River Cities Pets

Where To Find The Breed You Want

Some people have their heart set on a particular breed, but they should be acquired responsibly.

First, check all the local shelters and pounds by entering a search on Petfinder. According to the Humane Society of the United States, 25% of dogs in shelters are purebred.

If, on the off chance the breed you want is not available in shelters or breed rescue groups, buy your puppy from a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders only breed to improve the breed, never to make money. They NEVER sell to pet stores and RARELY advertise "puppies for sale" in the classifieds or on the internet, since they normally have approved homes for the puppies before they are born. They sell on spay/neuter or limited contracts so as not to contribute to pet overpopulation. Most responsible breeders are also involved in breed rescue.

"Backyard breeders" usually DO sell in the classifieds and on the internet. Don't encourage them by buying their puppies. Thousands of puppies and kittens are euthanized every day. Backyard breeders are a major contributor to pet overpopulation in this country. If we stop buying, they will stop breeding.

Many of those "free to good home" ads in the classifieds are there because someone neglected to have their pet spayed or neutered. If you respond to such an ad try to educate that person on the importance of spaying and neutering. Don't encourage them by adopting their puppies and kittens. These irresponsible owners are the number one cause of pet overpopulation and the mass killing of pets in this country.

Finding A Responsible Breeder

Before you buy a puppy, see these six tips on avoiding puppy mills

River Cities Pets

Page updated: November 5th 2013