Here are a few early warning signs:
- An ad in the newspaper offering for sale two or more breeds of dogs
- Repeated or frequent advertisements from the same breeder
What to watch out for:
- A breeder who will not allow access to their kennels or the area where their animals are housed.
- A breeder who will not show you the parents (or at least the mother) and where they are housed.
- Small cages or enclosures often with inadequate lighting, ventilation, or heat.
- Cages or enclosures that are dirty and/or filled with feces and urine.
- Animals' coats that are matted, dirty and/or full of feces.
- Malnourished animals suffering from inadequate nutrition and often dehydration
- Lack of veterinary care. Parasites, ear and eye infections, and open wounds or sores are all common indications of little or no veterinary care
- Continuously bred females producing up to three litters yearly.
- Genetic defects due to inbreeding or poor breeding practices.
- Unsocialized parents and puppies.
- A breeder who has little concern about you, your lifestyle, or the home you will provide for a pet.
- A breeder who does not have a health guarantee, a spay/neuter contract, and provisions for the return of the animal if you decide you no longer can care for it.
Some pet stores offering puppies for sale get their pups directly or indirectly from puppy mills.
Do careful research before purchasing a pup from a pet store.
Your Pet Store Pup
Numerous pet stores now have an adoption centre in the store with animals from local shelters and rescues groups featured for adoption.
Adoptions Main
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