- November 22, 2024
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by: Amy Wade-Carotenuto
Executive Director, Flagler Humane Society
If you are in the market for a puppy, if you’ve decided there’s room in your home, in your heart and in your wallet for a four-legged family member, obviously I would recommend that you look first at Flagler Humane Society. Our website, www.FlaglerHumaneSociety.org, features photos and descriptions of our adoptable pets. We are open seven days a week with staff to help you pick out the perfect match. We encourage you to have your existing dog take part in choosing their new best friend. Shelter pets are fully vaccinated, spayed/neutered, dewormed, microchipped and behavior tested. At FHS, we get dogs of every breed. This month we have had Maltese, German Shepherds, Cocker spaniels, yorkies and so many more. Of course, I recommend the mix breeds. Statistically, they have fewer health and behavior problems than purebreds.
But what if you don’t find the love of your life at Flagler Humane Society? Where else should you look? Well, you could start by checking out Halifax Humane Society in Daytona, Putnam Animal Control in Palatka or St. John's Animal Control in St. Augustine. You could look online at sites like adoptapet.com or petfinder.com.
If you are purchasing or adopting from an individual or a small organization that you aren’t familiar with, what should you look for?
If you are purchasing from a breeder or anyone who is not a registered nonprofit organization, the animal must come with a current health certificate signed by a veterinarian. The document will be titled “Official Certificate of Veterinary Inspection.” The doctor must have examined the animal within the most recent 30 days. If anyone in Florida sells a dog or cat without a health certificate, they may be found guilty of a first-degree misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in jail and a fine up to $1,000. If a breeder, provides you with AKC papers, remember those have nothing to do with the health of the animal.
Nonprofit organizations like humane societies and rescue groups may not have to provide health certificates, but there is a whole other set of rules. Nonprofits must vaccinate and deworm pets prior to adoption. Because of the nature of animal sheltering and overpopulation, the Florida Legislature voted decades ago to require that all public and private animal welfare organizations provide for the sterilization of all dogs and cats at adoption. Nonprofits must keep detailed records regarding the animals taken in, where they came from and type of disposition. These records must be made available to the public. (Ours are on our website.)
If you are purchasing or adopting a pet you should be able to see where the pet has been housed. If you are dealing with a breeder, are you able to see the animal’s parents? Don’t trust a fancy website. Insist on seeing the animal’s living quarters. If someone looking to rehome or sell a pet asks you to meet them behind a grocery store, restaurant or gas station, that should set off a red flag.
Before you exchange money, you should be made aware of the veterinary background and any medical needs of your new pet. If the pet isn’t bright eyed and energetic with a shiny coat, is there an explanation? Are you able to contact the seller if you get the new pet home and there are unforeseen health issues?
If you adopt or buy and have problems, contact your local animal services and report unscrupulous groups and sellers. In Bunnell, Flagler Beach and unincorporated county call 386-246-8612. In Palm Coast, call 386-986-2520.
A new pet is an emotional and financial commitment, but the unconditional love that you receive from the pet is well worth it.
