|
Classifieds For PetsAre you searching the classifieds for pets? There are lots of online classifieds and newspaper classifieds advertising puppies, kittens and all other types of pets. This can be a fine way of getting a pet. You need to know the good and the bad to be sure you make a great decision. There can be positives of using classifieds for pets, But I want you to know some of the dangers of buying a pet online. That adorable purebred dog or cat may be from a puppy mill or simply from a breeder that is not really well qualified. Please take a moment to learn about both (and then I will get to the positives). What is a Puppy Mill? or What is a Kitten Mill?A puppy mill or kitten mill is basically a large and commercial breeding operation. They frequently advertise in classifieds for pets. Usually profit is the first, and maybe only concern. The animals are held in overcrowded and unsanitary spaces with low quality food (to save the breeder money). They generally have less veterinary care, a lack of socialization and probably not enough water or exercise. The females are bred more often than is healthy (keep in mind the profit principle) and the owners don’t care to check the ancestry of the dogs being bred. This is important to know so that problems are not passed from one generation to another. I hope this paints a picture for you! To tell you the truth, I am probably pulling my punches on this. Most people in the know will tell you much worse things about puppy and kitten mills. The most important thing for you to know is that the pets from puppy mills are more likely to be sick, more likely to have genetic defects and less likely to have any socialization. A reputable breeder makes sure that their animals are not bred too often. They take care to avoid breeding dogs that have poor lineage or aggressive behavior and they make sure that veterinary care is thorough. When you buy from a Mill it is buyer beware. When you buy from a reputable breeder there is a guarantee and they even ask that you return the dog or cat to them if you must give it up. How Can you Tell if you are buying from a Mill?If you are not permitted to visit the place where you are getting the pet that is a bad sign. You should be able to visit with the breeder and tour the premises where the pups or kitties were bred and raised. If the premises are overcrowded and unclean that’s a sign to worry about. If you meet animals that are shy and not social that also is a bad sign. A reputable breeder will allow you to meet the parents (sometimes the "stud" is from a different location so don’t worry too much if you don't meet him). They probably do the breeding right at their home. A reputable breeder will also be able to give references, will belong to a lot of local pet& kennel clubs, and they will probably have a waiting list. A reputable breeder will also give some training advice, will screen you to see if you are a good match for the pet, will provide health, vaccination and pedigree information for you, and they will provide a contract showing the expectations of all parties. If the breeder you meet through the classifieds for pets doesn’t match most of the above points about reputable breeders you should be very wary. Why Should I Worry About The Quality Of A Breeder?Okay, so you are sure that it is not a puppy mill or kitten mill. But what if it is a backyard breeder? A backyard breeder is basically a person who just decides to breed their pet and sell its litter. They really mean well and just want to make a few extra dollars. They clearly love their pet. They are proud of it and want others to experience the same joy and love from its offspring. So what's to be worried about? Backyard Breeders do not have the same level of experience or knowledge as a professional breeder. They lack much of the points I mentioned above about reputable breeders. They don't know about genetics and what to watch for between the parents that are going to be mated. They may overlook aggressive behaviors or symptoms of genetic problems. A back yard breeder will not have the experience to help you with training, socialization and health care needs of your new pet. They will not be able to guarantee the quality of the pet. And they probably will not take it back if you have to give it up. So proceed with caution if you come across a backyard breeder. Make sure you research the breed before adopting it and learn as much as you can about the parents. I recommend against buying from backyard breeders altogether. I love my dogs but will not breed them because I know that I do not know enough to do it right. I also know that it is not a huge money maker. My dogs are fixed so that they do not contribute to the pet overpopulation problem (and I find it improves their personality). Positives of Classifieds for PetsI hope the information above has opened your eyes a little as you search the classifieds for pets. If you decide to search the classifieds for a new pet for you I suggest that you focus on people giving up their pets for free or a small amount. There are frequently ads from people giving up their pets for a variety of reasons. Many times you will get a pet that has been well loved and properly cared for. You should ask for veterinary records and the pedigree papers if it is a purebred. If the dog or cat has had all its immunizations and has been checked for common health concerns you will probably get a great pet (so long as you have determined that its personality is right for you). So the positive of classifieds for pets is you may get a great deal on a pet whose owner has to give it up for reasons that can not be helped. Thanks for giving this some careful thought. Please help to eliminate the mills by not supporting them.
|