Good Ads on the Internet. A good ad on the Internet can give you the confidence to contact a breeder or organization and know you're probably getting a good dog. In a good ad, look for things like: • OFA, CERF or BAER Certified • Temperament-tested • Obedience titled • Genetic diversity • Low inbreeding coefficient • Raised in the home • Friendly • Well-behaved • Raised with kids/cats A good ad is only a starting point for finding a reputable breeder and the right dog. You should still meet with the breeder, see where the dogs are raised, meet the puppy's parents, if possible, and ask the right follow-up questions. If you can't do one or more of these things, you should decide whether you're willing to commit to a dog that may have an increased risk for genetic health-related problems, or temperament and behavioral issues.

Animal Shelters

For the purpose of discussing these two groups, we'll group animal shelters and humane societies together. Animal shelters and humane societies usually have a wide variety of mixed-breed dogs of all ages; from puppies to older adults. Essentially, animal shelters and humane societies are places where dogs who don't have homes can live until they find a home. These organizations typically have a limited amount of space, so for the animals that don't get adopted quickly, other solutions are many times needed. Animal shelters and humane societies can be great places to find a new dog, as long as you understand your needs. Types of Animal Shelters. Animal shelters are typically divided into two categories: kill shelters, and no-kill shelters. No-kill shelters do not euthanize animals. They work to find alternate arrangements should an animal not be adopted. Many people who are unable to keep their dogs due to a change in life circumstances look for a no-kill shelter to surrender their dogs, knowing that they'll find a new home. No-kill shelters are typically funded through donations and volunteer efforts in addition to the price of adoption. Kill shelters are typically run by cities or counties. These shelters may house stray dogs as well as dogs that have been surrendered or abandoned. Kill shelters typically function as kill shelters because city or county funding is insufficient to keep all the animals they receive until they find homes. Many rescue groups and humane societies work with kill shelters to find alternate arrangements for dogs before an animal is euthanized, but ultimately many of the dogs who are processed through kill shelters don't find homes. Roughly 6 to 8 million dogs enter shelters every year, and nearly 3 to 4 million animals per year are euthanized.