Purchasing a puppy can be an exciting time, and an expensive decision. While many families and individuals may try looking for cheap puppies listed on the internet or in the newspaper, there are some risks involved in purchasing a puppy without knowing the breeder and visiting the kennel.http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/tips/buying_puppy.html A new dog or puppy is a long term financial commitment. The cost of purchasing a dog from a reputable breeder, depending on the breed, can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars. In addition new pet owners will also likely have to set aside some money for veterinary expenses, food and supplies.

One option for people looking for a cheap puppy is pet adoption. The cost (or donation fee) to adopt a puppy from a rescue agency or local shelter will often be less than buying a puppy from a breeder.The Humane Society of the United States: Pet Adoption Information

Bringing a puppy into a home is usually at least a decade-long commitment. Aspiring puppy owners should ensure that they will have enough time, room and money to provide the puppy needs. Pet owners may also want to do some research into different dog breeds to find the one that best fits their lifestyle.Iams.com: Choosing A Pet

The dog breeding industry, specifically breeders and kennels known as puppy mills, have been exposed in recent years for animal rights violations. If a puppy comes from a puppy mill it has a greater likelihood of health and behavioral problems. http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/ Puppy mill breeders tend to sell pets to brokers and they sell dogs to pet shops. But, they also sell pets directly to the public, often over the internet. Consumers can follow a few guidelines to help to ensure that their dog comes from a reputable breeder which will help ensure that they are healthy and happy as a new member of the family.http://www.humanesociety.org/issues/puppy_mills/tips/buying_puppy.html Checking references and noting how many dog breeds the kennel features are two important steps in verifying a reputable breeder. Typically a responsible breeder will not be featuring more than one or two breeds. Checking AKC breeder listings is another way to establish a breeder's credentials.