Christmas Puppies: What you should know before you buy

Christmas Puppies: What you should know before you buy

Images: Luv4K9's Dog Rescue taken during their "Paws with Claus" event.

So you're thinking of buying a puppy for Christmas? Pets can be an important part of family life, and are wonderful companions. Choosing a pet can take time, and with less than two weeks until Christmas, time is not on your side!  However, if your first instinct is to head down to the pet store, take a moment to consider the alternatives. 

4 reasons to adopt from a shelter - and not buy from a pet store

Pet stores make it incredibly easy to buy dogs and cats for Christmas.  On the other hand, finding the right pet to adopt from local rescue groups and shelters can take time and effort - but even with just a couple of weeks to go, it's not impossible, and it's well worth the effort.  Here's why:

1. You'll be saving a life
   Every year, more than 7.6 million animals enter shelters nationwide after being lost or abandoned by their owners. About 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized because there simply isn't enough room for them. If more people adopted from shelters instead of supporting puppy mills through pet stores, fewer dogs would be euthanized. Help eliminate the euthanasia by adopting a pet from your local animal shelter.
2. You won't be supporting the puppy mill industry
   Most puppies found in pet stores come from puppy mills. Staff may assure you that they only support the highest standards of breeding and care, but how can you really know? (Check out this article: Pet Store Doublespeak).  But what about the pet store puppies, you might ask? Don't they also need rescuing? Unfortunately, the empty cage you just left at the pet store will just be filled with another puppy. Only when customers stop buying will the cycle end. 
3. Adoptable dogs are not second-hand dogs
   Many happy and healthy pets end up in shelters because of issues like owners moving, divorce or other family problems, allergies and other reasons - not because the animal did anything wrong. They are just waiting for the right family to take them home!
4. You care and want to find the right pet for your family
   Be prepared for questions when you visit a shelter or approach an animal rescue group - and use the opportunity to ask your own questions. They will want to make sure you and your family are a good fit for their furry little friend, and as well as knowing about the pet's background, staff and volunteers of shelters and rescue groups will often know their adoptable pets intimitely.

It's worth mentioning that shelter / rescue dogs are also a bargain!  Adopted pets are often already spayed or neutered and up-to-date with their vaccinations. Also remember, puppies at pet stores and not up for adoption - they are for sale, for profit -  adoption fees at a shelter or rescue are often much less than the premium price tag at a pet store.

Where to find adoptable pets in the Dayton area

So where should you be looking to find your new family pet here in the Miami Valley?  Here are 5 local shelters and rescues to consider: 

You can also search online at Petfinder.com, where many rescue groups post their adoptable pets.  If you're looking for a purebred, the Humane Society report that up to 25% of pets in shelters are purebreds. Don't rely on the websites alone though. Visit your local shelter in person - sometimes all it takes is to look directly into a pet’s eyes - purebred or mutt - to fall in love.

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