Thinking of adding a four-legged friend to your family? Before you simply choose the cutest doggie in the window, there’s a bit more to consider. From breeders offering purebreds to strays looking for a forever home, there’s a whole world of more ethical options available.
Adopt, don’t shop
Every year, hundreds of thousands of healthy animals are abandoned, left to face an uncertain future and the very real danger of being put down.
“I always encourage people to adopt rather than buying from a pet store because you’re giving an animal a new chance at life,” says veterinarian Dr Kate Adams. “One of the biggest advantages is you can pick an adult animal that already has its own personality – and you can skip the difficult kitten or puppy stage.”
To meet your perfect pet match, do your research before you visit an animal shelter. “There’s a wealth of information on breeds online, so it’s worth looking up what types of pets will suit your lifestyle,” Dr Adams advises. “There might be a very cute but very active border collie that needs a home, but if you live in a two-bedroom high-rise in the middle of the city, it’s not a good idea.”
Shelters won’t often have a lot of information on an animal’s history, so get to know your prospective pet as much as possible before you take them home. Also, check to see how they might interact with grandchildren and any other pets you may have.
“It takes time when adopting,” Dr Adams says. “Expect to visit the shelter numerous times until you get the right match.”
Finally, it’s important to ensure you’re choosing a reputable shelter. “Unfortunately, I see a lot of adoptions fail, usually because the animal isn’t suitable for adoption – sometimes by anyone,” Dr Adams explains. To save yourself potential heartbreak and guarantee you get the best pet for you, check with your local vet for a list of trustworthy shelters.
Let’s talk about good breeding
If, after doing your research, you have your heart set on a certain type of cat or dog, a breeder could be the way to go.
“One of the biggest positives of using a breeder is access to your pet’s complete history, so you can find out what their health and temperament will be like, something you can’t always do with adoption,” Dr Adams reveals.
But not all breeders are created equal – make sure the people you’re dealing with are licensed and talk to a vet before committing to a purchase.
“Unfortunately, people often don’t know what they’re looking for and end up with a French bulldog fraught with health problems or a nippy border collie with anxiety,” Dr Adams says.
If it’s possible, she suggests meeting your future pet’s parents, so you can determine if they’ll have any problems down the track. “You want to make sure they don’t have any skin conditions or bone issues and that they’re well cared for,” she says.
“You also want one that specialises in one breed – not five to 10 – and has no more than two litters a year, so the breeder has the time and energy to care for each puppy or kitten.”
Finally, once you’ve selected your new furry family member, book in with your local vet for a full check-up.
Want to know more? Visit Animals Australia.
