When you're ready to open your heart and home to a cat or dog, consider the following:
1) Visit an animal shelter first — even if you're looking for a purebred. At any given time, 25 percent of the dogs in a shelter are purebred and awaiting adoption alongside their mutt counterparts.
2) Find a responsible breeder and visit their premises. Ask your vet or contact local breed clubs to find the most reputable in your area. Be sure to visit the facility to see where your cat or dog was born and raised.
3) Don't buy your dog at a pet store or online — it's most likely from a puppy mill. Dogs born in puppy mills tend to have more health and socialization problems due to poor conditions.
4)Talk to a breed rescue group. Even if the nearest group is cross-country. Oftentimes, they'll help arrange transportation in order to get the animal to you.
Thank you to Angie's List for these useful tips!
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