Adding a pet to a family is an important decision. Most people obtain pets by purchasing them from pet stores or adopting them through animal shelters or rescue agencies. Each method has advantages and disadvantages. Have a question? Get an answer from a Vet now!

Adoption Advantages

People can adopt pets from animal shelters and rescue organizations. Both offer extensive pre- and post- adoption counseling and education, charge lower fees than pet stores, and often include extras like free neutering, de-worming, vaccinations and a post-adoption physical from a veterinarian.

Pet Store Advantages

It’s quicker and easier to obtain a pet from a store because you will not need to be screened or evaluated. Young animals, designer pets and purebreds are readily available at pet stores. The store can give you information and paperwork to register your pet. Some stores have health guarantees and pet-return policies.

Adoption Issues

Your pet choice is limited to the shelter’s current inventory, which may not include young animals or purebreds. You may need to pass an evaluation and counselor interview. A pet’s unknown parentage and past environment may lead to genetic or personality problems later.

Pet Store Issues

Most stores obtain pets from high-volume commercial breeders who provide inadequate exercise, nutrition and health care for their pets. Animals raised in these conditions often develop physical, mental and behavioral problems. Pets at stores can be expensive; their fee does not include vaccinations, de-worming or a post-purchase veterinarian visit.

Do Your Homework

Investigate before visiting a pet store or shelter. Online search engines like Petfinder.com will help you locate shelters and available pets. Ask for references from friends and family who own pets. Get recommendations from a trusted veterinarian. Find out about a store or shelter by checking with the Better Business Bureau and state licensing agency.

It’s never too late to train your dog, but it’s going to be easier for the both of you if you get started early. Simple training can start as soon as a puppy arrives in his new home around 8 or 9 weeks of age. This is the best time to help him get used to having his feet and teeth handled, teach him how to walk on a leash and let him know that it’s OK for you to pick up his food dish, even if he’s eating, so he won’t challenge you later on.

Getting Started

By the time a puppy is 10 to 12 weeks old he’s ready and eager to absorb basic obedience training and to learn simple tricks. This is a good time to teach him to sit, shake hands and to come when you call him. It’s also the ideal age for you to take him to a good puppy class so he can develop social skills and learn to get along with other people and dogs. Your dog will continue to learn easily throughout his entire first year, and once he has the idea, you’ll be able to give him more advanced training as he gets older.