| DD wants a puppy and I’m trying to help her find one. There appears to be a shortage and prices are high. Any advice? Thx |
| Adopt... |
| Rescues, local newspapers, Craigslist etc. |
| Pet finder |
| Don't get a puppy. Get an adult dog of one year. |
|
Look on www.petfinder.com
They have dogs of all ages with rescue groups and in shelters in your geographical area. Please do your research before you get your kid a dog though, is she going to pick up poop? walk it in the rain? Still be caring for it when its an older dog? |
| How old is your daughter? What’s your budget? Are you looking for a specific breed? |
We tried this. For 18 months. It's almost impossible to adopt in the DC area. We were never "chosen" by the rescues. I looked at a million listings, emailed again and again. Were chosen as a "final candidate" several times but never ended up with a dog. We own a single family home, fenced yard, work-from-home jobs, perfect vet records from a past dog, etc. After 18 months we just bought a puppy. |
| If you really want a puppy you are going to have to find a breeder, put down a deposit and wait a while. We just boarded our dog with the breeder we got him from and they mentioned that they have all their upcoming litters fully reserved. If we wanted a puppy (we don't), through them it would be at least January. |
| Homeward Trails |
I hear you, but rescues aren't the only game in town. I tried to adopt in NYC through a rescue for 6 months, and they were so disorganized and ridiculous that after the 3rd "email you [20 page] application to this account" when I told them I already had an application on file and had met volunteers in person, I just went to the pound. (Well, three pounds before I found a dog that fit the bill, but all in NYC.) There are plenty of old fashioned shelters around DC. Some are only taking appointments right now but you can follow them on their website or Facebook and see when new animals arrive, set an appointment if you see a puppy you like, and pick up a dog for practically free if you're willing to drive 45 minutes. |
| Homeward Trails, got my current dog from them about 4 years ago. Also check out shelters in WV, much easier to adopt there. And Petfinder |
|
Wolftrap Animal Rescue has new puppies weekly.
We were able to adopt the second one we met. |
+1 |
PetFinder has a lot of shady rescues. |