Guide to adopting a pet

Breeders
A breeder is simply that -- someone who breeds animals. There is no licensing body that governs individual breeders. That said, any breeder claiming to sell purebred dogs must register his animals with a body governed by the Animal Pedigree Act. (Purebred cats should be registered with the Canadian Cat Association or one of the American associations, such as the Cat Fanciers' Association or The International Cat Association.) The Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) is the primary purebred dog registry in Canada. It publishes the Dogs in Canada annual, which lists breeders across the country -- an excellent starting point when you're looking for a breeder. You can also visit the website at www.ckc.ca or call the CKC at (416) 674-3699; someone will direct you to a local breed club, which can then recommend a breeder. The Canadian Cat Association is the only registry for purebred cats in Canada. Its website (www.cca-afc.com) provides a list of breeders.

Cost: $500 to $2,500 for a purebred dog; $500 to $900 for a purebred cat. The rarity of the breed, the number of pups or kittens per litter, and the quality of the breed all play a role in pricing

Pros: You have firsthand knowledge of the animal's history, pedigree and the care she has received. You also get to consider her personality traits, size and appearance, and you will be bringing home a puppy or kitten young enough to train yourself. If you're dealing with a reputable breeder you also get the expertise of someone who has a passion for a particular breed. If you have any problems or concerns, you can always call for help.

Cons: The price is an obvious one. You also have to make sure you're dealing with a reputable breeder and not a puppy mill. "While Ontario and British Columbia have very strong legislation cracking down on puppy mills, other provinces have weaker legislation," says Tanya O'Callaghan, communications coordinator for the Canadian Federation of Humane Societies in Ottawa.

Things to know and ask: Ask to see where the animals live and look at how many breeds there are. "If you see five or six different types of dogs, you could be walking into a puppy mill," says Sonny Allinson, the manager of communications and marketing at CKC. Find out if the mother is there and if you can see her, too. Having a mother present helps a puppy socialize properly. Also keep in mind that most breeders will not release a puppy or a kitten before eight to 12 weeks.

A reputable breeder wants a good match for her puppy or kitten, so expect to be asked a lot of questions. Be sure to see health certificates and records of visits to the vet, as well as a health guarantee in writing. If you buy a purebred, ask about the pedigree of the parents and get a signed bill of sale stating the animal is being sold as a purebred, and make sure you receive registration papers within six months of the date of purchase at no extra cost. It's the law.

The dog breeder must have the dog identified with a tattoo or microchip before he leaves the premises. And if a breeder says the dog is CKC registered, make sure she is referring to the Canadian Kennel Club; two other registries out of the United States use the same acronym.

Owner's anecdote: Carolynne and David Masters contacted several breeders and rescue shelters listed in Dogs in Canada before settling on one breeder. "She takes excellent care of her dogs," says Carolynne. "She makes sure their bloodlines are all clear (meaning they are healthy and are not carrying defective genes), and is always bringing new dogs in to avoid inbreeding. She also tries to match puppies to owners." Carolynne's advice: Visit several breeders. Make sure you're comfortable with them and their setup and that they are knowledgeable about the breed.

Tip: Visit dog and cat shows when you are thinking of getting a purebred pet. You get to see what the animals should look like and find out more about the breed.

Visit our forums to get advice from other readers on adopting a pet.

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