You would think finding a new pet would be simple since—sadly—we have an overwhelming number of homeless pets in the United States. However, narrowing your search and finding the perfect pet for your situation is not so simple. 

Before you start looking, answer the following questions to help you narrow down the pet you want and that would best suit your family:

  • Why am I looking for a new pet?
  • What expectations do I have for a new pet (i.e., do I want a pet who will hike with me or be my lap dog)?
  • Do I want a pet who is a certain age, size, breed, hair length, or color?
  • Do I need a pet who will get along with other pets or children?
  • How much time do I have for the pet’s exercise and training needs?
  • Can I afford veterinary care for a pet with a health condition?

Knowing the pet you are looking for will greatly expedite your search, and prevent you from choosing a four-legged companion who does not fit with your family.

To help, our Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital team lists the five top places to look for a new pet.

#1: Explore animal shelters 

Roughly 6.5 million pets enter animal shelters each year, but only 3.2 million are adopted, and many of these end up back in the shelter in less than a year. With so many wonderful pets wanting a loving home, animal shelters are excellent places to begin your search. The shelter staff is often familiar with the pet’s background and temperament, and most shelters will spay or neuter, vaccinate, and microchip the pet before you take them home.

#2: Sign up for updates on pets from breed rescues

If you are looking for specific qualities in a pet, breed rescues are an ideal resource. You may be interested in a hunting, herding, or protection dog, or a pet with certain characteristics. Breed rescues, or rescue groups that focus on pets in specific categories (e.g., giant breeds, working dogs), can help you find the best pet for your family. Oftentimes, pets in rescues are living with foster families, so you can learn a great deal about the pet’s personality

 traits and health. Additionally, these pets who need a new home are often adults, so you can skip the puppy stage and all the necessary training.

#3: Research reputable dog and cat breeders

If you have your heart set on a certain breed—perhaps one that you grew up with or one you have always dreamed of owning—connecting with reputable breeders is a great way to find the perfect pet. 

However, do your research before making a final decision about a puppy or kitten from a breeder. You must be sure that the pet comes from healthy stock, so ask to see health testing results and pedigree paperwork, and visit the pet’s parents and litters to assess their temperament and the level of care they receive. You also need to investigate the pet’s breed to learn about and test for potential health and behavior issues. For example, German shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, so a reputable breeder will have performed radiographic hip testing to show that their breeding stock is healthy.

#4: Peruse social media listings for pets

As you scroll through your social media feed, you likely run across posts depicting pets looking for a home. Virtual connections have far-reaching effects, so consider joining breed rescue groups, following pages of homeless pets in your area, or searching for a particular breed or pet type.

#5: Remain open to friends and family with pets

Sometimes a friend or family member needs to rehome their pet because of home or work changes that mean they can no longer provide appropriate care, so keep an ear open to your social network. The advantage of these pets is that you can see how they interact with their current family members, who can fill you in on their personality and good—and not so good—personality and behavior traits, health, diet, and exercise requirements. Also, sometimes family pets have litters before the family can get them spayed or neutered. These puppies or kittens likely make good pets, because their mother’s health and level of care is a known quantity.

Are you wondering why we have not included pet stores? While pet stores certainly always have pets for sale, the pets often come from puppy and kitten mills that use poor breeding practices and produce animals with genetic health issues. And, these pets usually come with a high price tag.

We hope these ideas help you find the exact pet you are looking for. Then, as soon as you bring them home, we’d love to meet them and help get them on the road to a happy, healthy, long life. Give our Boca Midtowne Animal Hospital team a call to schedule your new pet’s first wellness visit.