Wee Chi Chihuahua's

Adopting your new family pet safely

*please read before adopting*

With the internet and newspapers, adopting a pet is now just a click away. But how do you protect yourself from scammers and be sure that you are getting what you expected. Some sites advertise for you to send them money and your pet will be shipped to your nearest airport. Some of these breeders will do just that, but many do not.  The temptation to pick the cutest puppy or kitten you see on that website can irresitable, but take a moment to think about it. Would you buy a car without test driving it?

Here are some steps to make your adoption a positive experience:

• If it sounds too good to be true.......it's too good to be true.
• Consider starting your search for a new pet at your local animal shelter or pound. There are many great pets waiting for new homes.
• Please do not adopt from pet stores. Many of these pets have come from puppy mills and irresponsible breeders. I have had countless people comment to me that they or someone they know has had nothing but problems with their new cat or dog. Most will have no history and you will most likely not be told where the animal came from.
• Never send money without doing your homework. Scammers can be very convincing and can manipulate you into making on the spot decisions.
• Adopt locally if at all possible, so you can visit the kennel or home to witness with your own eyes how the animals are raised. Meeting the breeder is important.
• Some breeders will claim that you can not visit their home because they do not want disease brought into their kennel. While this is a valid concern, there are steps that can be taken to allow for prospective families to visit safely. Providing handwashing, slippers and not handling very small pups that have not been vaccinated, are some ways to make it work. Animals that have been properly vaccinated, should be able to tolerate having visitors.  
• If you feel pressured in any way, do NOT adopt from the breeder.
• If you decide to adopt from a breeder to "save" the pet from abuse or neglect, DON'T. Report them for animal abuse. Buying a pet from them only supports them and they will keep doing it.
• Ask as many questions as you can, and don't be afraid to ask for references from the breeder and to talk to their vet. Reputable breeders will be more than happy to share their knowledge of the breed.
• Ask for documentation of all money transactions, and make sure to get a written contract at the time of adoption. Reputable breeders will provide a health guarantee and proof of vet checks.
• Visit the home or kennel more than once if you can. Get to know the breeder long before you decide to adopt from them if possible.
• Most important, take the time to find the right pet for you. It is a life long commitment and should be done with patience and love. Taking the first cute pup or kitten you find can lead to disaster and heartache.
• The first thing you should do is take your new pet to your vet as soon as possible. This will give you peace of mind and may catch any problems that had not been detected. It also gives your vet a chance to get to know your new addition.
• While adopting from another country can be legitamate, be very careful, you will have no recource if it goes badly.
• Finally, take your time. Be prepared mentally and financially. Make informed decisions.

Thank-You, and good luck in finding your new pet, I hope this has not scared you away from adding a new pet to your family. There are great breeders out there, so Have Fun and Take Your Time. Regardless if it is from me or not.