To adopt, or not to adopt?
Adopting an animal can provide many benefits. You'll find that perfect pet, and you could even be saving a life. But what if you can't find "the one" for you in a shelter? Where else can you go?
First, I advise and recommend for ANY prospective pet owner to first check out the rescue scene. If you prefer a specific breed of any species (dog, cat, rabbit, what-have-you), there are purebred shelters that you can go to.
Check out Petfinder.com. This is a wonderful website that shelters all over the U.S.A come together to find homes for pets. They have a very easy-to-use search engine for you to find animals that interest you. You can look for any type of companion animal imaginable. I highly recommend Petfinder.com!
The House Rabbit Society ** also has links to their many chapters across the U.S. Their website has information about rabbits** (please see side) as well as links to their chapters. If you're looking for a rabbit, check them out.
Another great place to look is the PetShelter Network. This website has links to many other rescue websites. Very nice site and easy to use.
Breeders
Ok, so you've looked at the sources but still can't seem to find just the right one. Now you're considering a breeder. Please note that there is absolutely nothing wrong with purchasing an animal from a reputable and responsible breeder. Far too many rescue organizations place the pet overpopulation blame on breeders (when in reality it is due to irresponsible pet owners and "breeders"). They fail to recognize that there are good breeders out there. Instead, they lump responsible breeders, backyard breeders, raisers, and animal millers into one catagory. Not only is this incorrect, but it gives many unknowledgeable people the wrong impression about breeders.
Unfortunately there are those irresponsible "breeders" out there, and they are the people whom you should keep a weary eye out for.
All they're looking for is a profit. And any responsible breeder will chuckle when they tell you the truth. When breeding animals, one doesn't make a profit from them. Any money gained goes right back into the animals. Feed, equipment, vet bills/medicine, show fees, books, etc., etc., etc.....
When looking at a particular breeder, you'll want to look for the following traits:
1. Look at their animals. Do they look healthy? Do they look happy? Is their enclosure clean and sanitary?
2. Is the breeder helpful? Will they answer any and all of your questions? Are they easy to talk to? Have they showed you all of their animals, or only the one(s) you're interested in purchasing?
3. Do they have proof of vet visits for their animals (certain species do not require veterinary visits--rabbits are one such animal. Dogs, cats, and birds must be checked by a veterinarian before being bred, however)?
4. How old are the puppies/kittens/bunnies/chicks/etc. being sold? Are they old enough to be away from their mother?
5. What is the breeder breeding towards? Are they showing their animals and trying to better a specific breed, or are they just producing pets?
6. What is their policy on their animals being sold? Do they have a lifetime guarantee for any and all animals sold from them? If their animals are being sold as pets, do they have a spay/neuter policy? Will they check on you at the appropriate time to make sure this is done (some breeders do this, others don't. If they don't, that doesn't necessarily mean that they are a bad breeder)?
Continue onto the next page for links on how to find reputable breeders....
Home