September 15, 2007

How to Buy a Puppy

Adding a new member of the family is not something to be taken lightly. Anyone who has ever raised a puppy knows they require a huge investment of time, patience, money and most important love. Hopefully you will share your life and home with the dog for at least 10 (if not many more) years. In a follow-up to our Pet Scams post of last week, there is good infomation on How to buy a puppy at bankrate.com

Using the Web to find a local breeder is OK, but she recommends physically going to visit the puppy and seeing its living conditions before making a purchase. Reputable breeders will always require that personal meeting -- they're going to want you to come and see it, she says. They won't send you a puppy as soon as you send payment. Consider it a red flag if you are discouraged from coming to see the puppy first.
Other red flags:

• You aren't allowed to spend time with the parent dogs or see where they are kept.

• You are told to stay put while the breeder disappears to get the dog.

• The puppy acts fearful or shows signs of sickness.

• The seller focuses on getting paid.