Are you thinking about bringing a dog into your family? That’s great! Dogs offer invaluable affection and companionship, and many people love sharing their homes with them. But before buying a dog online, continue reading for a few helpful tips.
Think about adopting a dog first
There are several ways to get a dog without buying one from a pet store or breeder, and these involve adopting the animal instead. Dogs of all types and ages, from babies to seniors, are available for adoption.
First, you can head to one of the many shelters in your area to adopt an animal. Shelters have all types of pets, from dogs and cats to birds and rodents, looking for their forever homes.
Another option would be to look up rescuers and foster networks in your area, including breed-specific ones. These might not have central locations like shelters if they work with networks of animal caretakers, but they can work closely with you to find the perfect companion.
The wonderful thing about adopting a dog is that you save a life while helping rescuers and shelters take in even more needy animals.
Adoption fees are usually lower than buying from a store or a breeder. The rescuers typically have a good amount of knowledge they can share with you regarding how to care for your pet correctly and whether or not a particular species is a good fit for you and your family.
Remember that you can also locate rescuers, shelters, and foster networks online to see if you connect with any of their animals.
Even if they aren’t located nearby or in your state, you might be able to work out transport with them, so don’t assume you need to adopt a dog only in person.
Run a background check before buying a dog online
Not all people who sell animals do it because they genuinely care and want the best for those pets. So, when buying a dog online, it is wise to run a background check on the individual or business.
You can use Nuwber to do this surprisingly quickly. You can search for information using someone’s name, address, or phone number and access details like police records, lawsuits, and more.
The last thing you’d want is to be scammed or to end up buying from a cruel facility like a puppy mill.
Meet the dog in person
If you hope to find your perfect companion online, you must deal with a reputable seller, breeder, or rescuer.
Because you need to be cautious, it’s also a good idea to work with local sellers, who you can meet in person.
Visit their facility to see how the animals are housed and cared for, and meet the dog you’re interested in buying.
The bottom line on buying a dog online
Buying a dog online can be tricky, and there are several things to be concerned about.
So, to ensure you aren’t scammed and can bring home a healthy and loving pet, do your research, use caution, and only deal with reputable businesses.