Congratulations on your decision to get a new puppy! This must be an exciting and gratifying moment for you and your loved ones. You may be wondering where is the best place to get your puppy in Georgia. For many people, the answer could be as simple as going to their local pet store and getting a pup. However, as you will see through this article, there are better, safer alternatives to obtaining a new dog. Our Atlanta dog sitters at Critter Sitters invite you to keep reading as we discuss how to avoid buying from a puppy mill.
Why Should You Stay Away from Puppy Mills for Pet Adoptions in Georgia?
Many people may feel the sincere and genuine desire of acquiring a new puppy. Giving a pup a new home is one of the most satisfying experiences you can have. However, venturing out into the world looking for a puppy can be overwhelming. This is especially true for people who have never gone through the experience of getting a new dog. Unfortunately, there specific individuals out there who understand the fact that many inexperienced first buyers are looking for a pet. Many times, these people set up fancy-looking web sites, ads, and social media advertisements to catch unsuspecting buyers’ attention, hoping to make a sale – and therefore a quick buck. What many people fail to understand is most of the times, these cute little puppies come from places that are far from being safe. These places are called “puppy mills.”
Puppy mills are places ran by individuals who mass-produce puppies and put them up for sale. Most of these places have no quality, health, or environmental control; they submit dogs to deplorable conditions and discard dogs that can no longer breed. Most of these pups are confined to cramped spaces, limited food, water, and medical attention. According to multiple sources and animal protection entities, many of these puppies end up in pet shops around the country. There have been numerous reports of sick, malnourished, and abused dogs in these pet stores year in and year out in the country. Many entities have been battling to shut down puppy mills and save these innocent animals from their negligent handlers.
However, many people still prioritize money over the care of these loving pets and keep running puppy mills. There are, however, ways in which you can contribute to avoiding acquiring a puppy from negligent puppy mill breeders. We explain more below.
How to Avoid Buying from Puppy Mills
There are ways you can avoid buying from puppy mills and opt for safer methods instead. Some of the ways you can prevent buying from puppy mills include
Stop Considering Pet Stores
If you are considering a pet store to get a new puppy, you should take time and discuss your options carefully. According to different sources, there have been many negative stories related to the acquisition of puppies in pet stores. Most of the time, these innocent creatures have been reported sick or suffering from different conditions. Avoiding a pet store altogether can put you in a better position of making the right choice in terms of adopting a pet.
Avoid Online Sales
Many times, puppy mill sellers put up flashy and eye-catching advertisements to catch unsuspecting buyers’ attention and make a sale. What many people don’t know is most – if not all – of these pets come from puppy mills. Therefore, buying from online shops can also pose a risk to the buyer. There is no way to know if the pup has any underlying health issues or any illness that may be dangerous to him, you, or your loved ones.
Investigate the Seller and Ask Questions
If you suspect you are buying from a puppy mill, ask to see their facilities and see for yourself if getting a pup from them seems reliable and safe enough. Keep an eye out for critical factors such as cleanliness, food and water availability, space the dogs are in, and how much care they give to these animals (veterinary check-ups, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, etc.) If you notice that they flunk in one of these areas, you should avoid getting a pup from their place at all costs.
What Is the Best Place to Get a Puppy in Georgia?
If you want to take the safer route and get a puppy from a reliable source, you should always consider adopting from an accredited shelter. Rescue shelters and dog shelters must follow strict laws to make sure all animals under their care and supervision are treated carefully. When adopting a pet, you can obtain detailed reports on the puppy, including where he or she comes from, their age, weight, breed, medical records, and other relevant information. Additionally, there are thousands of dogs who need a home, and shelters are always careful to make sure prospective pet parents get a healthy, caring, loving, tail-wagging pup. The best way to avoid buying from a puppy mill is to visit your local animal shelter and give these pups a chance.
Professional Dog Sitting Company Serving Georgia Residents
Our professional Atlanta pet sitters at Critter Sitters understand the joy a puppy can bring into your life. Additionally, we know there may be times when you may not be able to make it home on time to take care of your precious fluff ball. The good news is you don’t have to feel stressed or anxious because there is no one available to take care of your pup. Our Georgia dog sitters can help you. We are readily available to take care of your precious treasure when, for any reason you are unable to do so. To learn more about all of our services in a free, confidential consultation, call our offices today at (404) 793-6178.
