Your New Pet

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This page is not complete.  We will continue to update and add information throughout the summer. 

NEW PUPPIES AND KITTENS

In today's society, dogs and cats have become members of our family and, in some cases, surrogate children. Pets have come a long way from sitting at the end of a chain in the yard in the rain. Dogs and cats have wormed their way into our hearts and homes. . . and , sometimes, even our beds. Who wouldn't want to snuggle under the covers with a soft pillow under their head? We purchase food and treats based on what we think they might like, offer a variety of toys we hope they will play with and even, coordinate their beds and play towers to match the rest of the home (I'm guilty of the last). Some people even dress their pets in a variety of outfits with matching collars and leashes to demonstrate their affection for them. Because pets have become an intricate part of our society, our homes and our families, it is important to get a good start.

The ASPCA is a terrific source of information (ASPCA.org) and we've included a list of questions to ask yourself when you are planning to bring a pet into your family. Click Here for Questionnaire.

Some of the topics we will cover will include:

         Pet Health Certificates

              - What the laws say

              - Why this is important for your protection

              - How to recognize and understand a valid Health Certificate

              - Avoid losing your rights

         Adoption Vs Purchase

               - Pet Stores

               - Private Breeders

               - Breed Rescue Groups

               - Humane Society/Animal Care and Control/Shelters

         Pets and Children

               - How to prepare for a new pet

               - Introducing pets and children

               - Zoonosis and protecting your children

         Initial Puppy/Kitten Health Care

              - What to expect from your veterinarian

              - How to protect your pet

              - Owner education overview

         Training

              - Normal behavior

              - House training/Litterbox training

              - Socialization

         Pet Health Cost and Insurance

Pet Health Certificate:

Each state has it's own set of rules and statutes regarding the transport and sale of dogs and cats in that state. Florida Law 828.29 (Pet Lemon Law) applies to ALL dogs and cats offered for sale within the state of Florida. A common misconception is that this rule applies to professional breeders and pet stores only. Any dog or cat offered for sale in Florida, falls into this category, including puppies sold on the internet, from a neighbor or coworker or off the side of the road. These rules are in place to protect you as the consumer and ensure the best possible chance of receiving a healthy pet. You want a pet that has been examined by a licensed veterinarian for internal and external parasites and potential hereditary defects, as well as, protected against common infections and determined to be healthy enough for sale. The actual Florida statutes can be viewed online (Florida Statutes/Pet Law), however, the following is a general overview. (This is not intended to replace the actual statute or provide legal advice.)

Each dog/cat transported for sale or offered for sale in the state of Florida must have the following:

a) Current vaccination:

Dogs:  Distemper, Leptospirosis, Bordetella, Parainfluenza/ Hepatits, Parvovirus and Rabies (only if 3 months or older)

Cats:  Panleukopenia, Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Calici Virus and Rabies (only if 3 months or older)

b) Anthelmintics (dewormer) against roundworms and hookworms

c) Fecal to check for intestinal parasites such as hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, coccidia, tapeworms

d) Dogs 6 months of age and older must be tested for Heartworms

e) Cats must be tested for Feline Leukemia

f) Physical exam by a licensed veterinarian to evaluate for contagious or infectious disease, internal and external parasites (excluding fleas and ticks), hereditary or congenital defects and, overall, health.

Examination must occur within 30 days of purchase.

Vaccinations,tests and anthelminics must occur within 21 days of purchase.

All this must be done by a veterinarian licensed in the state of Florida and accredited by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). The veterinarian issues an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (Health Cert). A copy of the Health Certificate stays with the seller and a copy stays with the pet at all times and goes to the purchaser at the time of sale.

A copy of an Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection For Sale of a Dog or Cat in the state of Florida has been included, along with notations of what to look for and how to interpret the information.  Click here for an example of a State of Florida Health Certificate and for a set of guidelines to understand how to evaluate that health certificate.

Why You Should Care:

Although some breeders and pet dealers may have years of experience and your neighbor or co-worker may have the best of intentions, these laws are in place to protect YOU. You want assurances that your new family member has received high quality vaccines, given at the proper time to give maximum protection along with proper dosing of effective anthelminics (dewormer). You want to know that you pet is free of any obvious health issues, such as heart murmurs, congested lungs, pneumonia, inguinal and umbilical hernias, cleft palate, hereditary or contagious mange, etc. No one can guarantee that your new puppy or kitten won't have any health issues, but we can substantially reduce the risk. Unfortunately, some people will knowingly sell you a sick or neglected puppy, but many people don't realize that what was best for pets 10 years ago, is no longer effective or appropriate. Many people don't realize that the parvo virus can still sicken or kill a puppy that has had only 1 or 2 vaccinations and the newer stronger calici virus can kill both kittens and adult cats. A serious infestation of fleas or intestinal parasites can result in life threatening illness in both puppies and kittens and not be obvious until it's too late.

From a purely emotional standpoint, it is heart wrenching and devastating to fall in love with a new pet, just to have it become ill and possibly die within the first few weeks. It only takes one look from those adorable faces to be completely hooked. And if your heartstrings are not so easily tugged, a new puppy or kitten is most expensive during it's first year of life and a major illness can double or triple those costs easily.

The Pet Lemon Law also states that, if within 14 days of purchase, a licensed veterinarian (chosen by the purchaser) determines the pet was unfit for purchase, has symptoms of a contagious/infectious disease, has internal/external parasites (excluding ticks and fleas), or within 1 year of purchase a licensed veterinarian identifies a congenital or hereditary disorder that affects the pet's health, or within 1 year of purchase the breed, sex or health of pet was found to be misrepresented, the purchaser may choose one of the following;

1. Return the pet for refund and reimbursement for some reasonable veterinary costs

2. Return the pet for an exchange of equal value and reimbursement for some reasonable veterinary costs

3. Retain the pet and receive reimbursement for reasonable veterinary costs for necessary services and treatment (this may not exceed the price of the pet).

*You may use any veterinarian of your choice.

*You are not required to use the pet dealer's veterinarian.

*The pet dealer may get a second opinion from their own veterinarian.

If you sign a waiver giving up these rights, you options become extremely limited if there is a problem with your pet.

How To Protect Yourself:

1. Buy your pet in the state of Florida.

   Some breeders live over the state line in Georgia to avoid Fl laws.

2. Get a current/valid Health Certificate at the time of purchase.

   Don't let anyone mail paperwork to you later.

3. Don't sign a waiver relinquishing any rights.

   Don't sign anything without reading it first and if you are unsure, ask for clarification.

4. Get a receipt with business information or the seller's information.

   If you have any problems or questions, you need to have contact information. If you purchase a pet at a flea market or from the side of the road, will you be able to contact the person again? Sometimes, checks and credit cards can be tracked, but cash can't.

5. If the person selling the pet is not the breeder, ask for the breeder's information.

   You want to be sure that you are not supporting a puppy mill or negligent breeder. Some pet stores may, unknowingly, sell pets from puppy mills.

6. Ask to see the parents of the pet to see if they appear healthy and well socialized.

   If other dogs on the property appear sick, neglected or unfriendly, there is a higher risk your pet will have problems.

7. Avoid places with multiple breeds.

   Breeders with a true love of their business will limit themselves to 1 or 2 breeds. If multiple breeds are living together, they may be interbreeding and you won't realize it until your pet is older. Unfortunately, some people will still register a mixed breed litter as pure if they think they can get away with it.

8. Try to not make an impulse purchase.

   This is the hardest guideline of all to follow. Anyone who is selling a dog or cat knows that once you hold and snuggle that pet, you are more than halfway along to purchasing it. Once they lick your nose and nuzzle against your neck, you are sold. Who wouldn't be? Remember, these people are trying to sell you a pet, because that's their job. You are getting into a lifelong commitment, make sure you are getting what you pay for and you are being treated honestly and fairly. Some people are genuinely trying to help you find the next loving member of your family. Unfortunately, some people are just trying to make a sale and many people don't even know what their doing is wrong or illegal. The ones who suffer the most, in these cases, are the pets themselves and the new families that fall in love with them. Fourteen years ago, I saw my first flea market puppy that died from a combination of fleas, intestinal parasites and parvovirus infection. The greater tragedy is that it will happen again this year if we don't change.

9. Have all new pets, regardless of source, evaluated within the first 24-48 hours.

If any problems or questions arise, try talking to the seller first. Sometimes, pets may have health issues or illnesses that are not apparent at the time of sale and are sold 'in good faith'. Responsible individuals and businesses will work it out in a fair and timely fashion.

Adoption vs Purchasing a Pet:

Although it is impossible to determine how many stray dogs and cats live in the United States, estimates for cats alone range up to 7 million, according to the ASPCA. Many dogs and cats in shelters and pounds are euthanized because of behavioral problems, treatable medical conditions or, simply, because there is not enough room for them, not enough money to care for them and not enough people to adopt them. The ASPCA estimates that 5-7 million animals enter shelters in the nation every year and approximately 3-4 million are euthanized. Many of these pets are young and healthy and just need a loving home and a second chance. A common misconception is that shelters and pounds have only mixed breed dogs (which make AWESOME pets,too), but as many as 25% of shelter dogs may be purebreds. We ask that you keep this in mind when determining the source of your next pet.

Pet Stores offer a variety of cute and adorable puppies and kittens just waiting to be held and played with and be taken home. You have lots of options to choose from, along with a variety of leashes, collars, bowls and accessories to make the deal complete. The are found in high traffic areas, so they can catch your eye and maybe lead you into an impulse purchase. Unfortunately, the ONLY function of a pet store is to sell puppies and kittens. . . whether or not you get the right pet for you, is usually not relevant. The staff is often not trained about breed differences, specific needs or medical concerns (ie. Dachshunds may be predisposed to back problems). You will usually be unable to determine and verify the source of these puppies. Even if the source is not a puppy mill, commercial kennels and puppy brokers may provide adequate care for dogs, but, again, they are only in the business of selling puppies as a commodity. They are often not concerned about breed standards, genetic testing and evaluation for temperament and quality. They usually only care about producing and selling 'cute puppies'. . . after that, the buyer is on their own. And don't get taken by the term 'pet quality', because that often means there is something wrong with the dog. Some local breeders may sell to pet stores, which can mean these were 'accidental' litters or they are looking to supplement their income without the bother of knowing where their puppies go. Some of these puppies have been shipped across the country and have lived their whole puppy life in a cage, without socialization or regular exercise or even a chance to play outside. And what happens if these puppies don't get sold?! Will they be shipped back to the kennel them came from? Will they be euthanized?

Remember, this is a business and profit drives most decisions.

• IF you find a normal healthy puppy in a reputable store and,

• IF that puppy has staff devoted to proper care and attention and

• IF that puppy doesn't always live in a cage and

• IF the staff is knowledgeable about the breed and can help you evaluate if it is best for your family and

• IF the store can direct you to the source kennel of that puppy and

• IF that puppy's parents live in excellent quality indoor/outdoor runs and

• IF those breeding dogs have regular interaction and socialization with other dogs and people, and

• IF those breeding dogs had excellent medical care with breaks between litters and

• IF those breeding dogs were regularly assessed for genetic and behavioral defects and,

• IF unsold and unsuitable adults and puppies were placed in good and loving homes. . . 

• Then you would have a good reason to support that business.  Does this mean that all pet store employees and pet dealers and commercial kennel owners are horrible people? Of course not! Are some pet stores ethical and responsible? Yes. Perhaps, though, it means that even in the best of circumstances and with the best of intentions, keeping and breeding dogs for profit alone isn't something we should support. If you decide to purchase a pet from a pet store, we advise that you ask lots of questions and follow up to be sure of exactly what you are getting and where it came from.

Private Breeders can be a reasonable source for puppies or kittens if they are RESPONSIBLE. Since most people can agree that someone selling puppies to anyone with the sole purpose of making money or to just get rid of them would not qualify as a responsible breeder, let focus on what does qualify. A responsible breeder is often someone with a great love of a particular breed and they want to improve that breed and not trying to provide 'cute puppies and kittens'.

• They will provide high quality medical care for all their adults and puppies, as well as, comfortable and sanitary living conditions.

• Their pets are well socialized to interact with each other and people.

• Dogs or cats with genetic or temperament issues are spayed and neutered and placed in good homes and only the best are used for breeding.

• Breeding is limited and females are given time to recover after having a litter, rather than breeding every estrus.

• Many responsible breeders will interview potential owners to determine if that breed is right for them and to determine if they have the potential to be good and responsible owners. They take great pride in their puppies and will often maintain contact long after the sale.

• They will gladly show you the parents of any litter and show you where they stay and, even, where they sleep and play. They have nothing to hide.

• If there are any health issues, they will address them and compensate the purchaser or replace the pet.

  Many of these people don't turn a profit, because they put so much back into the care of their adults and litters. This is someone who can help you choose your next family member, which means it is worth the time and effort to find a responsible breeder.

Breed Rescue Groups are another option for you if you are looking for a particular breed or if you are looking for a dog with a particular set of traits or abilities. Often, these are dogs and cats that were purchased in an impulse buy, without having a good understanding of that breed's particular needs or behavior patterns would be. Other cases involve pets whose owners simply lost interest once the pet grew up and was no longer a 'cute' puppy or kitten. Some of these animals have treatable medical or behavioral needs that were deemed to be too expensive or time consuming for the original owners. And occasionally, these are well cared for pets, whose owners had no choice due to their own medical needs or changes in their living arrangements. Rescue groups are responsible for saving the lives of thousands of pets every year and giving lots of good pets a second chance in a real home with a loving family.

     One good example of impulse buys gone bad: Many years ago when a children's movie featuring Dalmatians was released, there was a tremendous surge in sales of Dalmatian puppies. This is a high energy breed that requires regular time spent for training and discipline. This breed is also predisposed to partial or complete hearing loss, which makes training even more challenging. They are great dogs for the right family. Unfortunately, during the following years, there was also an increase in the number of adult Dalmatians left at humane societies and animal care and control facilities or even being euthanized due to training and behavior issues or families with small children unprepared for a big hyperactive dog (puppies do grow up). In a majority of cases, this was not the fault of the dog, but that is who pays the ultimate price. It is because of circumstances like this and many more, that breed rescue groups have developed.

     Rescue groups may be run by individuals or breed groups and many, now, are actually based on networks of people all over the country, due to the addition of the INTERNET. Although any individual involved in rescue work does it out of love and generosity and should be commended for their effort, not all rescue groups are equal. You can find extremes of both ends of the spectrum. Some groups are willing to adopt a pet to anyone with a pulse, because they are so desperate to save every pet, that they don't realize that a bad home can be worse than no home at all. Pets with temperament issues or medical needs may not be matched with compatible people, resulting in a pet not receiving appropriate medical care. The worst case scenario is a pet bounced from home to home, further aggravating any behavioral or social issues it may have. This is not in the pet's best interest. On the other hand, some groups have such extensive adoption processes and requirements, that it is virtually impossible to find the “perfect home” for each pet. Some pets are forever waiting in kennels or transition or foster homes, without ever having their own family.

     The question becomes, 'How do you choose a rescue group?'. A responsible rescue group will ask you lots of questions to help match with a particular dog and to help determine if a particular breed is right for you. They will likely have an application to be completed in advance and they may even wish to evaluate the home where the pet will be living. All pets to be adopted should be spayed or neutered, vaccinated, parasite free and in relatively good health. Any medical concerns or needs would be revealed immediately and a medical history of the pet should be available. Actively ill or injured animals should be treated prior to adoption. Many rescue groups have contracts that are required before adoption can occur. Most of these are very reasonable and include clauses that say the pet should be returned to the rescue group if things don't work out. However, some contracts can be very extensive, so be sure to read and understand what you are agreeing to before you sign anything. You should expect an adoption fee, which helps to cover the extensive cost of saving and maintaining these pets. It is not unusual for rescue group members to use their own personal finances to help supplement the cost of care.

     A final note of caution before adopting from a rescue group. Most groups work with a number of veterinarians, depending on the number of dogs they maintain. The groups can document all the medical care and treatment these pets have received while in their care and may even have records from the previous owner. They can often provide the veterinarian's name as a reference. Unfortunately, some groups may provide their own medical care in an effort to 'save as many pets as possible' and stretch each dollar as far as it will go. Although many of these individuals may have worked in the veterinary field at some time, they are not qualified to meet the needs of these pets. Again, it is the pets and their new owners that often suffer, even though these people have the very best of intentions.

Animal Care and Control/Humane Societies are an often overlooked opportunity to find excellent additions to your family, as well as, to give some very special pets a second chance to have a warm and loving home. Many people tend to stay away from places like these, because they are often considered to be sad, scary and disturbing places. It's easier to pretend that we don't have a serious pet overpopulation problem, if you never look at the consequences of irresponsible pet ownership. Knowing that most of these pets have been discarded or abandoned can be heartbreaking, but we, as a society, can make a difference. The other assumption is made that all 'pound pets' are mutts, sick or unfit for family life. We assume that they must have been discarded for a reason and, therefore, they are broken or damaged. While in some cases, that may true, a majority of the pets waiting for homes are just needing a second chance. There are both puppies and kittens waiting for a chance to run and play, as well as, older more settled dogs looking for the right person to lay down next to their chair and be a companion. You can find many beautiful purebred-looking pets, along with unique and special mixed-breeds.

     The sad fact is that as many as half of these pets won't get a second chance and will be euthanized due to lack of space and funding. These organizations are often underfunded and overlooked by government officials, while staff struggle to manage the caseload. They can't save every pet, so they have the heart-wrenching job of trying to determine which pets have the best chance of being adopted. Some pets may have serious medical or behavioral conditions that exceed the time and financial limits of the organizations and must be euthanized and other pets spend so much time waiting to be adopted that they acquire problems. There is always a certain risk when adopting a pet from any facility that maintains so many animals in one location, due to risk of contagious diseases or lack of socialization. The staff do their very best to isolate those pets that appear healthy and well socialized and make them available for adoption. Pets with minor problems can often be treated and also made available for adoption. Unfortunately, all of these facilities are inundated with strays abandoned by the owners, pets given up by their owners and loads of litters of puppies and kittens brought by irresponsible people that refuse to spay and neuter their pets. It is a tragic cycle that can be broken with better education for pet owners and improved community support for local facilities.

     We ask you to consider adoption whenever possible before purchasing from a pet store or breeder. There are normal happy pets being euthanized EVERY DAY all over the country, because they have nowhere to go. Although there are some responsible breeders and pet stores, do we really need to encourage the production of more and more pets, when there is already an abundance of pets waiting for someone to love them. Is the fluffy dog on the magazine cover really a better choice than the shaggy puppy at the pound. Do you think he cares that he doesn't have papers? We think there a lots of special breeds available, each with their own individual personalities and traits, but there are also lots of goofy mixed-breed dogs and cats waiting for a chance in your heart. We only ask that you please consider these lost children before you decide to purchase a pet.

     The major pit fall in stepping over the threshold of an animal control or humane society organization is that you can be struck by the absolute desperate situation of some of these pets. The wrap themselves around your heart and you want to save them all. An impulse adoption is just as dangerous as an impulse purchase. You must be prepared for the time and expense of caring for any pet and you should pre-plan adoption just the same as you would pre-plan a purchase. Sometimes the most dysfunctional or needy pet is the one that grabs your attention, but that may not necessarily be the right pet for you.

Pets and Children: