Where Should I Get a New Pet?

Deciding Where to Find Your Next Pet

If you’ve decided to add a pet to your family, you may be wondering where you should go to find your new four-legged friend. Our Santa Monica Pet Medical Center team knows that adopting or purchasing a pet is a big decision, and we offer information to help you decide where to find your next furry pal.

Adopting from a pet shelter or rescue

Numerous cats and dogs enter pet shelters and rescues every year, and many are euthanized because homes can’t be found for them and there is no space or money to house them. These pets may have been abandoned, surrendered by their owners, found as strays, or rescued from a neglectful situation. What is the difference between these organizations? Shelters usually are operated and funded by local governments while rescues rely on donations and volunteers. Benefits of adopting from a pet shelter or rescue include:

• Saving lives — When you adopt a pet, you not only save their life, but also the life of the next pet the shelter or rescue is able to take in because it has an opening.
• Veterinary care — Most adopted pets already are vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and microchipped.
• Affordable — The fee to adopt a pet is much less than purchasing from a breeder.
• House-trained — Most pets from a shelter or rescue have been house-trained, and some have more advanced training.
• Temperament — In many cases, shelter employees or rescue volunteers can tell you about a pet’s temperament and personality.
• Inherited diseases — About 75% of pets in shelters and rescues are mixed-breed pets and have a lower risk of inherited diseases.

Challenges of adopting from a pet shelter or rescue include:

• Behavioral issues — Pets who come from traumatic situations may have behavioral issues, requiring patience and time to address. But in many cases, if you make the commitment, these pets become the most loyal and loving companions you can find.
• Questionable breed — You may not know what breed your pet is. However, mixed-breed pets are just as smart, loving, and loyal as purebred pets.

Breed-specific rescue organizations that focus on rescuing a chosen breed are also an option. The American Kennel Club (AKC) Rescue Network currently represents 160 unique breeds to help rehome purebred dogs. Petfinder is another source to help adopt a purebred or designer pet.

Purchasing a pet from a breeder

If you have your heart set on a particular breed, purchasing from a breeder may be your best option. Benefits of purchasing a pet from a breeder include:

• Background — You know exactly where your pet comes from, and, in most cases, can evaluate their parents and see the environment where they started their life. 
• Socialization — A reputable breeder will start socialization techniques to help your pet grow into a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult.
• Genetic health tests — If the breed you choose is at high risk for an inherited disease, the breeder should supply genetic health testing to confirm that your pet is unlikely to develop the condition.
• Pet shows — If you plan to show your pet, they must be papered to compete.

Challenges of purchasing from a breeder include:

• Responsibility — When purchasing from a breeder, you get a puppy or kitten who will require time, energy, and training to teach them how to navigate their world.
• Expense — Buying a pet from a breeder can be expensive, and the cost doesn’t cover the pet’s veterinary checks, vaccinations, or spay or neuter costs. 
• Breed-related health problems — Genetic testing doesn’t completely confirm that your pet won’t develop a breed-related health problem.

Finding a reputable breeder is the most important step if you decide to purchase your pet. Look for the following characteristics:

• The breeder should encourage you to come to the facility to meet the puppy or kitten and their parents.
• The facility should be clean, spacious, and well-maintained.
• The pets should be happy, friendly, and well-groomed.
• The breeder should have you sign a contract saying you will return the pet if you are unable to care for them at any point in their life. The contract also should state that you promise to spay or neuter the pet unless you plan to breed them.
• The breeder should be available to provide advice and support after you take your pet home.
• The breeder should provide proof that the pet’s parents have been professionally evaluated for genetic issues common to the breed.
• The breeder should question you about your experience with pets and the environment you will provide for the pet.
• The breeder should be knowledgeable and only breed one or two pet breeds.

Pet mills

Pet mills are commercial pet-breeding facilities where the pets are often kept in cramped, soiled cages and don’t receive adequate mental stimulation, physical exercise, or veterinary care. Purchasing a pet from one of these operations contributes to the problem. Signs you are dealing with a pet mill include:

• Pet stores — Pet stores are the biggest source of pet mill puppies and kittens. 
• No purchase criteria — Reputable breeders want their puppies and kittens to go to a good home, and they perform extensive interviews with potential applicants to ensure their pets find the right home. Pet mill operators don’t care as long as you provide the money.
• Advertising — Reputable breeders typically find people through referrals, and they don’t need to advertise. Pet mills post many online ads, pretending to be reputable breeders. 
• No inspection — Pet mill operators typically won’t let potential buyers inspect the facility or meet the pet before purchase.

If you welcome a new pet into your home, contact our Santa Monica Pet Medical Center team so we can meet your new addition and start them on an appropriate health care plan.