Looking to Get a Puppy, Where to Get One?

When you decide you are ready for a new puppy, where do you begin your search? Do you stay local or expand out and use the Internet to gain access to other resources to help you in your quest? The day of relying on a local news paper or the big news paper for your state is a thing of the past. In the past decade, the Internet has become a vast tool for posting classified ads. There are websites that are broad spectrum as to what they allow to be sold on their site, and some are very specific as to what can be sold.

But where do you start? Start by making a list of what breeds you are interested in. What is the purpose of the pet? Are there characteristics or a purpose you are looking for? Is there a size restraint or a certain type of coat that you prefer over others? What is your budget? Can you afford the pet after the purchase such as grooming, vet care and vet products, how much the dog will eat? Does your home environment offer the size and safety for a pet?

Looking in your local papers can give you a chance to go see the parents and the puppies of the dog breeds of which you narrowed your choice down to in your list. Seeing the parents and interacting with the puppies can help you decide if that is the type of dog you want. If you don't find the one you are looking for, the Internet is a great tool to widen your scope for finding what you are looking for.

Do a search on the search engines and look for breeders of the breed you are seeking. There are individual kennel listings and there are directory listing websites on the Internet. In the beginning, it can be mind boggling as to the astonishing amount of resources to sort through to narrow the search. Check the Internet for breed organizations and clubs of the breed you are interested in, they can help you find a reputable breeder as well.

Once you find a breeder that you are interested in purchasing a puppy from, ask for references and additional pictures of the puppy and parents. Ask a lot of questions. Google the person to see if there are any reports on them. Ask if they are USDA licensed, if so, see if there are any charges or write ups on them as a poor breeder. Ask if you can pick the puppy up in person and visit their facility.

When you plan to place any sort of money, make sure it is a secure transaction for you in the event that the person is not legit. Yes, there is a growing amount of scam on the Internet. The obvious is a puppy that is too cheap for its breed. There is no way to contact the person except through a free email such as yahoo or GMail. They will only accept a wire transfer. Put your gut feelings ahead of the want for a puppy and keep a clear head so you can protect yourself and your money.

When you decide on a puppy, there are several ways to get it. Drive to it, fly in and carry it back on the plane, or have it shipped. If it has to be shipped, make sure the puppy is shipped with a USDA licensed shipper. Make sure it is done in a clean and safe manor. The temps are safe. That it is vet checked prior to you getting it, and after you get it by your vet. Ask if there is a return policy or a guarantee if there is a problem found.

There are so many things to consider when you want a pet. This article hits a few points to think of, but there are some questions you may think of to include in your own list prior to getting a puppy. Be safe in your quest of obtaining the puppy of your choice.