 1. Never buy a dog or cat from a pet store.
Whether an upscale boutique in an exclusive shopping district or a major pet store chain, pet stores selling companion animals are supplied by commercial mass breeding facilities known as puppy mills. Animals are kept in horrific conditions, confined in small enclosures with wire floors causing injury and deformities, in extreme heat or cold resulting in heat exhaustion or hypothermia, without quality food, water, necessary veterinary care and any chance of living a normal, healthy life. And because the only motive is profit, over bred animals are discarded (also by brutal means) when they can no longer deliver. The puppies produced by these facilities receive inadequate veterinary care, are weaned prematurely, undersocialized, and separated too early just so they can be sold more quickly.
Pet stores deny that their pets come from puppy mills because they only deal with brokers. Fact is no reputable breeder would ever sell to brokers or pet stores regardless of what a pet store may tell its customers. Each year millions of people “fall in love” with the puppy in the pet store and might actually feel like they are “saving” it. The cruelty and over breeding will not cease unless people simply stop buying and communities around the country ban the sale of cats and dogs in stores.
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 2. Never buy a mail order pet from the Internet or other ads.
Many of these ads are scams intended to bilk newbie pet owners and that's the good news. Worse (than buying a pet remotely through an ad) is that there’s someone at the other end who would actually ship a dog or cat to someone they’ve never met. Personalities of the pet and prospective family matter and it’s important to know what kind of home the pet is being placed to ensure the best and appropriate match is made. Reputable breeders would never sell to someone they’ve never met in person and interviewed. It's also why rescues have application procedures for adoption. |
3. Adopt my next companion animal.
With six to eight million new homeless pets each year, four to six million of which never finding a home; there is absolutely no reason for anyone to ever buy a pet. Adopt from a rescue or a shelter. If you are looking for a specific breed, 25% of homeless dogs are purebred. Two million purebred dogs each year to choose from is more than enough for anyone to find the perfect breed. And there are breed specific rescue groups for every breed out there that are expert knowledge resources and are more than willing to help you find the best pet for you. Learn how you can adopt from SCGSR.
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 4. Consider adopting an adult before adopting a puppy.
Many people think that getting a puppy or kitten will result in a stronger bond. Yet most animals that end up in shelters are typically between nine and eighteen months, right when they stop being puppies. So much for that idea! By adopting an adult you can already see the size and personality you’re getting. Adult dogs tend to be more obedient and easier to train because they are calmer and have longer attention spans. And it’s been proven that adult companion animals form just as strong if not stronger bonds with their adoptive families.
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5. Consider fostering if unable to adopt.
If unable to make a permanent commitment to adopt then foster! Every foster home provides an opening to save a companion animal. Fostering allows a dog to live a normal home life rather than wait for its forever home in a kennel or boarding facility. Some may have undergone surgery or other major veterinary treatment and require aftercare in a foster home before they are ready for adoption. Often people are reluctant to foster because they fear becoming too attached. But the satisfaction of seeing a dog or cat go to its forever home where it will be loved and cared for after having saved its life far outweighs such fears. And if you do end up adopting your foster then it was meant to be! So open your home and your heart by letting a friend in need "crash on your sofa" until he can get back on his feet. Learn more how you can foster.
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6. Spread the word!
The more people become aware of the plight of our companion animals the better chance we have of ending the cycle of cruelty, overpopulation and homelessness. Since puppy mills and pet stores around the country fall under separate state and municipal jurisdictions, it’s hard for any single organization to tackle it. It requires the awareness and involvement of individual community members to bring attention to a problem that has managed to exist in the shadows far too long. If you have a family member or friend interested in getting a pet be sure they are aware of the facts and adopt their next pet. People are more apt to be influenced by family, friends and peers when making decisions. So spread the word. Sign our pledge and we'll show you even more ways to get involved.
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