The time has come for you to add a four-legged companion to your household.  Do you adopt?  Do you buy from a breeder?

There are many options available to people looking to purchase a dog.  While we highly encourage adoption from shelters or animal rescue groups, we acknowledge that some people have their mind set on a specific breed and are set on purchasing from a breeder or broker.   Before doing so, make sure you have done your research to avoid a potentially unhealthy pet or even unknowingly supporting puppy mills.  Here are a few things to consider before making that important decision:

• Do your research.  Know what to expect about a breed so you can flag any unusual behaviours when meeting your puppy.
• Responsible breeders won’t sell their puppies to the first person who shows up with cash in hand.
• Exercise caution when buying from brokers.  Ensure you know the living conditions these puppies are being housed in.
• Always meet the puppy and the parents first.

“If a breeder doesn’t want to show you these kinds of things, it should spark a red flag,” says Agent Brad Dewar of the Ontario SPCA.

Purchasing a dog from unfit conditions can lead to years of health problems which in turn can be a financial burden.   Global News recently reported a story “Former bulldog broker alleges animals sold were often sick”, where a broker claims that some of the animals she sold from a puppy breeder were in fact sick.

Unfortunately some people are out to make a quick buck and don’t provide the basic care required for healthy animals or breed their animals too often, resulting in genetic abnormalities.  When purchasing a pet, make sure you know where they are coming from to that you can ensure you are going to get a happy healthy animal.

You can learn more about finding a responsible dog breeder on www.humanesociety.org.