Looking For A New Dog? Where to Find Your Perfect Puppy

young girl and a yellow lab puppy playing in the grass

Bringing a new puppy into your home is one of life’s greatest joys, but with so many options available, finding the right pup can feel a bit overwhelming.

Whether you’re considering adopting from a shelter or working with a breeder, it’s important to make an informed decision that suits your family and lifestyle. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to ensure that your journey to finding the perfect puppy is a smooth and rewarding experience.

Join as as we explore the heartwarming world of puppy adoption and responsible breeding, where your future best friend is just waiting to be discovered!

The Shelter Route: Finding Your “Pound Puppy”

If you’ve decided to adopt from an animal shelter, it should be a simple process to find shelters in your area using local telephone or business directories. However, the American Kennel Club Rescue Network is the best and most reputable resource for finding a rescue dog.

Beyond these resources, there are several things to look for when researching various rescue groups that will help you to determine which are trusted.

  • First, look at the group’s website. Is it professional and up to date?
  • Second, check out their social media presence. Are they active on multiple platforms?
  • Third, contact the group directly and speak with a representative. How do they respond to your questions?
  • Finally, visit the group in person if possible. This will give you a chance to meet the staff and volunteers and see firsthand how the animals are being cared for.
Shelter dog is is a brown and white beautiful dog in an animal shelter looking through the fence wondering if anyone is going to take him home today.

When researching dog rescues, it is important to look for groups that have a good understanding of their dogs. This means that the group should be able to tell you about each dog’s personality and history. In addition, the group should be transparent about where their dogs come from and how they are screened.

The “vibe” of the group is also important – you should feel comfortable and confident that the group has the best interests of both the dogs and adopters at heart.

Although the following statement may be not meet the approval of everyone, it is something to take very seriously: do not adopt dogs from international rescue organizations. Although most rescue volunteers are passionate about the animals they care for, and although the dog may be in a difficult situation, there is no guarantee of the health or temperament of the dog.

There have been many instances where health and vaccinations certificates have been faked prior to import into the country, and many instances where dogs have been smuggled into the country without going through proper channels. These dogs may be sick, carry diseases like rabies that are dangerous to people as well as animals, and may not have been properly socialized or trained.

Adopting from a reputable, local rescue organization is always the best option. And with millions of local dogs entering shelters every year, there is no shortage of “home-grown” dogs to go around.

According to the ASPCA, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. shelters annually. And while each shelter is different, most of them have a similar adoption process: you fill out an application, meet with a staff member or volunteer, and then take your new dog home.

However, finding the perfect match can sometimes take a bit of time and patience. If you’re set on adopting from a shelter but can’t seem to find the right dog, here are a few tips to help you along the way.

  • First, be open minded. Dogs of all shapes and sizes end up in shelters, and many of them make great pets regardless of their breed or history.
  • Second, don’t be afraid to ask for help. The staff and volunteers at animal shelters are experts at matching dogs with the right families, so they can likely point you in the right direction.
  • Finally, be prepared to wait. The best dogs often get adopted quickly, so it may take a few visits before you find your perfect match.

When adopting a dog from an animal shelter, you can be certain that it has been checked by a veterinarian, received all necessary vaccinations, and has been spayed or neutered if it is old enough. Reputable shelters will always require that dogs are spayed or neutered once they are old enough, so you will likely have to sign an agreement confirming that you will have this done.

Corgi dog behind gate in pet shelter.

The Breeder Route: Finding a Reputable Breeder

Any reputable breeder will tell you that the best way to find a good breeder is through referrals. And the best way to get referrals is through your national or regional breed club or your local kennel club.

These organizations are set up to make sure that breeders follow certain guidelines and maintain high standards for their breeding stock. Their codes of ethics include things like only breeding healthy animals, not inbreeding, and providing proper care and socialization for all animals.  

They can also provide educational materials for prospective puppy buyers about how to choose a good quality dog as well as what questions should be asked before buying your new companion.

Registered breeders will usually a written guarantee that your puppy has been bred according to the organization’s guidelines and is from healthy stock. Selecting a breeder registered with a national or breed specific association helps ensure you will be buying from a reputable source.

Another way of identifying a reputable breeder is to ask around and talk with friends and family members who have had experience with breeders in the past. Do your co-workers have dogs? Talk to them as well.

You may even try visiting a dog park and talking to owners that have taken their pups there to play. All these people have gotten their dogs from somewhere, and most are more than happy to talk about their fur babies.

Probably the most common method people will use to look for a dog breeder is the internet. Dog breeders are popping up all over the internet, but how do you know if they’re reputable? The best way to go about this is through research.

You should check out ratings and reviews on any website that includes information about dog breeders, including social media such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.  This will give you an idea of whether or not people are satisfied with the services provided by each individual breeder before committing to buy from them.

Two Pomeranian Spitz puppies on red background

Another good way to find reviews is to do a Google search for the name of the breeder and the word “reviews”. You should also make sure that the website does not have any grammar or spelling errors.

If you are still unsure about the accuracy of the website, you can contact the breeder directly and ask them if they can put you in touch with other people who have purchased pups from them. They may not be able to do that, due to privacy reasons, but in many cases satisfied customers are more than happy to let the breeder share their information with new potential customers.

Ultimately, there is no substitute for visiting the breeder’s premises and meeting the puppies, their parents, and other dogs in the household. This allows you to see how the puppies interact with their family and get a sense of their temperament.

Beware of breeders who only allow you to see the puppies by themselves; this could be a sign that the breeder is more interested in selling puppies than in providing them with good homes. A good reputable breeder will happily let you see both the mom and the dad. Those that don’t allow this should raise a red flag, as they may be trying to hide something.

When you visit the breeder’s premises, pay attention to how clean and well-maintained it is. The dogs should have plenty of space to run and play, and there should be no evidence of overcrowding or neglect. A reputable breeder strives to provide the best environment they can for their dogs, and dirty, neglected facilities may indicate a similar lack of care for the dogs they are breeding and selling.

white labrador retriever mother with her puppy

Ask the Right Questions

At the shelter: When you’re adopting from an animal shelter, it’s important to ask some key questions to make sure that the animal is a good fit for your family. Here are a few of the most important questions to ask:

What is this pet’s story? How did he end up at the shelter or rescue? Knowing the animal’s history can give you some insight into his personality and whether he may have any behavioral issues.

How long has the pet been at the shelter/rescue? If he’s been there for a while, it may be an indication that he’s not particularly adoptable. However, sometimes animals with special needs or behavior issues just take longer to find their forever homes. So, while this is something to consider, it doesn’t have to be a deal-breaker

Has the pet been adopted before and, if so, why was he returned? This is an important question to ask, as it could be indicative of some underlying issue that you wouldn’t be aware of otherwise.

How old is the dog? While the age of a young pup is fairly evident, as dogs get older it may be a little harder to tell. Dogs that are still relatively young can be high maintenance before they outgrow the juvenile stage, while older dogs mean fewer years with your family and potentially may have health issues cropping up sooner than you are prepared for.

What, if any, illnesses or injuries has the pet had in the past? This is important to know so that you can be prepared for any potential medical costs down the road.

What is the pet’s personality like? Is he shy or outgoing? Active or laid-back? Knowing your pet’s personality will help you decide if he is going to be the right fit for you and your family.

Hand of anonymous person trying to taking away ring toy from cute dog while playing in park on sunny day

How does the pet do with other animals? If you have other pets in the home, it’s important to make sure that they will get along. Some animals do better as the only pet in the household, and may not be suitable for taking to places like dog parks and doggie daycares.

How does the pet do with children? Again, if you have kids in the home, it’s important to know whether or not they will get along. Some animals do better in homes with older children or no children at all.

At the breeder: It is important to ask the right questions wherever you are buying your puppy from. A reputable dog breeder will answer all of your queries without hesitancy. Asking the right questions helps to ensure that you are getting a healthy and well-socialized puppy from a responsible breeder. Some of the questions you should ask include:

What kind of tests do your puppies undergo? Some breeds have known issues with certain genetic diseases and other conditions, and by ensuring that the puppies have been tested, you can be confident that you are getting a healthy animal.

Some of the most common health tests for dogs include hip and elbow dysplasia, eye exams, and DNA tests for certain conditions. Make sure to ask the breeder if any health tests have been performed on the puppies and what the results were.

What is the temperament of the parents? This will give you a good indication of what you can expect from the puppy in terms of temperament. If both parents have a good temperament, there is a good chance the puppy will too.

How long have you been breeding dogs? This can be a good indicator of their experience and expertise in the field. A breeder who has been breeding dogs for many years is likely to have a lot of knowledge and experience when it comes to raising healthy and happy dogs. They may also have access to better resources, such as health testing and genetic counseling.

Do you have any health guarantees? This is one of the most important questions to ask, as it can help you avoid costly medical bills down the road. Most reputable breeders will offer some sort of guarantee against genetic and congenital defects.

However, not all disorders can be predicted or prevented. So, be sure to choose a breeder who is willing to stand behind the dogs they produce and offer assistance if a problem arises. Doing your homework upfront can save you a lot of heartache (and money) in the long run.

Are the puppies raised in a family environment? Puppies that are raised in a family environment are going to come better adapted to living with a family with children. They will be more likely to have been exposed to different types of people and situations and will have an overall better temperament.

This is not to say that puppies that were not raised in a family environment will not be able to adapt, but it may take some time and patience on your part.

How often are the puppies socialized? Socializing a puppy means exposing them to other people and animals so that they become friendly, well-behaved members of society. Without socialization, a puppy may become shy or fearful in unfamiliar situations which will make it difficult for them to function as part of the family.

toddler in white and blue striped shirt holding a black and white puppy

What is your policy on spaying and neutering? Reputable breeders will require that the buyer spay or neuter the puppy when it is of age. This is because spaying or neutering helps to control the pet population and can also help to prevent undesirable genetics or traits from being passed on.

What vaccinations will the puppies have before I take them home? Vaccinations can protect your puppy from a number of serious diseases, so it is important to make sure that your puppy is up to date on its vaccinations.

Puppy vaccination schedules typically start at 8 weeks old, so it is important that your new puppy has had its first set of shots before you take it home. You should get a copy of its vaccine certificate to keep in your puppy’s records

What kind of diet do the puppies get? Most good breeders will be feeding their puppies a high-quality, balanced diet that will help them grow into healthy dogs. If you are bringing home a new puppy, it is important to continue feeding him or her the same diet because sudden changes in diet can cause stomach upsets and other health problems

Lastly, but most importantly – when can I take the puppy home! Puppies should typically remain with their mothers until they are at least eight weeks old, and many breeders advocate for longer. If you take the puppy away from its mother too soon, it may not be properly socialized and could have behavior problems as it grows up.  

Puppy socializing largely occurs between 6 and 12 weeks of age – during this critical period, puppies should be exposed to as many different people, animals, experiences and environments as possible so that they can learn to cope with the stressors of life. If a puppy is taken away from its mother and littermates too early, it may not have the opportunity to learn these important socialization skills.

Some breeders will allow puppies to go to their forever homes as early as 8 weeks old, but others recommend waiting until the puppies are at least 12 weeks old. If you’re considering adopting a puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about their socialization policies and what age they recommend for taking the puppy home.

Making the Right Choice

There you have it. When considering where to get your new puppy, there are many options to choose from.

One of the most popular choices is to buy a puppy from a reputable breeder. Breeders provide a number of benefits; however, buying puppies from breeders can also be quite expensive, so many pet owners turn instead to animal shelters. Not only are they generally less expensive than breeders, but they also allow you to rescue an animal in need and provide them with a loving home.

Ultimately, the choice of where to buy your puppy will depend on your priorities and budget; regardless of where you choose to get your pup, however, one thing is certain – it will bring you endless joy for years to come!

Author

  • Dr. Wendy Wilkins DVM PhD.

    Dr. Wendy Wilkins is an experienced veterinarian and epidemiologist with over 20 years of expertise. She holds a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree and a Doctorate in Epidemiology from the University of Saskatchewan. Throughout her career, Dr. Wilkins has excelled in clinical practice, academia, research, and regulatory veterinary medicine. She is a respected voice in knowledge dissemination, delivering factual information in a readable and understandable manner through articles, books, and public engagements.

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