Adding a new pet to your family is an exciting journey, but it’s crucial to approach this decision with care and consideration. As an Atlanta pet parent, you have numerous options for welcoming a new cat or dog into your home. This guide will help you navigate the process responsibly and find the perfect animal companion for your family. Keeping in mind that puppy mills are everywhere – including Atlanta – my goal with this post is to help you protect your family from common errors new pet parents make when looking for a new pet. Here’s my guide to Finding Your Perfect Pet Companion in Atlanta!
Avoid Puppy Mills at All Costs
Aren’t puppies cute? Yes, they are, which is how puppy mills get away with a lot of what their unethical, predatory practices.
For this reason, one of the most important aspects of responsible pet acquisition is steering clear of puppy mills. These large-scale breeding operations prioritize profit over animal welfare, often resulting in traumatized dogs that are vulnerable to infectious and genetic diseases. A puppy mill dog will cost you upfront and in the long term, too. They are not healthy, not well cared for, and not a pet you want to fall in love with because many have their lives shortened due to poor breeding practices.
To avoid supporting puppy mills follow these steps:
- Be wary of online listings, pet stores, and ads with multiple litters available
- Avoid sellers who refuse to let you visit their facility or meet the puppy’s parents
- Be cautious of breeders offering many different breeds or “designer” mixes
Do Your Homework on Species & Breed Suitability
Before choosing a new pet, it’s essential to research and choose a species and breed that aligns with your lifestyle and living situation. Consider factors such as:
- Energy level and exercise requirements
- Grooming needs
- Size and space requirements
- Temperament and compatibility with children or other pets
Take the time to learn about different species and breeds and their characteristics to ensure a good match for your family and home environment. If your time or budget is tight, for example, choose a pet whose needs you can meet without additional; extended dog walks for active breeds eat up your time and add up if you hire a professional. Instead, opt for a pet that requires less attention and expense, like a small breed dog, cat, or small mammal.
Consider Pet Adoption
Atlanta boasts numerous reputable animal shelters and rescue organizations that offer loving pets in need of forever homes. Some top options include:
- Atlanta Humane Society: A no-kill shelter providing adoption services, veterinary care, and community outreach programs
- PAWS Atlanta: Offers a 3.5-acre walking trail and off-leash area to get to know adoptable dogs
- LifeLine Animal Project: Manages Fulton and DeKalb County Animal Services, the only open-intake shelters in Atlanta
- Angels Among Us: Rescues dogs and cats from high-kill facilities and places them in foster homes before adoption
Adopting from a shelter not only gives a deserving animal a second chance but also helps reduce the number of pets euthanized due to overcrowding.
Wait for the Right Pet
When it comes to adding a new furry family member, patience is key. Avoid making impulsive decisions, as getting a pet is a long-term commitment. Instead:
- Take your time to research and visit different shelters or reputable breeders
- Interact with potential pets to ensure a good personality match
- Don’t base your decision on appearance alone – for example, neonatal kittens are adorable but they are a lot of work!
- Be prepared to wait for the right pet to come along rather than settling for a less suitable option
- Consider fostering to learn more about what works for your family and what doesn’t
Responsible Breeder Checklist
If you decide to work with a breeder, ensure they are responsible and ethical by looking for these signs:
- They allow you to visit their facility and meet the puppy’s parents – at least the mama
- They provide health guarantees – ideally the results of genetic testing – and vaccination records
- They ask you questions about your home and lifestyle to ensure a good match – reputable breeders are picky about who they sell their kittens and puppies to
- They offer ongoing support and are willing to take the pet back if compatibility changes suddenly
- They wait until the babies are appropriately weaned from their mother’s milk before letting their families take them home
Finding Your Perfect Pet Companion in Atlanta
Recently, 136 dogs were recovered from a Pierce County puppy mill thanks to a tip about potential animal abuse at the property. Per Atlanta Humane Society and this article from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the dogs were mostly smaller breeds like Maltese, Dachshunds, Boston Terriers, Pomeranians and Shih-Tzus. This news serves as a reminder that not all people that work with pets have their best interest at heart. For this reasaon, as you embark on your journey to find a new furry companion, remember that responsible pet acquisition benefits both you and your future pet. By avoiding puppy mills, researching breed suitability, considering adoption, and patiently waiting for the right match, you’ll be well on your way to finding the perfect addition to your Atlanta family.
At Buckhead Pet Pals, we recognize that bringing a pet into your home is a lifelong commitment. We encourage you to take the time to make an informed decision.
Once you find the perfect pet, reach out to us to get your new kitten or puppy on a visit schedule in which we can help socialize, reinforce behaviors, and exercise them. No matter their age, all new pets need time to decompress. Our team of professional dog walkers and pet sitters looks forward to working with you to help your new pet adjust to their new home and life!
Existing clients, please request dog walking services here. New clients, learn more about our onboarding process and scheduling software/app here. We welcome your questions and comments via phone at 404-303-0312 or email at office@buckheadpetpals.com.
Buckhead Pet Pals proudly serves Atlanta, Buckhead, Sandy Spring, Marietta, and Roswell. Learn more about our service area here.
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