When scoping out a potential new furry friend to join your family, you may wonder where to begin your search. While pets can seem to fall into your lap, especially when working with animals at a veterinary hospital or animal shelter, finding your perfect pet can require intensive research. If you’re on the lookout for a new pet, consider our Animal Hospital of Stoney Creek team’s five best places to find your new best friend.

#1: Your local animal shelter

Animal shelters are overflowing with homeless pets, and their staff members work hard to find each of their charges a fur-ever home. The majority of shelter pets end up in these facilities through no fault of their own, because they are simply victims of changing circumstances. Behavior issues are the second most common reason people surrender pets to animal shelters, but many of these challenges can be remedied through training, patience, and dedication, or the right environment (e.g., a home in which they are the only pet, a home with no small children).

By adopting a pet from an animal shelter, you’re helping reduce the pet overpopulation problem. The resources used for the pet you have adopted are then used for another pet in need. In addition to performing that good deed, you have the opportunity to carefully consider which is the perfect companion to add to your family, because you can discuss your family’s requirements with the shelter staff. Once you’ve narrowed down your options, you can spend time with each pet to determine which one has the characteristics you want most. You may also be able to foster-to-adopt a potential match. In this situation, you bring home the pet for a trial run to see how well they fit in with your family once they’ve adjusted. 

#2: A pet breed rescue

While shelters house many purebred pets, the specific breed you want may not be in a shelter near you. A breed rescue is an excellent place to find a particular pet with specific characteristics, as many rescue organizations solely take in that specific breed. Some rescues welcome pets who encompass certain traits or are classified as a specific group, such as giant dogs or herding breeds.

By working with a breed rescue, you have the opportunity to meet pets of various personalities who still have the key characteristics you want. In addition, breed rescues often have vast networks that enable pets to be transported across the country if a pet who’s your perfect match is not nearby.

#3: A reputable pet breeder

Some people who breed pets simply do so because they think it’s an easy way to make money, or because they want their adult pet to have babies. However, pets who are born into these situations can be emotionally and physically unwell, leading to numerous problems down the road. In addition, although you may be tempted to purchase a puppy from your neighbor whose dog has had an accidental litter, you won’t know for certain what you’re bringing home until the puppy grows up. 

However, if you choose a puppy who has been bred by a reputable breeder who endeavors to improve their chosen breed’s health and temperament, your expectations about the pet you are bringing home will be realistic. A reputable breeder conducts health testing to ensure their pets do not have common genetic problems. These breeders often arrange meetings between you and both parents of a puppy or kitten you wish to bring home, so you can envision the adult your new pet is likely to become. 

#4: A trusted friend who can longer care for their own pet

While keeping a pet for their entire life is ideal, many circumstances force loving families to leave their pets in the care of a new family and home. Spread the word that you are looking for a new pet. You or a friend may meet someone who needs to rehome their pet for any number of reasons. Friends, family members, and their widespread social circles may connect you with the perfect new pet, so discuss the possibility with everyone you know.

#5: Pet adoption websites 

A pet adoption website is a valuable resource when you are searching for a new pet. Not only can you take breed-matching quizzes, you can narrow down your search to only include pets who fit the characteristics you want. A website, such as Petfinder, allows you to search for specific pet breeds, ages, sizes, and personality traits within your specified geographic radius.

Social media pages and groups are another commonly used online resource. You can search with hashtag keywords on Instagram and Facebook, or join groups for specific breeds or in certain locations. Your social media network may also be able to assist you in finding the perfect pet by sharing your in search of (ISO) post. You never know when that aimless scrolling you do while lying in bed can lead you to your new pet by chance.

No matter where you find your new pet, we can’t wait to meet them! Once you bring your new furry pal home, schedule a wellness visit with our Animal Hospital of Stoney Creek team.