Should you get a puppy or adult dog? Adopt or shop? Visit your local shelter or search for a more specific rescue? Foster a new dog first or sign an adoption contract right away? As the resident "dog nerd" among my friends and family, here are the questions and recommendations I personally go through when someone tells me they're looking for a new dog!
Note that when I’ve given these recommendations to people I know, it has only been when asked for them. This post is not at all meant to assert what you should do in every situation! Rather to share my thought process, both 1) because I find joy in organizing things like this and 2) in case it’s helpful as a starting point.
Related reading: For a deep dive into my thoughts on ethical breeding and rescuing as a whole, including things I look for in both breeders and shelters, head to our "Adopt or Shop Responsibly" article.
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