John
In 2021, Australians lost a whopping $2.5 million to scammers posing as ethical pet breeders. There were 2,131 pet scam reports received by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s Scamwatch late last year compared with only 498 in 2019. It, therefore, comes as no surprise why many Aussies are now more cautious when looking for a pet to adopt. The good thing is that there is no shortage of responsible dog breeders in Australia. You just have to know where to find them.
If you are considering bringing home a new puppy, here are the best places where you can adopt one:
#1 Shelters
There are many reasons why dogs end up in animal shelters or rescue homes. Some are surrendered by their owners due to health issues, financial hardship, and lifestyle changes. Others are simply found as strays. Luckily, shelters do not close their doors on animals that need to be rehomed. But what exactly are these facilities and why should you adopt a puppy from them?
Shelters are operated either by the government, private individuals, a local humane society, or a combination of each. They have trained staff that genuinely care for dogs to make them ready for adoption.
The only problem with animal shelters is that not all are the same. Fortunate dogs end up in traditional admission facilities with professional staff, while the less fortunate ones end up in distressing kennels that expose them to diseases and elements.
Luckily, there are ways to know if you are adopting from a reputable dog shelter. Good facilities usually have a private room for adopters to meet and get to know the animals. They have an isolation area designed for dogs that are ill. They have cruelty investigators coming in as well as an on-call vet that is available 24 hours a day. Finally, they have a pre-adoption home check and follow-up program.
#2 Pet Stores
Many people buy dogs from pet stores because they find it convenient. There are no upfront deposits to be made and no long waiting time before they can bring their new pooch home. All they have to do is fill out some paperwork, pick out some puppy toys and food, and then pay.
Another advantage to buying from a pet store is that it has a range of canines backed by guarantees. And just like adopting from a breeder, you can interact or play with the puppies to get an idea of their temperament and evaluate their overall health. Some pet stores also offer financing options, such as monthly payments.
While buying a puppy from a pet store may sound ideal, there are downsides to it. Not all puppies sold are always from trusted sources. There are pet shops that are involved in the selling of animals from backyard breeders or puppy farms.
To ensure that you are buying from a reputable pet store, do some research. You may check for reviews online and see if there are any complaints from previous customers. You may also ask the pet shop to put you in touch with the breeder of your puppy of choice. Should you get to speak with the breeder, ask about their puppy’s temperament, health information, and pedigree.
If the pet store is unable to give much information about their dog or is unwilling to disclose any information to you, look for another place to adopt a puppy from.
#3 Reputable Breeders
If you are looking to adopt a dog, particularly a purebred, buying from ethical dog breeders in Australia like Responsible Pet Breeders Australia is a smart choice. This is because reputable dog breeders are dedicated to raising healthy puppies that have sound temperaments. They are not in the business to make an easy sale - instead, they sell to find a good home for their puppies.
The great thing about reputable breeders is that they are knowledgeable about their breed and can counsel you on what to expect. They will help you decide which breed is the best for your family and lifestyle. They will not pressure you into buying a puppy that is not a good match.
Unfortunately, not all dog breeders are ethical. Some are more concerned about making money than looking after the welfare of their animals. What’s good is that there are ways for you to know if you are working with a responsible dog breeder.
Ethical breeders will encourage you to meet your desired puppy’s parents as well as its siblings. If a meetup is not possible, they will be willing to send photos and videos of the sire, dam, and litter so that you can have an idea of how your pooch will look and act when it becomes a full-grown adult. Also, they will gladly provide you with the health background of both parents and even offer health guarantees and a contract.
