I’m sure you’ve heard this before, but in the United States and Canada, there are millions of unwanted cats and dogs put to sleep each year due to lack of space in shelters and not enough homes available for these animals. Even if you want a purebred puppy, you can usually find what you’re looking for at a shelter/rescue. Just go to petfinder.com, you can search by specific breed, age, region, etc. Some of the southern states are high kill shelters that euthanize if not claimed within 3 days; some still use the gas chamber and heart puncture as euthanasia methods that are extremely inhumane.
Even if a pet store says available puppies don’t come from a puppy mill; 99% of the time they do; no reputable breeder would put their puppies in a pet store to be caged all day. Many of these animals in rescue organizations and shelters began as purchases from a pet store or breeder, but were turned in due to lack of time, or owners moving, lack of money, having a baby, allergic children, developing allergies , dogs jump on children and take the easy route of giving away or selling the dog instead of investing the time and energy the animal deserves to train them to be a more well-rounded member of the family; or simply lack of time or desire to train, even for people without children, etc.
Most of the time, people buy a pet on the spur of the moment and those pets are a lifelong commitment. And unfortunately, many people still don’t spay or neuter their pets. One catch 22 with this is that spay and neuter surgeries cost a lot of money for most people; averaging $500 in most cases; and cities, veterinary clinics, etc; maybe you should look into this dilemma and possibly offer reduced rates for low income individuals and families in some way.
The best idea is to go to your local humane society or adopt from one of the many animal rescues in your area. You will be rewarded with a loving, home-schooled, altered, and up-to-date pet, and you will have literally saved a life. Many rescue organizations and local kennels, shelters, and spcas around town have purebred animals available for adoption. I know a young couple who found a beautiful purebred Akita at the kennel in town and they are very happy with their new addition to the family.
So if you’re looking to get a pet, why not at least research what your local rescue organizations have to offer?
