Ready to welcome a new dog into your home? If you want the perfect pup, our pet care specialists have a few strategies for finding them. Here’s how to ensure the next furry friend that joins your family will be a good fit:
1. Head to a Local Shelter or Humane Society
Across the country, roughly 3 million dogs enter the shelter system annually, and they all deserve a loving home. You can find puppies, seniors, and everything in between at local shelters and humane societies.
What’s more, you’ll always know what you’re getting. Reputable shelters test the temperament of every dog that passes through their hands, so they can guarantee a good fit when sending each one home. For example, they will never place a dog that gets nervous around children in a bustling family.
2. Contact a Rescue Organization
Working with a rescue organization is another great way to find your perfect pup. This is especially true if you’re hoping for a specific breed. Many organizations focus solely on saving particular breeds, so families can be united with their dream dogs.
A lot of people are surprised to learn about all the AKC purebred dogs that need rescuing; however, death, divorce, illness, and other issues that force families to surrender their pets don’t discriminate. As such, you can find virtually any breed in need of a good home if you’re willing to put in the legwork.
3. Expand Your Search Parameters
If you’re having a tough time finding the right fit for your family, consider reevaluating your preferences. You might not be able to find an 8-week-old golden retriever at the local humane society, for example, but what about that friendly eight-month-old yellow lab?
The more open you are to different ages and breeds, the sooner you’ll find your new best friend. It’s also worth noting that while a lot of families initially want to bring home a puppy, adopting a senior dog has its benefits. For example, older animals are usually house-trained, know basic commands, and require considerably less supervision. They’re also set in their ways, so it’s easier to confirm their temperament.
4. Find a Reputable Breeder
If you’ve decided to buy from a breeder, it’s important to do your due diligence so you end up with a healthy, well-adjusted animal. Keep in mind that good breeders hardly advertise, and they tend to have wait lists.This is because legitimate breeders have limited litters a year. When you find one worth considering, ask for references from clients who have already bought either multiple dogs from them, or have senior dogs that they got as puppies Repeat customers will be able to give considerably more feedback than someone who just got their first purebred puppy.
You should also visit the farm and scrutinize the dogs’ living conditions. Are both parents thriving? Do the puppies look happy? How many litters do they produce a year? A decent breeder that takes good care of their dogs will typically max out at three or four litters a year. Additionally, they’ll usually retire each female after just two litters.
Finally, be prepared to answer lots of questions about yourself. The best breeders don’t sell their puppies to just anyone because they’re not in it for the money. They want to make sure all their dogs go to good homes, so they’ll inquire about your home, your family life, and your experience as a pet owner. They may even ask for references who can vouch for you. This is standard practice and lets you know you’re working with a reliable professional who genuinely cares about their puppies.
Turn to ESP Pet Specialists for Help With Your Newest Furry Friend
Once you welcome the newest member of the family into your home, you can count on ESP Pet Specialists for help every step of the way. Our friendly team offers dog walking, boarding, and sitting services across northern New Jersey. To discuss your needs with our pet care specialists and request a quote, reach out online. You can also connect with a pet sitter by calling (973) 577-1110.
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Evan Perlman
Your pet deserves the best possible care from a true pet care professional. Evan Perlman is the owner and lead pet specialist at ESP Pets. After an early start with a local doggie daycare, Evan's love of working with pets culminated with his appointment as program manager providing pet services for United Airlines at Newark Liberty and O’Hare International Airports. The entrepreneurial bug then bit, and ESP Pet Specialists was born! View Profile