If you are to get a dog, where would you go to get one? Why there and how would you locate any?

Answer 1

I would recommend going to the RSPCA shelter, that’s where I get all my dogs. They usually have a litter of puppies available, or older dogs in the kennels. It’s always good to go to the RSPCA because it’s saving the dogs from being put down and gives them the family that they deserve. Plus all RSPCA dogs are wormed, vaccinated, micro-chipped and de-sexed, which is what you pay for when you adopt one. There’s a shelter in most states (I think all) of Australia (assuming that’s where you’re from by your name), and here’s their website to view all the dogs they have available. www.rspca.org.au – if you’re not from Australia then there should be a RSPCA in your country anyways.

As others have said, rescue shelters and such are a great place to look, for the same reasons as I said above.

Answer 2

Ideally from an animal shelter, or (if you are after a specific breed and it isn't at the shelter) from a reputable breeder or the breed's rescue centre.
All can be located via the net or your phone book. Your local vet may also know of dogs/pups that are looking for homes.

why? Shelter because you are giving a dog/pup a second chance.
Reputable breeder because they do the right thing for the breed
Breed Rescue centre because they have been screened for temperament and health

ADDITION
As Australian Rose says, dogs from shelters (RSPCA and others) are all chipped/desexed/wormed/flead/vacc'd. They actually have to do this by law. Soon pet shops will also be required by law to desex and chip the pups before selling. Maybe you wont see so many puppies (and kittens) in the petshops then.

Answer 3

Your local shelter or humane society. I got my dog from Pet a Palooza where alot of different organizations bring dogs and cats for adoption. It is done locally here in Michigan, but not sure where else and usually during the summer. I got my cat from an animal hospital, so you can check those in your area also. I heard that breeders are not always the best place to get a dog because they do charge alot of money. Our mixed breed dog is the best, and I find that adopting an animal is great. They seem to be more loving and loyal for some reason! I would stay clear of pet shops also. I think they charge too much also. Our local news stations show pets that are up for adoption too.

Answer 4

It would depend on what I was looking for in a dog. One time I was looking for a small to med size dog. Breed did not matter. I went to all the shelters and all they had were cats and large dogs.

I looked for 3 months and could not find one. One day however I was in the Vet's office with my other dog, and there was an owner putting up a sign for her Beagle she was giving it away. Needless to say the dog went home with me.

2 of my pugs I got a rescue league - Highly recomend them. They get health checked and disposition checked and most of them are housebroken. Rescue leagues usually have dogs living with families before you get them, so they are used to people and are ususally in good health and have all their shots, etc. They are also housebroken. They also love you very much, I know it sounds odd, but I think they know you saved them.

My point is: If you aren't looking for a particular breed get a shelter dog. However don't forget to check with your local vet. My vet often takes in strays and fixes them up and looks for homes for them.

If you are looking for a particular breed contact the local rescue league for that breed they are all over the place. The pug rescue league in our area get's dogs that owner's can't keep any more, or they are rescued from the puppy mills in the south, or they have been abused. One of my pugs was a surrender, and the other was an abused pug. Both are well behaved, loving and great dogs.

Don't ever buy a dog from a pet store.

Answer 5

I would get one from a reputable breeder. I'd contact the national breed club and get a list of breeders in my general area, I'd start going to shows to meet breeders/owners and their dogs in person, then I'd try to visit the various kennels to see which ones seem to be good, caring, responsible breeders. Once I found the breeder I'd reserve a pup from their next available litter.

The next best alternative is to contact the breed's rescue organization and try to adopt a homeless dog.

Answer 6

if your buying a dog its always better to view before the pup is ready to leave its mother . i have a west highland white terrier ,my first one i brought was from a pet shop ,that was my first mistake . the pup died within two weeks . i found out from my vet that it was always best to view when the pup is still with its mother. i did this and realy got a strong and healthy dog. it seems that lots of dogs are breed as fast as possible to get more money and this weakens the breeds . my do is now 15 yrs old . good luck and be sure you get a good dog from a good breeder .

Answer 7

you can find dogs and puppies everyday on http://craigslist.com --that are in need of a home.Even pure-breeds. Some have a small re-homing fee others fees are a bit larger. You can even post an ad there for the type of dog you are looking for. Once you get to craigslist.com find your specific area and go to the pets section there.Good luck!

Answer 8

I would contact breed specific clubs (in my case, the DPCA). They usually have a breeder referral. Get a few breeders name and contact information, and check them all out THOROUGHLY.

If never looked for any other breed than a doberman, but I'm sure there is a "Poodle Club of America" or whatever breed you are looking for. Type it into any browser, and I'm sure it will pull up MANY links.

Answer 9

I got my dog from an ad in the local newspaper. A local breeder.

Answer 10

A rescue home.

Because it would be nice to give a neglected or abandoned dog a second chance for a happy life.

The phone book.