Where can I find a free small dog?

Question

We are looking for a free dog small in size in the Nashville,clarksville, TN or Hopkinsville,Fort Campbell, KY area. (We would love a runt of the littler please before taking to be put down as some local breeders do)We are only asking for free becuase there will still be costs for the dog. To get the animal fixed, shots, a microchip as well as flea and tick prevention and heartworm prevention. We are willing to invest in the dog but would much rather have our vet take care of all the shots and so forth if possible. Thanks in advance

Okay with all of the guilt trips I have a 13 year old beagle I know how much dogs can cost I jus dont see the point in spending 100-150 from our local shelters (I have called around only 1 is 49 but they have no small dogs). I have a good vet and am aware of all of the original costs. We know how much medical emergincies cost as or beagle required an emergency C-section when she was pregnant (no we weren't breeding) it cost 1000, plus costs for puppies becuase they were born early and we gave them away, no cost after we paid for shots and everything else. So we are good pet owners and know how much they can cost. We just dont want to have to pay such a large fee plus everything else

Answer 1

What a great idea to help out a little guy that will only be put down otherwise. I think that is just the best. Try http://www.petfinder.com/shelters/KY53.html or the http://www.westkentuckyrescue.com/

Answer 2

No reputable breeder will kill the runt of the litter. If your 'local breeders' are doing that, then they are NOT good breeders. An ethical breeder will find a home for the dog with a family that just wants a 'pet quality' dog.

I know that you understand that your first vet visit could easily reach $200, but it goes much further than that. Animals have emergencies. If you can't afford to adopt a dog from a proper channel or to buy from a good breeder, can you afford it if the dog breaks a leg a month down the road? This vet bill can be $1000. Will that be a problem? What if your dog gets into the easter chocolate? A rush to the emergency room for fluids, to pump his stomach, to counteract the poison, and keep him alive could run you several thousand dollars. Can you afford that?

It's not just the $200 at the vet the first time and $200 for food, treats, a bowl, etc that first week - my dog costs close to $1000 a year. I just had her teeth cleaned and her vaccines updated and paid a $250+ vet bill for that. She broke her leg in '05, and all those surgeries and follow-ups were nearly $1000. When the neighbors poisoned her in '06, it was another $100. Another $50 to the vet when the pet sitter screwed up and left out some bad food. These are not extraordinary expenses. You have to plan for them, not hope that they don't happen and then be in trouble when they do.

If you can safely put $1000 away for that emergency, then move forward with the dog. But go through a reputable agency, not a backyard breeder or puppymill who breed crappy dogs and then overcharge. At http://www.petfinder.com, when I put in 'Nashville, TN' and "Small Dog", I get hundreds of small dogs. I stopped counting at 250. There were numerous poodles, chihuahuas, dachshunds, yorkies, beagles, and other similar dogs (purebreds and mixes).

Good luck to you in your search. : )

Answer 3

If you are wanting a free dog look in the newspaper although with a free dog you don't know the dogs temperment, or health, but from a humane society or SPCA where you will have to pay a small adoption fee and you will have the peace of mind in knowing that the animal has been checked out by a vet, plus has been neutered or spayed and also they know the animal's temperment and can make sure of the right home being picked for the dog as you have to fill out an application to adopt the dog.

Answer 4

You can check out local newspapers, pet store bulletin boards, animal pounds and veterinarian offices. Go to Petfinder.com. They have literally thousands of dogs needing homes, and often, you can get a reasonable description of the dog's personality. Especially if your are looking for a purebred dog, you should check out breed characteristics so you get the "right" dog for you. Happy Hunting!

Added: I think the fees charged by the shelters usually include the services and costs you are already calculating into your plans and costs, and very little more in many cases.

Answer 5

Free is not worth it. Get a puppy from a shelter. They don't cost much. They are actually cheaper than free puppies. They come with spay/neuter, shots, vet check, and whatecer else the shelter offers. Try these sites
http://www.petfinder.com/post/classifiedhop.html
I checked and there are some people needing to find homes for pets they can't care for anymore.
http://www.petfinder.com
Shelters always have dogs. Give them a chance to get in new dogs. I noticed if you wait three months a dog you want normally will show up.
http://www.1-800-save-a-pet.com

Answer 6

Ask around where you work, if any of their friends have an unwanted puppy..we just got 2 dapple doxies for free... I was looking at the shelters, which the fees around $100-150, but you cant adopt a dog unless you have a fenced in yard...I tried at 3 different shelters.

Answer 7

www.petfinder.com has listings of local shelters and available pets. I think there may be some fee involved because they may have shots already, etc. Get used to putting some money into your dog. It may end up needing special food like ours does...if you don't have the $ to be prepared for that, maybe a different pet would fit your lifestyle better. Also, remember that grooming and care when you are not at home or on vacation can get costly, too! Not to discourage you, but go into it with your eyes open...it's a big commitment! Cats are able to be home alone for longer periods and pretty much groom themselves unless they are longhair and get matted!

Answer 8

Why not go to the local dog pound ... they have dogs of all ages, sizes and types that are dying for a home. Most do require that the animal be spayed/fixed, but that because they are trying to keep the animal overpopulation down.

Pound puppies make great pets. I know, I have had one for 14 years now.

Answer 9

Small dogs are harder, seems their little brains are more interested in fighting the big dog down the street than house training. If you want to trained to go in the house, start by keeping them confined in small area except for play time with you. Have a lot of paper down and remove it a little at a time so that they learn to go to that paper. If you want them trained to go out, you have to take them out as soon as they wake up, right after they eat, and when they get cranked up playing good. You have to watch their body language. If you take a drink can with 7 pennies in it, one hard shake will get their attention quick to let them no they are about to do something wrong, scoop them up and get them out. A lot of people reward with a treat when they are good, but most times, a good rub on the shoulders and head and telling them they are a good boy/girl will mean more to them.

Answer 10

Try to adopt a dog from your local shelter. if they do not have any small dogs i would reccomend being on their list and they will call you when one comes in usually it takes up to a month if they dont have one. The adoption fee is usually 25-75 dollars depending on how old the dog is and what condition it is in.