MOST DOGS AND CATS AVAILABLE ARE LISTED BELOW IN USA - these pets are all up to date with their medical which is a huge plus.
WWW.PETFINDER.COM
WWW.ADOPTAPET.COM
You can also set up email alerts for new pets that join the database. Its pets that need to be rehomed from private owners which is alot more affordable.
FIND A BREED RESCUE OR CREATE A GENERAL SEARCH - - THIS IS KEY ON FACEBOOK
There are many ways to search for a pet. On Facebook, you can do a general search, for example: in the major search box at the top you can type in: Labrador Retriever New York and hit enter and IMMEDIATELY below that you have other options to search. Posts, People, Groups, Photo etc. Groups are by far the best with plenty of animals.
PET SHOPS
Please avoid any purchases at pet shops because these pets are from puppy mills. Many of them have medical issues from over breeding and these animals are put on the market too soon because of simple greed, which is another problem. Most of the puppy mills have a terrible environment for the animals. Each year we hear of another puppy mill that was shut down for health reasons while mistreating the animals. Many people involved in animal welfare are constantly signing and networking petitions to shut them down.
BREEDERS - BE PREPARED WITH QUESTIONS - AND AVOID BACKYARD BREEDERS AND SCAMS
Before you spend hundreds or thousands of dollars on a pet, let’s review some information so you do not regret your purchase. This is a long term purchase and often people are so excited to get a pet so its easy to forget simple questions to ask. An experienced professional breeder are truly not in it for the money. Usually they love the breed and enjoy breeding. Well known breeders easily have references from people who purchased from them. Some have websites or have a Facebook pages. These days they also do GENETIC TESTING before mating so they can be aware of any medical issues. One of the biggest questions to ask: is there a written contract or agreement to guarantee the pet’s health? How about if you have a life change and can no longer keep the pet, can you return the pet?
You want to ask is the price set in stone? If so, is the pet up to date with all the medical shots and mandatory rabies requirements? Just google cat or dogs shots and vaccines and a list will come up. These animals are so young and their immune system is so low they can obtain: abdominal distension, intestinal constipation, enterocolitis, gastritis, plague or worms. And some are backyard breeders, who have no experience, and provide no medical services such as vaccines or shots that are mandated by law. To follow are good articles to view before your purchase:
https://www.bestfriendsvet.com/library/breed-specific-care/genetic-screening-in-pets/
https://www.akc.org/press-center/articles/responsible-breeders/
https://itsdogornothing.com/10-signs-of-a-backyard-breeder/
We do NOT refer people to breeders because they are part of the over-population major issue in USA. They keep breeding animals and there are way too many now that do not have homes. Every day in many states homeless pets are euthanized (killed) because there are not enough animal shelters to house them. They are also euthanized because they are kept in the cage too long. Their temperament can change if they are in an animal shelter too long.
WHAT IS THE REAL COST OF A KITTEN AND PUPPY FOR THE FIRST YEAR? AND HOW MUCH THE FOLLOWING YEARS GOING FORWARD?
https://www.moneyunder30.com/the-true-cost-of-pet-ownership
THE HOUND IN THE POUND ONCE WAS THE KITTEN AND PUPPY YOU PURCHASED FROM A PET SHOP OR BREEDER.
WHY are there so many pets in animal shelters or rescues? 10 Million pets are lost each year and many are NOT micro-chipped. People accidentally die, die, or a pet has to be given up because it is jealous of new born baby or people lose their home, divorce, people ran out of money, went to nursing homes, People buy and are not a true animal lover.
What is a TRUE animal lover? Do you take good care of your pet? Feed, walk, bath them? How about Vet visits? Would you try and save a pet in a very dangerous situation? People will make time and spend money if a pet is dear to their heart. .
YOUR DOG/CAT CAN ENTER A SHELTER TOMORROW BECAUSE NO ONE KNOWS THE FUTURE. Close to 1 to 2 million pets are killed a year in USA. PEOPLE DON’T EVEN THINK IT COULD BE THEIR PET AT A FUTURE DATE. FOR SOME REASON THEY THINK THESE CATS AND DOGS ARE JUST FOUND ON THE STREETS.
You do not need a breeder to find a specific breed because most likely they are available locally. And yes, there are puppies and kittens. The major issue is too many people just want puppies and kittens and they are not even a good fit. Lots of children want them and we always recommend the child is large enough to completely defend themselves. Often the children think they are toys and should never be around any pet. People just are not listening but just google all the tragic deadly cases. In USA, there are 5 million animal attacks a year. And any breed can cause damage or kill. Even older people may want a very young pet and realize it is not a good match for them.
HOW ABOUT FOSTERING? WHAT THE HELL IS FOSTER FAILURE?
Many people are truly confused what breed or age of a pet to buy. Obtaining a pet is a huge decision. Fostering is where you house the cat and dog until an adopter comes along. It is free and the expenses have a tax incentive. The best advantage is you are saving 2 lives, one you are fostering and another one who will take over their space Can anyone guess what is a Foster Failure? YES, its a Foster parent who has fallen in love with the pet and wants to adopt them as a pet and it’s FREE!
SCAMS - CALL US WITH QUESTIONS - 973-271-2500
There are many CROOKS on the Internet trying to scam people for hundreds of dollars. The bottom line is no money is to be given until the animal is right in front of you. Immediately you should ask for their phone number and website. Most of the scammers have a phone that’s basically for texting and have no website. AND NO WIRING ANY MONEY. IF IT SOUNDS TOO GOOD… IT IS A SCAM.
Check out this article: https://www.experian.com/blogs/ask-experian/the-ultimate-list-of-the-years-worst-scams/
FREE ANIMALS AND COST
Is there really such a thing as a free domestic animal? All animals need their shots, mandatory vaccines, spay/neuter and chipping. There are many groups on Facebook for free animals. Again, here is how to search for Facebook Groups:
Go to the major search box at the top you can type in: basset hound New York free and hit enter and IMMEDIATELY below that you have other options to search. Groups are by far the best with plenty of animals. You can search for pages, posts, dates etc.
Negotiate
Can you negotiate the price of an animal? Perhaps, if you think the price is too high compared to the other animals you have seen within the breed.
If it is a shelter, most of those fees are set by the board or town. However, there are many specials within the year for discounts and maybe even free, you just need to ask. Fostering is FREE, so if you decide to adopt it possibly could be free as well.
You may be able to adjust the price if the animal has medical issues, older or just one that is not high demand.
Perhaps, they can offer free training for your new pet? Or could you possibly volunteer with a skill you may have to offer the shelter to save on the fee? Also, many of these shelters have agreements with local veterinarians for discounts, so ask them to share the information to save money.
Many people assume the fee for adopting a pet is tax deductible and it is not. Tax deductible is for donations.
HYPOALLERGIC DOGS
At least once a week people ask us about hypoallergic dogs, so I included this article below:
http://www.sheknows.com/pets-and-animals/articles/815208/top-10-best-hypoallergenic-dog-breeds-1
INTRODUCTING A PET
Many places are very busy placing homeless animals and do not cover one very important issue, introducing existing animals to new animals. Just because the first meeting went well does not mean it will be a good match. The introduction process is extremely important and be prepared if anything serious happens. How will you break up a fight? In my experiences, I always have a pitcher of water available. Here are a few videos to assist you:
New dogs to existing dog:
New cat to existing cat:
New dog to other pets:
DECOMPRESSION:
This is extremely important and many people are not informed when adopting a pet from a shelter. Decompression is basically allowing the animal time to chill out. In the shelter, most animals are at a heightened sense of awareness for a prolonged period of time and that can cause them to crash the first night into a deep sleep. Here are some tips that will help the honeymoon period go smoothly:
1. Give your new pet their own space – whether it be a crate or a room of their own, a quiet place to relax is essential. Make it a pleasurable experience for them by playing soft perhaps classical music. Give them lots of high-value treats, such as a Kong stuffed with peanut butter or scratching post to stimulate them mentally. (Remember, when used properly, a crate can create a “den-like” atmosphere for a dog, which is something innate to them.)
2. Stimulate all the senses but do it one at a time. Don’t invite everyone you know over to meet the new dog or cat. Give them time to get used to your family before allowing them to meet anyone else. Animals have a very powerful sense of smell. Allow them to explore and get used to their new environment before introducing them to resident pets. It is especially important to conduct introductions slowly and over multiple periods of time so that both the new and the resident pet are comfortable with each other. Make each interaction a positive experience for each animal. And never, force an introduction.
3. Keep your pet on a routinized schedule. Animals look to us for guidance and leadership. Your new pet will not inherently know what is expected of them. It is up to you to teach them. Never punish an animal, especially after the fact. They won’t know what they did wrong and the teaching moment will have passed. Always use positive reinforcement. When your pet does what you want, reward them for that behavior right away so that they connect the two experiences.
Following these simple steps can ensure success for you and your new pet. A two-week shutdown period is typically recommended but some animals will need more time and some will need less. Pay attention to the clues your pet is giving you. If they still appear nervous or skittish, wait a little bit longer before introducing them to other experiences. A decompression period is the first step of your long and happy journey together.