We always prioritize and encourage adoption above all else. This is not only due to the growing stray population, but also as lives simply shouldn’t be reduced to mere business profit. However, we can’t ignore the mass of animals with commercial value that are subjected to neglect and abuse over unethical breeding practices and the lack of public education. We aren’t naive enough to believe that people will stop purchasing animals - we can only do our part to educate you on how to at least go about it responsibly.

Before we jump into it, we have to reiterate what you already know. We do not in any way endorse animal breeding and commercialization, and we strongly urge you to turn towards adoption. Due to the pending Animal Welfare Bill, strict regulations aren’t present to monitor and safeguard the wellbeing of these animals. Chances are, when you are ‘saving’ an animal by purchasing them, your money may very well be feeding an abusive environment. 

We understand that some may desire certain breeds. And so, we’ve made this guide indebted to the lives that are otherwise at stake. This advice is in hopes that you make responsible choices that entertain the health and safety of your future pets.

First, identify if the breed you desire suits your lifestyle. Do your research and understand their general traits and personalities. For instance, if you live in an apartment, it’s unlikely that you could house a large breed, energetic dog with a tendency to bark. Identify their needs and rationalize if you can realistically provide for them long term. Certain breeds require particular diets, supplements, grooming and exercise. Will you have the resources to properly care for them for 10-13 years? Knowing these factors will help you realize if you can afford a pet at all. 

Second, make sure that your home is ready to welcome a pet. It’s easy to get carried away with desire, and hopefully, the first advice helped eliminate that. Are your family members in agreement? Consider long term plans, if you have any idea of moving during the next decade, can you take them with you? Pets are in it for the long haul and will love you with all their being. Are you willing to truly let them become a part of your family and consider them with every decision, just as you do your parents or children? Knowing these factors will help determine if your home is in an appropriate mental state to indefinitely accept a pet into your lives.

Third, approach a certified breeder. Licensed breeders know the ins and outs of the practice, are experienced in the process, and generally care for the welfare of their animals. Visit their premises and check out the environment for yourself, while also doing your own research on the breeder’s reputation. Does the litter have good accommodations? Do they seem to be in good health? Check on the litter’s mother and father, and ask as many questions as you need to feel reassured. 

Fourth, don’t compromise on welfare for ‘cuteness’. Always choose a pet over 8 weeks of age that's been vaccinated and dewormed. Or else, you’re guaranteed to end up cheated with a malnourished pet that was separated entirely too early from the mother and litter, with poor social skills and little to no immunity. This will certainly come back to you in the future in the form of severe health issues and/ or an untameable pet. A certified breeder generally won’t subject you to such a spectacle. On the other hand, a backyard breeder will try to convince you otherwise.

‘Backyard breeding’ refers to unethical breeding practices in unprepared homes without any professional supervision or safety precautions. Such breeders often ignore the welfare of the mother and the litter - a common example being those we tend to see on the side of roads with puppies crammed into tiny cages without any shelter, water or food. These breeders can be spotted from a mile away if you follow the third piece of advice. Needless to say, encouraging these breeders, even out of pity for the animals, only endangers more lives.

Fifth, maintain a relationship with the breeder. A responsible breeder will tell you everything you need to know about health and pet care, from vaccinations and general health check ups to grooming and dietary recommendations. It's advised to get a veterinary opinion in regards to health and care as well.

That being said, if you aren’t picky about age, you can avoid fueling the breeding industry altogether and choose to adopt. Tails of Freedom generally always has rescued companion animals that have been subjected to abuse or neglect, who are on the lookout for good homes. Typically, there are also pets of different breeds looking to be rehomed. Generally, rehoming is an extensive process but if you’re willing to put in the effort, it’s entirely doable [refer to Rehoming Pets].

Photo by Glenn from Pexels.