09/21/2025
As sad as it is that I need to spell this out, that is the world we are living in.
I am 100% transparent with anyone interested in adopting a pet from me. Whether you are matched with an adult dog or puppy, as the person putting them up for adoption, I will go out of my way to ensure you understand exactly what you are getting from me – to the very best of my knowledge. As a responsible pet parent, YOU still need to do your own due diligence to determine if an individual pet matches your personal needs & expectations.
To simplify this process for those who are new to pet ownership, or for anyone seeking a guide to follow during their search, I have created 5 golden rules to help lead you on your journey.
The 5 Golden Rules:
#1 After doing proper research to determine the breed that best fits the lifestyle of both yourself and your family, decide if you want an AKC, CKC, or paperless dog. NONE of these classifications guarantee a dog’s DNA will come back with a 100% match to a specific breed. AKC guarantees their lineage (not purity), CKC guarantees they meet the standard physical qualifications for that specific breed (not lineage or purity), and paperless dogs have neither guarantee.
*This doesn’t mean paperless dogs don’t have qualified lineage or meet the breed standard. It means that individual dog isn’t REGISTERED and GUARANTEED by lineage or breed standards set forth by either the American Kennel Club or Continental Kennel Club (US).
#2 Understand how dog DNA testing works. If a dog shares the same toy/food dish/water bowl with a different breed, the likelihood that both breeds will be present in a DNA test is increased. Why? Because dog DNA samples are obtained by collecting saliva from their cheeks. If you and I both drink from the same cup, some of your saliva will transfer to me, and me to you. This is why you should always ask for a straw when dining out!
I am happy to share what I have learned about dog DNA with anyone willing to listen, but ultimately it is up to you to do your own research and make determinations based off your own findings.
#3 Make sure you read and understand all the information provided for each dog involved. This means reviewing/verifying test results, behaviors & characteristics provided for the specific dog you are interested in adopting along with the dog’s parents, grandparents & their siblings too (when available). If you can’t find the information needed to verify a specific dog is right for you, it is YOUR responsibility to ask for it and determine if moving forward with/without it is in your own best interest.
#4 Actually read the contract and ask questions before you agree to the terms. If you are using an online platform to locate your new companion, you will be required to agree to the terms of use set forth by that platform as well. Your contract is proof of the Offer, Acceptance, and Consideration you have committed to. If you want something added, removed, or changed, it is YOUR responsibility to have that adjustment made BEFORE you sign. Addendums do happen post contract signing, but those too need to be in writing and signed by both parties – or “it doesn’t exist” 😊
#5 If you are unwilling or incapable of completing steps 1-4, you do not meet the basic qualifications required to be considered a responsible pet owner and should not proceed. Do not pass go, do not collect your $200.
