So you are looking to get a pet. Where should you look?

Rescue Centres

With so many cats and dogs being taken on by rescue centres the starting point should be one of these organisations. There are hundreds across the UK, many very well known, such as Battersea Dogs Home and organisations such as the Dogs Trust and Cats Protection. But there are many more.

So what are the pros and cons?

Pros:

• You will see a wide range of animals to choose from
• You will be helping a pet who really needs it
• The pet will have had a thorough health check and will be fully vaccinated
• You will only be asked for a small donation of £70 - £120
• The rescue centre will support you with help and advice.

Cons

• You may have to settle for an older pet as you may not find a puppy or kitten for rehoming
• Some rescue pets may have behavioural issues, although no good rescue centre should try and rehome a problem pet without fully discussing it first with the potential new owner
• You may want to take many more pets home with you!

Breeders

There are also hundreds of breeders across the UK. So what are the pros and cons of buying for a breeder?

Pros

• You can choose the breed you want
• You will be able to get a puppy or kitten
• Your pet will come with all the formal breed papers
• You will be able to “show” your pet if you want to

Cons

• You will have to be careful you find a good breeder to ensure your pet is fit and healthy
• Your pet may be expensive
• A pedigree pet may be more liable to illness and pet insurance will be more expensive
• You won’t be giving a vital home to a rescued dog or cat, some of which may be put down if not rehomed.

Pet Shops

It is rare now to find a pet shop in the UK that will sell anything other than small rodents and fish. The few shops that sell cats or dogs would sell pedigrees in which case you may decide it is better to go to a reputable breeder.