When you decide the time is right to adopt a new puppy into your family, you should take your time and find the right puppy that will fit in with your family and your lifestyle. This gives the puppy the greatest chance at a smooth transition into your home and sets the puppy up for success. There is a common myth floating around that all pet stores only sell puppies that come from puppy mills or other sketchy backgrounds. However, this is generally not the case. Some pet stores have been found to source their puppies from shady sources, but it is possible to find pet stores that do not buy from puppy mills. You can get a healthy puppy at a reasonable price from a reputable source if you take the time to do your research. 

Pet Stores and Humane Society Partnerships

Each year, around 7.6 million companion animals are admitted to animal shelters across the country, and nearly 2.7 million of these animals are euthanized. Nearly four million of those animals are puppies and adult dogs; most of these animals are healthy and adoptable. Of these four million dogs, more than one million dogs are euthanized for various reasons -- a lack of available, suitable homes is the a very common reason. Across the country, humane societies and dog rescues have taken the initiative to partner with local pet stores to help increase adoptions. Healthy, fully vetted and highly adoptable puppies (and some adolescent and young adult-aged dogs) are taken to adoption centers at pet stores to give them a greater chance at being adopted. These dogs receive higher visibility due to the increased foot traffic. Adoptions can be handled at the pet store, along with a purchase of food and dog supplies. This makes it easy to find your new best friend and save the life of a dog that is perfectly healthy and well-behaved, but was dealt a less-than-great hand in life.

Pet Stores and Breeders

Several pet stores have been in the news for sourcing dogs from puppy mills. These dogs may have been improperly bred, unsocialized with humans and other animals, and come with a host of health problems. This is not to say that you should never buy a dog from a pet store; most pet stores research the breeders they contract with and use only reputable breeders with high standards for the care and breeding of the dogs in their care. Before you go to the pet store to get a puppy, research the particular store online to ensure that you will be getting a healthy puppy from a solid background.

Adopting a puppy or older dog should be a joyful experience for you and your new best friend. Take your time and do the proper research so you give your new canine companion the best chance at success in his new life with you. Look into companies like Your New Puppy LLC to learn more.

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