Great, so you want to help...
but maybe not sure how?
First and foremost- start with these simple rules that you can incorporate into your life starting today.
ALWAYS spay/neuter your pets. This is the #1 way to be sure you do not add to the overpopulation problem in our shelters today.
Don't buy from puppy mills/backyard breeders. Why would you want to support this form of animal cruelty (and #1 cause of overpopulation) when you can adopt a pet waiting for a home at a shelter?
DID YOU KNOW?
If your personal choice is a purebred dog, you're in luck!!
Besides that you can specify breeds in local shelters on Petfinder.com, there are National Rescue Groups for almost every breed of dog. All you need to do is Google for your breed's rescue groups and contact a member. These groups have volunteers who foster dogs of a particular breed who are waiting for their forever home. I have included links to several common breeds below.
Labrador Retriever-
Lab Rescue (not a national group, but includes links to local groups also)
What Am I Talking About???
Okay so who SHOULD breed puppies/kittens???
The only people who should breed puppies and kittens are responsible, PROFESSIONAL BREEDERS. These are people who devote a large part of their life to studying their specific breed and only breeding dogs at the top of their breed standard. These people are recognizable because they ONLY breed animals with a health clearance after testing for illnesses specific to the breed, animals that have earned their Champion title (in other words, professional judges approve the animal as top of their breed... not just someone with a male and female who think they have two "good looking dogs" so they should breed them!!!), and that have the perfect temperament for their breed. These people will require a spay/neuter contract if you buy one of their puppies as a pet. They are responsible and they know what they are doing.
Be sure to visit my "Pet Overpopulation" and "Animal Cruelty" labels on the top of the right sidebar of my blog.
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