Making the decision to adopt a dog for yourself or your family, whether a puppy, an adult dog or even a senior dog, is a huge, and I do mean huge, decision. You are going to experience a lifestyle change because a dog, a puppy, in reality is a four-legged child or baby, respectively. The shelters are full of surrendered dogs because people did not realize this one fact.

Now, if you have made the decision that a dog is right for you, or a loved one, which path are you going to choose to find your dog? Breeder? Rescue? Shelter?

There are specific differences between all three, that I’ve broken down into these categories: Dog Availability; Purchase/Adoption Expense; Purchase/Adoption Process; Health of the Dog; Temperament of the Dog; Warranty/Surrender Policy.

Set yourself and your pup up for success and a lifetime of love. Know which path is right for you before you adopt, because one size does not fit all.