As with the other choices, you still need to make sure the animals are well cared for and socialized. If possible, visit the breeder and see what the premises are like: are their enclosures clean? Do they have food and clean water available? Dog owners are warned to avoid puppy-mill type breeders, and similar warnings apply for exotics. This is the type of breeder that keeps lots of animals in substandard conditions, with little human contact, for the sole purpose of producing as many babies as possible. The animals may not be handled much and the young may not even be used to handling at all. This type of breeder probably won't ask you about your situation. The best breeders are the ones who want to know a lot about a potential owner. They want to make sure that a new owner will be a good fit with their pet, and that they know what to expect and can provide the proper care. Although you might feel like you are being interrogated by the breeder, this is actually a good sign. Good breeders also give a potential/new owner lots of material on care of their pets.
Sometimes it may be necessary to buy an animal from a distant breeder and have it shipped. This is probably the riskiest and most expensive options. Shipping of live animals is expensive, but more importantly may result in a very stressed new arrival. There may also be limitations on when an animal can be shipped (i.e. due to adverse weather). Make sure that the animals will take as direct a route as possible, with few carrier changes or stopovers, as this may cause undue stress. Also see what provisions can be made for access to water during the trip.
For some tips on choosing a breeder, try these:
- Choosing a Breeder (PDF) - from the North American Pot Bellied Pig Association - fairly specific for pot bellied pigs but some good tips on evaluating a breeder.
- Reputable Breeders vs. Puppy Mill - from "The Wolf is at the Door" so this is aimed at wolfdogs, but again good guidelines especially in the distinction between different sorts of breeders. Substitute any animal for the terms puppy/dog/wolfdog on this page and the descriptions of various types of breeders still fit.
Shelters and Rescues | Pet Stores | Breeders | Classifieds, Friends, etc.