#TellYourTail

1/10

Consider adoption first

With so many dogs in need of a good home, we highly encourage you to consider adoption. You might not realize that you can find a dog with the characteristics you're looking for, like breed or size, from a shelter/rescue organization. By doing so, you'd change the life of a very deserving pup in the process. Be sure to consider your needs carefully, however, in order to make sure adoption is the right choice for you.

2/10

Avoid brick-and-mortar and online pet stores

Despite what they may tell you, most pet stores do sell puppies from puppy mills, and unfortunately pet stores are now cropping up online. Don’t get a puppy from a place that won’t let you meet and talk to the breeder.

3/10

Always interact directly

Any responsible breeder, shelter or rescue will always want to talk to you directly and get to know you to make sure their dog is going to a good home and one that’s right for them.

4/10

Look for transparency

Good breeders, shelters and rescues have nothing to hide and are always forthright about their practices. They openly share information such as where their dogs come from (e.g. if a shelter bought a dog at auction) and if the dog might have any issues you should be aware of (e.g. health or behavioral). Be aware that they may sometimes have good reasons not to show you everything you ask for; if you want to know where certain dogs are kept and they don’t want to show you right away, they may be afraid you’ll introduce outside germs into their living area.

5/10

Expect them to do their research and work to make a good match

Most of the time dogs are relinquished, or surrendered back to where they came from, is due to a poor pup-person match. Responsible organizations know how important it is to take the time to make sure you’re ready for the commitment and matched with the right dog for you. Look for people who will interview you and want to learn about you. Be aware it can be quite a bit of work, but it’s worth it.

6/10

Look for people who are knowledgeable

Pay attention to how competent and knowledgeable the person you’re considering getting your pup from is. Even if they mean well, they should also be well-informed so they can provide proper care for their dogs and determine whether you'll give the dog a good home. Make sure they’re not in over their head. Look out for backyard breeders and private individuals who call themselves shelters.

7/10

Avoid trying to “rescue” a dog from a puppy mill by buying them

As tempted as you might be to buy a dog in order to get it out of a terrible situation, that unfortunately would just continue the cycle, putting more money into puppy mills’ hands and enabling them to continue to treat dogs inhumanely. Instead, if you see that puppies are being kept in poor conditions, contact your local animal control organization.

8/10

Make sure they take proper care of their dogs

Responsible breeders, shelters and rescues invest a lot into their dogs. They have their dogs checked by a vet, given their shots, dewormed and spayed/neutered if appropriate. Don’t be afraid to ask how their dogs are taken care of and look to make sure they’re completing all of these steps and more.

9/10

With shelters and rescues, verify their practices

Make sure they’re competent and spending their money wisely. Check Charity Navigator and whether they’re part of the Best Friends Network. Ask where their dogs come from and make sure they’re transparent about any of their dogs health and behavioral issues.

10/10

With breeders, make sure they’re prioritizing the welfare of their dogs

Make sure breeders health test their breeding dogs and can show you the results, provide a clean and comfortable environment, look after the psychological as well as physical needs of their dogs, always sign a contract, offer a health guarantee, and require you to bring the dog back if you ever need to (rather than relinquish it to a shelter). Don’t be surprised if you need to wait a few months to get a dog. Many good breeders have waitlists.