BeforePet Booklet Issue 2

BeforePet

Issue No.2

Tailored to you: How to pick a pet breed that fits your lifestyle

Choosing the Right Pet

Find the perfect pet for your

lifestyle and personality.

Popular Pet Breeds

Learn about some of the most popular pet breeds.

Getting Your Pet

Bring your new furry friend home

with confidence.

People and animals have enjoyed companionship from time immemorial, a friendship that marked a life together, with such an exclusive character that our cat or dog has actually become part of the family.

Table of contents

> 01

Choosing the Right Pet 10 Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Choose the Perfect Pet How to pick a puppy that’s right for you Things To Consider When Choosing Your Cat

03 07 13

> 02 Popular Pet Breeds The 13 Best Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners Guide to the Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners

21 27

> 03 Getting Your Pet 7 Tips for Finding and Working With a Responsible Breeder How to adopt a pet from animal shelters or rescues

35 39

Choosing the Right Pet Choosing a pet is an exciting decision, but it’s important to find the right match for your lifestyle and personality. In this chapter, we’ll explore the different types of pets available and help you narrow down your search to find the perfect pet for you.

Before Pet / Issue 02

10 Questions to Ask Yourself to Help Choose the Perfect Pet

By Holland Lake Animal Hospital

If you’ve already evaluated your decision carefully and are ready to adopt a pet, the next step is deciding what type of pet is best for you and your family.

How active a pet would I like?

If you are a cat lady for life, or a strict dog lover only, choose only your favorite species.

However, if lizards, snakes, fish, birds, rodents, and small mammals capture your heart as well, do some serious soul — searching to determine your favorite species. If you simply can’t choose between furry, feathery, scaly, or finned, answer the remaining questions to narrow down your preferences.

If you love nothing more than curling up on the couch with a good book, a young border collie is probably not a good fit. Older cats or dogs are often more mellow and laid—back and may snuggle with you, while lizards, snakes, and fish don’t require daily exercise.

On the other hand, if you are hiking a new trail every weekend, an adventurous pup may be right up your alley.

How much time can I commit to a pet?

Can I afford the care my desired pet will require?

An energetic pup obviously requires much bigger time commitment than a goldfish.

Depending on your family’s schedule and lifestyle, you may need a pet who doesn’t require much attention, such as a fish or reptile. But, if you have plenty of free time and are looking for a constant companion, a dog or cat would be an excellent fit.

While reptiles and saltwater fish require specialized habitats that can be pricey, some species, especially rodents, are content with a simple enclosure, bedding, food, and toys. A good guideline is that larger pets have larger bills, so your Great Dane is going to cost more than your tiny Chihuahua.

Choosing / 04

What species is my favorite type of pet?

Before Pet / Issue 02

What temperament Would I prefer a would I like in my pet? young or older pet?

When choosing a pet, consider the personality you’d prefer. Do you want a pet who is glued to your side, eager to be part of every aspect of your life, or would you prefer a more aloof and independent pet?

Young cats and dogs require training and socialization, while older pets are often already trained and housebroken. If you’re looking at a little different animal, consider your potential pet’s lifespan. Many turtle and bird species can live for well over 50 years, while small rodents have a much shorter lifespan.

Decide who will be the main pet caretaker in your family. If the burden falls on you, can you handle daily litter — box scooping, frequent dog walks, or routine cleaning of the turtle tank? If the pet is to be your children’s, ensure they are capable of the necessary care.

Can I provide the proper exercise for a pet?

High—energy working or sporting dogs need daily mental and physical activity, or they will quickly turn to destructive behaviors. If you cannot provide appropriate exercise for a pet who is driven to work hard, consider one who is more low-maintenance.

Do I have the necessary space for a pet? What is my ultimate Although Clifford the Big Red Dog was welldesire in getting loved, despite vastly outgrowing his family’s home, you may not be able to provide such a a pet? lifestyle for a giant pet. Consider your available space before bringing home a pet who needs lots of room, or will outgrow your home.

When choosing a pet, understand why you want to add to your family. Do you want a protector, a pet to show in obedience trials, a working dog, or a pet whose sole purpose is companionship?

Choosing / 06

Who will care for a pet in my family?

Before Pet / Issue 02

A Guide to Finding the Right Companion for You

By Josh Parvin

Picking the right puppy for you doesn’t boil down to an exact science, but there are definitely things that you should consider.

Many people go to pick up a puppy with certain wants and desires. Some want their puppy to be fast and hard — charging, while others want it to be more laid back. Some want a smaller pup that can be picked up with one hand and loaded into the boat, while others want a larger pup that can handle a massive Canada goose with ease.

I imagine that you have certain wants and desires for your pup as well. We all do. Your best chance at making these wants and desires a reality is by picking the litter, so you need to know how to pick the litter rather than how to pick a puppy out of a litter. What does “picking the litter” actually mean?

If you think about it, the pup that you are picking is going to have similarities to the sire and dam. Not only will your pup share its parent’s looks, but it will share their tendencies and personalities as well.

What if you were to skip this step and just try and pick the pup based on how it is acting with its litter mates? Well, at that point, there’s no telling what you will end up with. You may want a laid back dog, but if the parents were high drivers, then odds are, you aren’t going to end up with the laid back dog that you wanted.

I think you’re getting the picture here. Pick the litter, and you are going to be much better off when it comes to getting what you want.

With all of that in mind, let’s talk about things to consider when picking the litter that may be important to you.

Choosing / 08

Picking the litter (Choose your pup based on the parents)

When you pick the litter, you are not choosing an exact clone of the parents, but you are getting a strong indication of what type of pup that you will potentially have.

Before Pet / Issue 02

Choosing the right color

When it comes to choosing the right color, this completely boils down to personal choice. As it relates to labs, do you want a black, chocolate, or yellow?

Odds are, no matter which of the retrieving dog breeds you’ve chosen, you probably already have a particular color in mind. This is a good thing! That’s a great starting point because once you have a color in mind, you can start searching for the right pairing that checks the rest of your boxes.

Once you’ve decided on a color, take time to think about what sex you would prefer. Some prefer a male and others prefer females.

Maybe you are asking the question: “Is there a difference?”

When choosing a male or female there are a few things to consider, but ultimately neither is necessarily better than the other. I have seen both male and female puppies turn out to be great retrievers.

Many times, females will mature a bit quicker than male dogs, but they end up similar with regard to maturity. With that in mind, it shouldn’t be your deciding factor on whether or not to choose a male or female.

The overall biggest difference you will see between the male dog and the female dog is the size. The male will generally be a bit larger/heavier than the female dog. So if you are looking for a smaller dog, you may want to go the female route.

When it comes to performance, if you do your job right as a trainer, you won’t see a difference between either a male or a female dog.

Both will get the job done if trained properly.

So, when it comes to choosing sex, which one are you going to choose? Both male and female dogs are great!

Choosing / 10

Male or Female?

One other big consideration is neutering/ spaying your dog. If you choose not to neuter/spay your dog, then with a female, you will have to work around heat cycles twice a year. This isn’t that big of a deal, but it can be frustrating if it hits in prime hunting season or when you have a hunt test to run.

Considerations

No matter what pup you end up choosing, you have the opportunity to take and mold that pup into all that it can be. The more you put in, the more you will get out.

Considerations

Personality is something everyone should be looking for in a pup. This along with many things we are discussing on this topic can be subjective. With that in mind, the goal here is to help you pick the dog with the personality that you like and that you want — the perfect puppy for you.

As already mentioned above, picking the litter is imperative to have the best chance of success in getting what you want. Once you have your list of breeders down that you are considering, it would be wise to enlist their help with this. Your breeder will be the best resource that you have in helping you find the litter that will be most likely to produce the personality you are looking for.

Again, take the time to research each of the potential breedings that you are considering.

If you have the opportunity, go see the dogs work in person. If you don’t have that opportunity, then consume every bit of information that you can find about the lineage of that potential breeding.

You will most likely be able to find videos of both the male and female that will be paired together. If not, simply ask the breeder for some videos.

In addition, don’t be afraid to branch out and watch other dogs. Learn all of the different tendencies that you like and that you don’t like. If you don’t know what you like, then it will be hard to know exactly what you are searching for.

While I certainly encourage you to do your own research, once you have an idea of what you like, be sure to talk with your potential breeders about what you are looking for in a dog. A great, reputable breeder will do all they can to help you find the pup that fits your needs.

Download To access additional information for novice pet owners.

Choosing / 12

Personality is the golden ticket

Before Pet / Issue 02

Things to Consider When Choosing Your Cat

By Kassandra Smith

Before you choose your cat, you need to consider a few factors. This will help you choose a breed of cat that with mesh well with your lifestyle, and make both your lives easier.

What age cat is right for me?

It’s always tempting to go straight for an adorable, tiny, fuzzy kitten — but you should only get a young cat if you’ve got the time to nurture and train them. Kittens are a handful — they may be small, but they are bouncing balls of energy that haven’t learned the skills to stay out of trouble! So, they need to be closely monitored as they’re growing and developing.

With a grown cat, you essentially know what kind of cat they’re going to be from the outset. Their personality has already developed, they are more laid back and danger — savvy, and most have been microchipped, vaccinated and desexed — something your kitten may not yet be.

Work full time or are out of the house often?

You’ll want a cat that doesn’t mind relaxing on its own during the day, and doesn’t crave attention from their owner frequently. Otherwise, your cat will be miserable — and we don’t want an unhappy life for our furry friends!

Getting a cat that can cope with your absence during the day is important—cats that need constant affection and can’t get from their owners frequently will be frustrated, cranky and whinge without it. That’s not something you want to come home to!

If you will be around your cat often, and can give it all the snuggles and scratches it requires, then by all means an affectionate cat breed will be such a joy!

Choosing / 14

How often are you home?

Before Pet / Issue 02

Affectionate cat breeds that need attention

Manx

Burmese

Persian

Cats that can tolerate being alone during the day

Exotic shorthair

Javanese

Russian Blue

Most cats are kept as inside animals. However, if you are looking at getting a cat that will spend some of its time outdoors, it will need a safe and secure enclosure to keep it from straying, and also to sleep in. The Paws Parlour, Kitty Kastle and Purrfect Palace are all great options to let your cat enjoy the outdoors without being at risk.

If you don’t want your cat to sleep in random nooks and crannies of the house, getting them a cat enclosure is a good idea regardless — it gives you peace of mind that they haven’t slipped out of the house whilst you’re fast asleep, and keeps them comfortable.

Choosing / 16

Will it be an inside or outside cat?

Before Pet / Issue 02

Do you have children?

Despite their best intentions, children can be a little rough when showing their affection to their animal friends. A young child can often grab a cats tail or fur out of curiosity, or perhaps might squeeze them a bit too tightly when giving them a big bear hug. Therefore, you’re going to need to find a cat that’s got a calm demeanor, and won’t react with annoyance and negative behaviour to being handled regularly. (All interactions between a cat and a young child should be supervised regardless, just in case!)

Do I already have any pets?

Have you already started your animal family? If you’ve already got a cat, dog or other domesticated animals, you need to consider feline breeds that get along with other pets. Some are happy to share their attention and space, others are not so generous and prefer to lap up all the attention!

American Shorthair

The American Shorthair is a fun, playful breed that’s happy to share their space with a fellow animal friend.

They’re also confident, and not afraid to stand up to another pet if they’re being pushed around (don’t worry, this is usually in the form of a quick hiss or spray - not a swipe!)

Maine Coon

A beautiful, laid back breed that will get along fabulously with other pets. Again, it’s quite a large breed, so it can stand its ground if it feels uncomfortable, or the dog is being a bit too boisterous.

Choosing / 18

Here are some cat breeds that get along well with other animals:

Popular Pet Breeds There are countless pet breeds to choose from, each with its own unique traits and characteristics. In this chapter, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most popular pet breeds and help you understand their personality traits, exercise needs, and grooming requirements.

Before Pet / Issue 02

The 13 Best Cat Breeds for First-Time Owners

By PetsRadar

Getting a pet is a big decision, so make sure All cats are different, that you do your research before adopting a kitten or a senior cat. Is your home cat — and every feline proof? Do you have all the necessary cat supplies? Are you financially ready to own brings their own a cat? If you’ve gotten all that sorted and are unsure where to look when it comes to charm and unique which breed of cat, we’ve got your first steps covered here. personalities.

Although their breed can go someway to determining character, all cats have unique personalities, and it’s up to you as an owner to figure out how to help that personality ease into your home. And also, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention to try and adopt rather than buy a cat, as there are so many in shelters looking for loving homes.

Breed / 22

1. Ragdoll

The Ragdoll is bred to be affectionate, easy-going, and low — maintenance. They even get their name because of how they tend to go all limp and floppy when picked up—yes, they’re that chill.

Ragdolls are actually a cross between a Persian and a Berman, both of which are fairly laidback cat breeds. Ragdolls are incredibly laidback and affectionate and love a good cuddle. They’re friendly and gentle, which makes them a great fit for homes that may have children or other pets. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to brush their coat at least twice a week to prevent mats and tangles.

2. Siamese

If you’re looking for a cat that is both cuddly and talkative, a Siamese may be the one for you. The Siamese has an unforgettable voice, with a raspy yowl that can be quite loud — and they aren’t afraid to use it. They are very loving but also very persistent, so if they want cuddles, you’ll likely be giving them cuddles. Siamese cats are affectionate, friendly, and love being around people. They have short hair which means grooming is a breeze. However, they can get a little demanding of attention, so be aware.

Before Pet / Issue 02

3. Maine Coon

Maine Coons are as big in size as they are in personality. These giant cats love families and love being around their people. They may be big, but they’re gentle giants, as they’re super sweet and affectionate with humans and love to be in whatever room humans are in. Maine Coons get along well with kids and other pets, and are considered non — aggressive. They’re sweet-tempered and very gentle, but they also love to play and hunt. Their long hair needs regular grooming, so keep that in mind when considering the Maine Coon.

4. Scottish Fold

With folded-down ears and a highly adaptable nature, the Scottish Fold is an adorable, easy — going cat that would be a great fit for new cat owners. They can easily live in a big house full of kids and other pets or in a single-person apartment in a city.

Scottish Folds love to be inside with their owners, and they love affection. They have a cute little chirp that they’ll deploy often to maximize their cuddles, and they love being as closest to their humans as possible.

They bond quickly with people, and you may recognize them by their very famous owner: Taylor Swift.

Choosing / 04

5. Persian

Just look at that face! With a low activity level and a luscious coat, the Persian is certainly a striking cat that may draw the attention of a first — time cat owner’s eye.

Persians are like living dolls with giant, round eyes, a big ol’ head, and a long body with short legs. They certainly are easy on the eyes, and they’re incredibly calm and docile as well.

They aren’t very active, so expect small bursts of energy mixed with a ton of lounging. That means that you won’t need to spend all of your spare time keeping them busy with playthings. Persians adapt well to changes in routine (most cats don’t), and are good with kids and adults. They prefer a quiet time, but they’re not bothered by activity as long as it’s gentle. They’re happy being left alone for long periods of time, but obviously, prefer attention.

6. Bengal

Bengals are beautiful cats, and they are as active as they are striking. They are confident, but devoted cats, so they’ll be happy to greet people who enter your home. They are very curious and athletic, and they love to play. If you’re looking for a cat that’s a bit like a dog, the Bengals is the way to go - they can even learn tricks!

The Bengal cat loves water, so much so that they may try and hop into your shower with you!

Before Pet / Issue 02

7. Birman

Birman cats are kind, affectionate, and mostly quiet. They have a gentle chirping meow, but are often very soft — spoken. They love to relax and are considered incredibly patient.

Birmans are calm and affectionate, and love to spend time around their family soaking up tons of affection and cuddles. They get along easily with other pets and with kids.

They aren’t incredibly active (they love curling up in your lap), but also have a very playful side, and will love to run after objects you’ve thrown. They don’t shed much as they have a silky coat, and only need combing twice a week.

8. Russian Blue

Russian Blues are gentle and loyal cats that tend to bond very closely with their family — they can be a bit shy around strangers. They are very susceptible to the mood of their owners, so if you’re feeling down, they may just come over to give you comfort by way of cuddles.

Russian Blue is one of the smartest cat breeds and are moderately active in that they rest as hard as they play. They are fairly quiet — except when they think it’s dinner time.

Breed / 24

9. Domestic Shorthair 10. Sphynx

Domestic Shorthairs are cats of mixed ancestry that don’t fall under a particular breed, but they’re often called that by rescues and shelters. In Britain, they’re called moggies, but they’re widely considered “mutts” of the cat world. These “mutts,” however, make some of the best pets you can possibly have.

Domestic Shorthairs can often be some of the sweetest, cuddliest cats you can find.

Whether they’re abandoned by their owners, found as kittens, or friendly strays, rescue cats can be incredibly affectionate, often forging strong bonds with their adoptive parents after an adjustment period. If you’re looking to find a cat that is grateful to be in a warm home and cuddled up on a couch with you, these loving felines may be the way to go.

Sphynx cats are very cuddly and affectionate and are considered social butterflies. They love to play and love to get attention from their owners or visitors — don’t expect them to go hiding under a bed when new people come around! Sphynx cats don’t have hair, so they don’t require any sort of brushing and they certainly won’t shed, but they do require frequent baths to keep their skin healthy.

Before Pet / Issue 02

11. Cornish Rex

There are so many benefits to the Cornish Rex that make them ideal for first — time cat owners. First off, they’re incredibly playful, and remain so even when they become adults.

This manifests itself in their behavior towards humans, so while they’re energetic and active, they’re happy to cuddle up if there’s a spare lap about, too.

Finally, they get on well not only with young children, but other animals too (within reason).

This is especially handy if you also own a dog, and are worried about living in a household with mixed pets. Happily, with Cornish Rex cats, you likely won’t have to worry about this.

12. Somali

Somalis are incredibly active and playful cats, but don’t let that make you worry that they might be too much of a handful – they’re very easy cats to play host to, just as long as you give them plenty of affection, and provide them a means to keep them entertained.

These could be in the form of toys, but also another cat, as Somalis tend to get on well with most other breeds. They’re also fairly mild in temperament – their mewing will often take the form of quiet chirps rather than the loud, bombastic howls you can quite often get from other cat breeds.

Breed / 26

13. Abyssinian

Another breed that loves nothing more than to show affection to its household humans, the Abyssinian is without doubt one of the friendliest cats on this list, making it a top choice should you be looking out for your first cat.

As well as being playful, they are intelligent and loyal creatures, making them great companions for you. Whether it’s just you, or a household with a large family, it’s very likely that they will be able to easily integrate themselves into any family dynamic, quiet or loud.

Before Pet / Issue 02

The 10 Best Dog Breeds for First-Time Owners

By Purina

While every dog is of course unique, generally, dogs in each breed have has relative characteristics that can help determine the best dog for your lifestyle.

When choosing a dog, it’s important to consider which breeds will be well—suited to your lifestyle, as well as how much training they tend to require. For example, a breed like the Siberian Husky is often purchased for their adorable, wolf-like looks, but they’re also generally very stubborn and often require a lot of training and exercise, which first-time owners may struggle to manage. Unfortunately, this means that many of these beautiful dogs end up being surrendered to charities every year. However, by making sure you do your research properly, you will be able to find out about the most common characteristics for each different breed. While each individual from a breed will differ, this will still give you a rough idea of what to expect!

Below we’ve listed some of the top 10 best dogs for first time owners. These breeds are generally more laid-back and easier to train, making them much more suited to those with little training experience.

Choosing / 28

1. Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever breed is often lovable, affectionate and good — natured, making them one of the best dogs for first time owners. Their gentle characters also mean that they typically get along with the whole family, including other pets! Golden Retrievers also love to learn, so they’re quite easy to train, but exercise will be more of a challenge, as these dogs will need lots of long walks to burn off steam! Retriever grooming requirements generally aren’t too extensive; just make sure to have at least one good grooming session at least once a week, and this will need to be increased during shedding seasons.

2. Labrador Retriever

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, and it’s so easy to see why. Labradors are normally adaptable, friendly, loyal and affectionate. They adore their family and love to please and learn, meaning they’re often easy to train too. As with Golden Retrievers, Labradors are more suited to active homes, as they require lots of exercise to avoid them falling into destructive habits due to boredom. But with their outgoing and friendly personalities, you’ll love to take them out and about on any adventure you can.

Before Pet / Issue 02

3. Bichon Frise

If you’d rather a smaller first dog, the Bichon Frise could be a good fit for you. Known for their happy — go — lucky natures and adorable appearances, the Bichon is easy to train, adaptable and more suited to smaller households – although they will still need plenty of walks and regular access to outdoor green space. One thing potential owners should be aware of with this breed is that they will require regular grooming sessions to keep their white fluffy coat healthy and mat — free.

4. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is one of the best dogs for first time owners as they are generally very affectionate, gentle natured and tend to get along with just about everyone. This small breed has moderate daily exercise requirements. They’re also easy to groom, and they typically take well to training using positive reinforcement methods.

Breed / 30

5. Poodle

Poodles come in a variety of sizes including miniature, toy and standard, all of which are often intelligent, relatively easy to train and generally quite good for novice owners.

However, due to their high intelligence levels, Poodles will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to keep them happy, so new owners should be prepared for this. Their gorgeous coats will need regular grooming too, so bear this in mind if you’re limited when it comes to time and experience.

6. Yorkshire Terrier

Great things truly do come in small packages when it comes to the Yorkshire Terrier. Adorable in appearance, and with a mischievous streak, you’ll never be bored when this breed is around. This terrier will often have a loyal and affectionate nature, making them one of the best first time dog owner breeds, as they love to learn and please their owners.

You’ll need to ensure you get the basic training foundations down though, as they can be prone to stubbornness!

Before Pet / Issue 02

7. Pug

Pugs are a super popular choice for first time dog owners, as their laid-back personalities can mean they get along well with most people, as well as other pets. Their short coat also means they’re pretty easy to keep clean and their grooming requirements are fairly low.

Their small size and moderate exercise requirements mean that this breed can be suited to smaller households, although they will still need regular walks and access to outdoor space. It’s also worth noting that Pugs are prone to a number of health issues due to the shape of their skull, including brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome (which causes breathing difficulties) and eye issues.

8. Papillion

Small in size, but big in intelligence, the Papillon is often extremely trainable, which makes them one of the best dogs for first time owners. Despite their petite bodies, these dogs are surprisingly high — energy and this, coupled with their inquisitive nature, means they need plenty of mental and physical stimulation in the form of walks and games. Also, because they are so small and delicate, they’re generally not well — suited to homes with very small children, as they can very easily become injured during play.

Breed / 32

9. Greyhound

Greyhounds often tend to have affectionate personalities, and there’s nothing this breed loves more than lounging on the sofa with their family. But they will also need regular walks to allow them to sprint around – something that Greyhounds are very well-known for! It’s also worth bearing in mind that these dogs were originally bred to hunt animals including hares, foxes and deer so, because of this, they’re not recommended for homes with small fluffy pets, such as cats and rabbits.

10. Boxer

Boxers are bouncy, high — energy and loved far and wide for their lovable, goofball personalities. Best suited to active families, these dogs love to go out and about on adventures and adore playtime, so they’re often a great fit for older kids. However, for first time owners, it is worth noting that Boxers do require a good foundation of training, as they can be stubborn.

Download To access additional information for different pet breeds.

Getting Your Pet Once you’ve decided on the perfect pet, it’s time to bring them home and start your life together. In this chapter, we’ll guide you through the process of getting your pet, including where to find them, what to expect during the adoption process, and how to prepare for their arrival.

We’ll also provide tips for a smooth transition and building a strong bond with your new pet.

Before Pet / Issue 02

7 Tips for Finding and Working With a Responsible Breeder

By American Kennel Club

Finding a responsible breeder you trust is your first – and most important — step to finding your new best friend.

Breeders are invaluable resources: Not only are they a bridge between you and your perfect dog, you can rely on them throughout your dog’s lifetime. Think of a breeder as your own private guide to all things dogs, from choosing the right dog to caring for it forever.

As with any major decision, it is important to do your homework before making a commitment to a breeder. Here are some tips for finding — and working with — a responsible breeder:

The best way to get to know a breeder is to meet in person, which might be at their kennel or in their home. While that may not be possible during COVID — 19, ask to meet your breeder and their dogs via a video conferencing system. Observe the dogs and the breeder: Are the premises clean? Odor — free? Does the breeder show a genuine passion for dogs? Are the dogs well fed? How do the dogs interact with the breeder — and with strangers? Both dogs and puppies should not shy away from the breeder and should be outgoing with strangers.

Ask questions

One of the biggest benefits of working with a good breeder is that he or she can be counted on throughout your dog’s life. When you’re meeting with a breeder for the first time, come prepared with a list of questions about the breed and the puppy – you can never ask too many, and there are no dumb questions! See how he/she reacts. Is he/ she patient with your questions? Does he/she explain things clearly?

Do you feel like you have a good rapport? Responsible breeders want to see their dogs in happy, loving forever homes and will be happy to share their knowledge.

See the pup’s parents

There’s no better way to see how your dog will grow up than by looking at his parents! It will give you a sense of your dog’s temperament, size, and appearance.

Breeder & Shelter / 36

Meet the Breeder

Before Pet / Issue 02

Get a full medical history

Reputable breeders will be happy to show proof of health screenings such as OFA and CERF certificates. They will also explain any health conditions that typically affect that particular breed so you know what to watch out for in the long term.

Be patient

Don’t expect to meet a breeder and bring home a puppy the same day: Usually the breeder will keep the puppy at the kennel for the first two or three months of its life, so it can mature and socialize with its mother and litter mates. This transition is important, and it’ll give you time to puppy-proof your house and to get the necessary supplies before welcoming him home.

Check out Before Pet app

The breeder feature of the Before Pet app is dedicated to creating a reliable bridge between pet owners and breeders, providing pet owners with the ability to preserve breed characteristics and produce healthy, well — socialized puppies.

Breeder & Shelter / 38

Before Pet / Issue 02

How to Adopt a Pet from Animal Shelters or Rescues

By Zoetis Petcare

Some rescues and shelters have more strict requirements to adopt a pet than others, so it’s important to know what is needed of you before you start the adoption process.

▶ Breed-specific rescue groups have purebred dogs and puppies looking for new homes.

▶ Many pets end up homeless through no fault of their own or of their previous family. Rather, a lack of affordable and pet-friendly housing tops the list of reasons pets are surrendered to shelters. ▶ Pets adopted from shelters and rescue groups typically cost less than pets purchased or even acquired for free.

Once you add in the cost of vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, microchip, dewormer and other “extras” included in your adoption fee, you’ll probably be surprised with the level of medical and behavioral care your new pet has received.

▶ While some shelter pets may have some behavioral or medical challenges, your local organization can help you find the right fit for your lifestyle and family. ▶ Shelters and rescue groups can provide advice on making your relationship with your pet the best it can be for the rest of your pet’s life, so you’ll never have to go it alone.

So what do we need to do to adopt a dog or cat from a shelter or rescue?

Breeder & Shelter / 40

Shelters and rescues

Before Pet / Issue 02

Home visit

Shelters and rescues may want a specific environment for the cats or dogs that they adopt out. A representative of the organization may visit your home to make sure your home is suitable and safe for the pet. A larger dog may require a fenced yard or a senior pet may need a home without stairs. Staff will let you know if a home visit is needed before adopting a pet.

Age Requirements

Most shelters and rescues will require you to be at least 18 years old to adopt a pet.

Valid Identification

In order to verify your age and where you live, you’ll need to provide valid identification to shelter or rescue staff.

Family Meet and Greet

It’s a good idea to make sure everyone in the family gets along with the new pet, which is why most shelters and rescues require a family meet — and — greet before adoption.

Everyone in the home, including dogs and cats that already live with you, should meet the pet you want to adopt to see if they’ll be a good fit for your family. Shelter staff wants to see that a pet is adopted into a comfortable and loving environment.

Adoption Fee

Lastly, depending on where you decide to adopt a pet from, the adoption fee will vary in costs. The adoption fee typically covers basic veterinary care (like initial shots, microchipping, and spay or neuter), as well as housing, food, and transportation the pet received while they were in the care of the shelter or rescue.

Each shelter and rescue have different requirements to adopt a dog or cat, but these details can help them to ensure that an animal is adopted into a safe home. Check their website before visiting to know what to bring with you so the application process is quick and smooth.

ChoosingBreeder / 04 & Shelter / 42

Considerations

Considerations

Graphic Design: Youhui Gu Article: Holland Lake Animal Hospital Josh Parvin Kassandra Smith PetsRadar

Purina American Kennel Club Zoetis Petcare Photography: pexels.com unsplash.com stock.adobe.com