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Westchester Animal Hospital
2730 SW 87th Ave
Miami, FL 33165
w
(305) 221-1224
support@westchesteranimalhospital.org
Logo

2730 SW 87th Ave
Miami, FL 33165

w

(305) 221-1224

support@westchesteranimalhospital.org

Westchester Animal Hospital

Pet Buying

Buyer Beware

You’re thinking of buying a pet and you have lots of questions. Before we get to some of those questions, consider where you plan to go to buy your pet. There are many reasons to be careful. Do not just send or hand someone money without doing your research. There are risks associated with buying online, from a breeder, or from a pet store. Know what to look for and minimize the risks associated with pet buying no matter where you go.

Bulldog on leash
Jack Russell dog looking out car window

Veterinary Inspection

Dog breeders will provide a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection for the sale of companion animals as required by law. This certificate is suppose to indicate that your new pet is in good health before the animal is handed over to you. More often than not however, the certificate is fake or incomplete. Make sure that it is signed by a veterinarian and if possible reach out and talk with the vet that signed the certificate. Keep in mind that there are exceptions or loop holes. Look over the individual laws of your state for more information.

Jack Russell inside carrier

Vaccinations and Exams

The first set of booster shots must be given between 6 weeks and 2 months of age. Most good breeders will not separate a litter from the mother until after 2 months. For this reason, the first set of shots are usually done by the seller. The newborn will most likely be tested for intestinal parasites and dewormed during the initial vet exams. Once in a new home, there are usually additional vaccines that must be administered. These remaining booster shots are the responsibility of the buyer and not the seller.

Jack Russell looking at cat lying next to him

Use Common Sense

If you are buying from a Craigslist seller, a website breeder, or from the back of a pickup truck, you run the risk of being taken. I know people who have sent money to breeders and never heard from them again. Others have been stuck with huge medical bills by buying from questionable breeders. Some have received veterinarian certificates that have been signed with a rubber stamp and have been left blank or completed erroneously. Meaning, the dog is female and the inspection certificate makes reference to male body parts. Don’t be impulsive.Buying a dog is not like buying a pair of shoes.

Things to Consider

Don’t Buy From a Pet Store

red and white cat sitting

Naming Your Pet

You have a new pet, but you don’t know what to name him. The name you choose is more important than you think. It will be what your pet responds to and what others will call him. So make it good! Make sure to include everyone in the household in the naming process to get the ball rolling where bonding are responsibility are concerned.

Pet Care Costs

Caring for an animal comes with its share of expenses. Most pet owners will spend between $700 and $2000 on initial food, pet supplies, and medical bills the first year alone. This excludes miscellaneous costs like travel gear, pet grooming, and pet sitting services. Cats require such things as litter boxes, litter, and scratch furniture. Dogs require collars, leashes, and chew toys. Some people may unrealistically think they can forego some of these expenses. However, it won’t be long before they realize that shelling out some cash at the beginning will save them more in the long run. For example, cats like to scratch furniture.

dachshund dog walking with shopping cart
Yorkshire Terrier puppy on hind legs in a shopping trolley

If you don’t purchase a scratching post for them, you might soon find holes in your sofa. If you choose to get a dog, you’ll probably need training pads. Accidents are bound to happen in the early stages of training. You will also need to invest on a leash. Most states have leash laws requiring dogs to be kept on a leash when going outdoors. Initial wellness exams and booster shots are necessary expenses. Having pets is very rewarding, but it is also a huge responsibility. Make sure you are aware of the costs associated with pet care before making the decision to get a pet. Can you commit to it no matter what challenges becoming a pet parent presents?

Dog Breeds

Dogs were domesticated some 14,000 to 17,000 years ago. However, most dog breeds known today were selectively cross-bred during the 19th century. Modern breed classification is based on 5 areas of aptitude: hunting, shepherding, guarding, work, and company. The World Canine Organization, the world governing body of dog breeds, recognizes 340 breeds of dog. The American Kennel Club only recognizes 167 breeds of dog. With so many breeds in existence and many more variants still being bred, how does anyone decide which breed of dog to settle on. Consider the following information when making your selection.

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Personality

E

Energy Level

E

Good with Children

E

Good with Animals

E

Common Health Problems

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Shedding

E

Barking Level

E

Life Expectancy

Top 6 Family Dog Breeds

1

Labrador Retriever

labrador retriever

2

Bulldog

English Bulldog

3

Golden Retriever

Golden Retriever

4

Beagle

Beagle

5

Pug

Pug

6

Irish Setter

Irish Setter

Cat Breeds

Despite what we know about the independence of cats, they have been living with humans for 12,000 years and are, in fact, the most popular American pet. Although there’s still some debate surrounding the domestication of cats, scientists believe that wild cats were domesticated to aid with pest control. When people began to settle and mice began to linger around stored crops, cats were invited into homes to assist with the problem. Today, there are 42 recognized cat breeds by the Cat Fanciers’ Association, the world’s largest registry of pedigree cats.

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Companionship

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Space Requirements

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Cat Allergies

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Exercise Requirements

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Grooming Requirements

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Prey Instincts

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Home Environment & Personal Property

Top 6 Most Popular Cat Breeds

1

Exotic Shorthair

Exotic Shorthair kitten

2

Ragdoll

Ragdoll Cat

3

British Shorthair

British Shorthair Kitten

4

Persian

Persian Cat

5

Maine Coon

Maine Coon Cat

6

American Shorthair

American Shorthair Cat

Temperament

What Makes A Good Pet

Temperament refers to those characteristics that make up an animal, which cannot otherwise be classified as physical or taught. Although not quite the same thing as personality, it is often used synonymously. Temperament testing is used to predict or identify potentials problems that may arise and may need to be managed. Knowing your pet’s temperament early on allows you to take an preventive stance on behavior.

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Shyness

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Aggressiveness

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Independence

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Friendliness

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Territorial

Articles

Don’t Buy From A Pet Store

Don’t Buy From A Pet Store

Most breeders do not sell to pet stores because they want to meet the buyers in person. They care about their puppies and want to make sure they go to a good home. Also, most national breed clubs prohibit or discourage members from selling to pet stores. Pet stores...

Getting A Puppy Or Adult Dog

Getting A Puppy Or Adult Dog

Puppies and kittens need to be socialized, are very energetic and require exercise, must be supervised for their safety, need to learn the rules and boundaries, and must be housetrained.Kittens and puppies are still developing and may have underlying health or...

Choosing Between Male or Female

Choosing Between Male or Female

You may have heard that female dogs are more aggressive or that male dogs are more affectionate. While there are some questions looming surrounding the superiority of one sex over the other, there is no evidence supporting either claim. Whether or not your dog is...

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