer customer satisfaction guarantees. They will be happy to talk about which dogs are hypoallergenic, how to groom them properly and any other special care they need.

Disreputable Breeders, Stores & Internet-Only Sales

Disreputable breeders, stores and many individuals selling puppies over the internet often separate puppies from their mother shortly after they are born, keep them in cramped, unsanitary conditions, do not provide adequate nutrition, and provide none of the love a puppy needs at this tender stage of life.

These puppy resellers are likely to be unresponsive to calls, unwilling to show their premises and seem more concerned with selling than the quality of care for these dogs. Bottom line: if you suspect anything, move on. And, especially if you’re thinking about buying a puppy from an internet site, you’ll want to ensure that you are speaking with an authorized representative and can build a rapport with the business – ask for references and be sure to understand all of their policies and warranties.

Be Comfortable, Be Happy

By purchasing your puppy through a reputable pet store and breeder who you are comfortable with, you will help support those who care for these happy and healthy puppies, and help put the rest out of business. Reputable pet stores can continue to care for your pet with dog grooming services and many of the latest pet salon products with which you can pamper your pet.

Cindy Knowles is the author of this article on pet stores. Find more information, about dog grooming here