(a) Pet shelters
Probable the most altruistic choice of place to find a pet is a local pet shelter or rescue service where unwanted or neglected pets often end up. But before choosing a pet, make sure you understand the temperament of breed you are getting instead of just falling in love at first sight. Also be aware that some animals from animal shelters may have been mistreated in the past making them jumpy or liable to bite. If it is your first pet, you may be better off with a puppy than a mature beast.
(b) Pet shops
It is important to choose a reputable shop, as some pet shop owners do not keep accurate record of the background of the animals they sell including such necessary information as which vaccinations they have had, their true breed, and if they are exotic animals, if they have been legally acquired. Unfortunately, some also mistreat the animals resulting in behavioural problems.
(c) Breeders
As with pet shops, you still need to make sure the animals are well cared for and socialised. If possible, visit the breeder and check that the premises clean with food and clean water available
(d) Advertisements/friends
Again, you should try to check as much as possible into the background of the pet and find out why the owner is getting rid of it. Often there is a legitimate reason, such as moving overseas or having to many animals to care for, but sometimes it can indicate an animal that has developed bad habits, often due to improper care.
Probable the most altruistic choice of place to find a pet is a local pet shelter or rescue service where unwanted or neglected pets often end up. But before choosing a pet, make sure you understand the temperament of breed you are getting instead of just falling in love at first sight. Also be aware that some animals from animal shelters may have been mistreated in the past making them jumpy or liable to bite. If it is your first pet, you may be better off with a puppy than a mature beast.
(b) Pet shops
It is important to choose a reputable shop, as some pet shop owners do not keep accurate record of the background of the animals they sell including such necessary information as which vaccinations they have had, their true breed, and if they are exotic animals, if they have been legally acquired. Unfortunately, some also mistreat the animals resulting in behavioural problems.
(c) Breeders
As with pet shops, you still need to make sure the animals are well cared for and socialised. If possible, visit the breeder and check that the premises clean with food and clean water available
(d) Advertisements/friends
Again, you should try to check as much as possible into the background of the pet and find out why the owner is getting rid of it. Often there is a legitimate reason, such as moving overseas or having to many animals to care for, but sometimes it can indicate an animal that has developed bad habits, often due to improper care.