special to the garden island When you ask people how they chose their pets, you’ll get lots of different answers. Many families adopt their pets from the Kaua‘i Humane Society with more than 1,000 pets finding new homes in 2006.
special to the garden island
When you ask people how they chose their pets, you’ll get lots of different answers.
Many families adopt their pets from the Kaua‘i Humane Society with more than 1,000 pets finding new homes in 2006.
Other families have their hearts set on a purebred dog or cat, which comes from a breeder or a pet store.
“Sweet puppies and kittens are irresistible and sometimes it’s difficult to imagine the commitment to care for your new pet for a lifetime,” said Dr. Becky Rhoades, Kaua‘i Humane Society executive director. “Poi dogs and domestic cats are each unique, while purebred puppies and kittens from breeders should conform to breed standards.”
“We have found that not all breeders produce healthy, well-adjusted litters, and we would like everyone to do their homework before adopting or purchasing a new pet. It’s so easy to fall in love on the spot with an adorable puppy or kitten.”
Some people will breed dogs irresponsibly just to make a buck. They will keep many dogs in poor conditions just to produce lots of puppies for sale to supplement their income. The puppies are sold either directly to the public via the internet, newspaper ads, the mill itself, or are sold to brokers and pet shops. Puppy mill breeders may say the puppies are purebred and offer registration from the American Kennel Club, the most widely recognized purebred dog registry. The AKC however is not involved in the sale of dogs and cannot guarantee the health and quality of dogs in its registry. As a result, buying a purebred pet is a “buyer beware” market.
There are many documented problems with puppy mills which include overbreeding, inbreeding, minimal veterinary care, lack of socialization with humans, etc. To the unwitting consumer, this situation frequently means buying a puppy facing an array of veterinary and behavior problems. Sadly, some dogs are forced to live in puppy mills for their entire lives. They are kept there for one reason only: to produce more puppies and usually are killed when their reproductive capacity wanes.
Currently in Hawai‘i, there is no law which licenses puppy mills or dog breeders to protect the consumer. We do have puppy mills here on Kaua‘i and puppy mill suppliers sending in pets for local sale. So as a consumer, how can you be sure you are buying a quality purebred pet?
The Hawaiian Dog Fanciers encourage the following guidelines:
• Always buy directly from a reputable breeder. Ask your veterinarian for a list of reputable breeders in your area.
• Look at the dam & sire before choosing a puppy or kitten.
• Look at conditions under which the pet was raised.
• Ask for OFA No., eye certification, and shot records.
• Ask for a pedigree (at least 3 generations).
• Research the breed standard. You’ re investing in a lifetime companion. Know what you are buying.
• Be prepared to properly house, feed, train, and groom your new pet.
For more questions on puppy mills go to www.stoppuppymills.com. For any concerns about an animal’s welfare or if you are looking for a new animal companion, call or stop by the Kaua‘i Humane Society. The number is 632-0610.
