Adopt don't shop! I've worked with rescues like Great Pyrenees Rescue of Atlanta and Adopt a Golden for years and have learned so much about the importance of ethics when it comes to finding your new furry best friend. Pet stores across the nation too often permit unethical puppy mills and breeders to continue with their practices while only increasing the number of pets in shelters across the country. Supporting the millions of dogs that do not already have homes is crucial in not permitting these institutions to endure. Read below to find out five easy steps on expanding your fluffy family!

1. Rescue shelters

The sweet face pictured above is Scout the German Sheppard/Corgi mix! We were able to get him from a great no-kill shelter and he has made a great addition to our family. Rescue shelters are great because they can tell you the dogs' potential behaviors, likes, fears, and illnesses before you adopt. Most pet stores get dogs from breeders that have had no human contact before being passed around at the stores by little girls. Many can have anxiety and hidden illnesses from these conditions. Always do your best to support shelters to keep safer homes open for dogs!

2. Breed specific rescues

If you have always wanted a golden retriever, or bulldog, or Yorkie, no need to cry! Because there are breed-specific rescues that have any range of purebreds to mixes. I worked closely with several of these and they can be a great way to meet your dream pet. There are always amazing dogs to find in these rescues and most cities do have them! Usually there will be a very detailed profile for each dog. Just a little research and you can find the perfect one for you!

3. Foster

Growing up, my mom loved dogs! So when she found out she could play with a whole litter of puppies or a sweet older pupper, she was thrilled! My family has helped over two dozen dogs find amazing and loving homes and we even found two that were too cute to pass up! My family now has eight extra paws and a LOT of dog hair!

4. Old dogs are great dogs!

Most people gravitate towards cute puppies, but they could be missing out on an amazing elderly companion! Usually potty trained, respectful, and less destructive, older dogs could be exactly what your home is missing. If you are an on-the-go worker, a busy college student, or just driven in general, these loyal companions could be the calm and unconditional best friends you need!

5. Make sure your family is ready to get bigger. 

Before you adopt, always make sure you and your home are prepared. Do you have room? Do you have patience? Can you give this living creature the best life possible? Too many times people do not ask themselves this and end up returning dogs to shelters where they feel abandoned. In my time at GPRA, the biggest factor in forfeited dogs is owners not researching how big these animals really get but want the cute, cloud-like puppies. My polar bear of a dog, Teddy, is almost 150 pounds. Always research to find out if you are ready before inviting a loving animal into your family.

With efforts like these, we can end pet stores, just like California has with its' new law requiring pet stores to only stock from shelters. So when you think you or a friend is ready for a new companion, take these five steps into account. You might just find your new best friend while making the world a better place!