In an effort to help fight the battle against puppy mills in Canada, the National Companion Animal Coalition, of which the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is a founding member, has developed a Checklist for Acquiring a Dog.
The checklist provides consumers and prospective dog owners with proper direction and a list of issues to consider when acquiring a dog from a shelter, a breeder, or a pet store. Among other key points, the checklist provides buyers with the information they need to make responsible decisions when acquiring their new dog.
Puppy mills have proliferated in Canada during the last decade. Recent efforts in several provinces have led to a number of high profile seizures of puppy mill dogs, but these facilities are still rampant from coast to coast.
By helping your clients make informed choices, the CVMA hopes to promote responsible pet ownership and make this a positive experience. The Checklist for Acquiring a Dog is available on the CVMA public Web site at www.animalhealthcare.ca and can be reproduced without permission.
The National Companion Animal Coalition is a partnership formed in 1996 to promote socially responsible pet ownership and enhance the health and well-being of companion animals. The Coalition has produced a number of invaluable tools for Canadians, including sample municipal animal control bylaws and a Web site on the subject of children and dog bite prevention (www.dogsandkids.ca).
(by Suzanne Lavictoire, CVMA Director, Programs)
