In the United States alone, there are 78.2 million dogs owned, and 39% of households own at least one dog, according to the National Pet Owner’s survey. If you’re wondering where you can adopt or purchase a puppy or dog to become a part of your family, here are a few websites that will help you on your search for the perfect pooch.
[btn link="http://www.petfinder.com/breeds/" color="forestGreen" size="size-xl"]Petfinder.com[/btn]
Petfinder Dog Adoption
Still haven’t found the perfect dog? Search over 186, 320 breeds on Petfinders, from Alaskan Malamutes to Yorkshire Terriers. Not only does the site connect you with adoptable pets, but it also has pages of information for each dog breed, so you can learn more about your breed and what to expect, such as whether a breed works better with children than another.
Approximately 5 to 7 million animals enter shelters every year in the U.S – why not adopt from your local shelter? Just enter your zip code and whether you’re looking for a dog or cat, and the Shelter Pet Project will find local pets that match your search. You can even search for a specific breed, sex, size, and age, so you can find the right pet that fits your lifestyle. The site also provides helpful information on adoption and whether or not it is an appropriate choice for you.
Another great resource for adopting pets, the PSAA is the largest network for shelters in the nation, and can connect you with well-respected and trusted animal shelters. Just click on the closest city to you on the map and you’re instantly given the address and contact information to find your new best friend.
Looking to buy a purebred pup from a breeder or from a purebred rescue? You’ll find a multitude of resources at the AKC’s website, which includes articles about dog ownership and training, purebred and mixed breed factsheets, and resources for finding a trusted breeder near you.
Finding a local purebred breeder couldn’t be easier than with this site, which requires only the breed you’re looking for and your zip code. Breeders provides you with how far the breeder is from your location and their location on a map, and you can contact the breeder directly from the site through email.
Choosing a Dog or Puppy Breed
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When choosing to adopt or purchase a new Canine, keep in mind your needs and the people that will be around your new pet. For example, if you are looking for an obedient guard dog, you would probably consider a Rotweiler or German Shepard or if you are looking for a new puppy for the family, you would most likely add a Labrador Retriever or a Beagle to your list. To help you choose the right pet, we would suggest using Animal Planet’s Breed Selector Tool.
Making a Decision
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When narrowing down a dog or puppy to adopt, remember to avoid sites like Craigslist or eBay when looking for your dog! Trusted sites like the ones above will give an accurate picture and information about what they’re selling. Adopting a dog is more affordable than buying from a breeder, and out of the millions of dogs that are entered into shelters each year, an estimated 4 million are euthanized. The right pet for you may come from a breeder, but always consider adoption – one of that million might be that perfect pooch you’re looking for.
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