There are many important things to consider before buying a new puppy. After you are sure that your family’s lifestyle and budget can accommodate for a dog as an additional family member, and you have done your research on what kind or breed of dog best suites your family, you must be very careful about who or where you buy your puppy from.

Here are some important things to consider before buying a puppy:

n Does the puppy come with a record of veterinarian examination or health certificate? If your puppy becomes ill after you buy it, you may be out additional expenses on vet bills or even the loss of your puppy to death.

n Check the location in which the puppy was raised. Was he raised in a healthy environment under humane conditions? Is the breeder housing too many dogs?

n Demand to see the parent dogs of the puppy. Are they in good health, social, and kept in humane conditions?

n Ask the name of the veterinarian whom the breeder uses and find out if the breeder takes care of his/her dogs the way one is supposed to.

n A “business” that mass produces dogs for a profit with minimal regard for the quality and welfare of the animals is called a “puppy mill.” These are places where adult dogs will spend their entire lives in cages, often in filthy conditions and in poor health. Due to in-breeding, puppies often carry genetic health problems and birth defects. You certainly do not want to support this!

If you must buy a puppy, make sure it’s from a reputable individual that provides a record of health examination and has the best interest of the animals in mind and not just for money. Beware of buying puppies from parking lots! You won’t know where the puppies came from, and even if the seller seems nice, you could be deceived just to get your money.

If you really want to feel good about adding a pet into your family, consider adopting one from a shelter or reputable rescue organization and save a life.



Stephanie Lee

East Mississippi Animal Rescue

Meridian