Are you planning on getting a puppy but don’t know where to start? A new pup can be an exciting addition to the family, but finding the perfect fit may be challenging.
Should you go to a rescue animal shelter or buy a purebred pup? Should you adopt from friends or family or rescue dogs who have been abandoned?
If you’re wondering where and how to find a puppy that’ll fit your family’s needs, read on below for 5 simple tips.
1. Your Local Animal Shelter
The best place for puppy adoption is your local animal shelter. There are dogs of all breeds, sizes, and ages that are just waiting to be adopted by a loving family. If you’re interested in puppies, you can visit the shelter and get to know the pups before deciding.
You’ll get a fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered pup and if it belonged to an owner, it might even be trained. The shelter volunteers can even tell you the main personality traits of the pup.
2. Your Local Rescue Organization
Another great place for adopting puppies is your local rescue organization. They have a lengthier, more complicated adoption process and more purebred pups to choose from. However, they want to make sure that both the puppy and the family will be a good fit for each other.
This is why you should act fast if you have your eyes set on a specific puppy. You should also expect to pay higher fees and complete detailed adoption documentation.
3. A Professional Dog Breeder
If you want to buy a puppy from a specific breed and be sure it has a pedigree, you should look into professional breeders. These are people who only sell purebred dogs and do not mix them with other breeds.
For example, if you’re looking for frenchie puppies for sale, make sure you do in-depth research into licensed dog breeders.
4. Adopt from Friends and Family Dogs
If you’re not comfortable getting a puppy from strangers, ask your friends or family members with dogs to adopt a puppy from them. In most cases, you already know the breed and personality of their dogs, so you can choose the right fit for you.
You can learn a lot about a puppy if you know what its parents’ temperaments, needs, and personalities are like. Before adopting, make sure to spend some time with the puppy’s family to see the dynamics.
5. Look Online or on Social Media
Sometimes, the best pup you’ll find is through social media groups or online classifieds. You need to be careful before interacting with sellers as many may present themselves as “family breeders” while in fact, they’re puppy mills.
Always try to visit the place where the puppy lives so you can see for yourself if the sellers are legitimate. If they hesitate or ask to deliver the puppy to you, stay away. There are many reputable breeders to choose from.
Now You Know How to Find a Puppy You’ll Love
Now that you know how to find a puppy, it’s time to start looking for the perfect furry friend for you and your family. Whether you want a big dog or a smaller breed, a puppy will bring so much joy into your life.
Want more puppy and pet tips? Check out some of the other articles on our site where we post the latest pet trends, updates, and advice.