Walking the streets of the city can be a dog lover's paradise. You can see so many different breeds and meet new people. Every now and then you might see a person whose physical appearance resembles the dog they are walking, as depicted in the iconic scene where Pongo judges other dogs from the Disney animation classic “101 Dalmatians” (1961).
Pongo trying to be a matchmaker: the scene from "101 Dalmatians" (1961), Buena Vista Pictures
So, where is everyone getting their sweet doggies? If you live in a major city and have been searching for a new puppy, then you may be finding it more difficult than you had planned. On one hand, you might be thinking to yourself, “There are so many people around me. Someone must be raising puppies!” But on the other hand, it can be difficult for someone to raise a litter of puppies in the city due to apartment living and limited space. Let’s delve into the obstacles of finding a puppy as a city-dweller, why these obstacles exist, and how Pawrade can simplify your search to find a puppy in a major city!
How to find a puppy in a major city
As mentioned, one of the biggest challenges of breeding puppies in a city is related to the lifestyle of most urbanites. The majority of people in cities live in apartments, which often have pet restrictions on how many pets can live in an apartment or which breed of pets can live in an apartment. Depending on the breed, a dog litter can be anywhere from 2 to 10 (or more) puppies at a time! And also depending on the breed, you may not even be allowed to own the dog in the first place. There is no loophole around these property policies and it greatly reduces the chances of finding a puppy in your city
Secondly, the need for space is important to any reputable breeder who understands that a puppy needs room to grow up in. Raising puppies often requires separate rooms with different purposes; whelping rooms provide a comfortable area when puppies are born, playrooms help to socialize puppies, and kennels may be used for crate training puppies. Dogs are similar to humans in that they utilize their environment for specific needs. You may have noticed how dogs prefer to lie in one area of your home or that they like to go potty in one area in the yard. So, there is no surprise that good breeders are the ones that can provide ample space where the parent dogs and puppy dogs can thrive.
Now, on the rare chance that you have found a breeder in your city, then you more than likely have to fill out long application forms to prove that you can provide the proper care for a puppy. When asking yourself, "Am I ready for a puppy?" you'll have to take a good, long look at your circumstances. Will your living situation allow a puppy? Will your work and life schedule balance well with puppy ownership?
If you are approved, then you may find yourself just a number on a long waitlist behind other families ready to add a puppy to their family. Dense populations of cities mean that you are one of thousands upon thousands of dog lovers searching for a puppy. Longer waitlists also allow a breeder to sell puppies at increased prices due to the high demand for the puppies that they raise. Match that with the higher standard of living in major cities and the prices for puppies being sold by city breeders quickly becomes unaffordable. Breeders oftentimes charge a premium rate due to rarity and limited supply of a specific breed in certain regions.
Pawrade helps you cut the lines and avoid the extensive application process. An intangible value that Pawrade offers is one-on-one attention. Pawrade asks the right questions and takes a Puppy First Approach every step of the way. Screening puppy owners is just as important as screening breeders, and the process is so seamless that there are no extended waitlists and no invasive applications, Available puppies are simply that - available to bring you the joy you have been wagging your tail in anticipation for!
It isn't easy to become a breeder
With all of these pending issues, why don’t you just breed a litter of dogs yourself? Then you can have the puppy you want, help out some friends and family, and maybe make some money, right? It goes without saying that breeding dogs is not an easy task and often involves a great deal of personal and fiscal responsibility. Being a breeder is expensive, as it requires space, equipment, and resources to properly care for the puppies throughout their entire lives. For example, if you wanted to start a dog breeding business it could range from $5,000 to $25,000 when considering the investments of stock dogs (parent dogs), an up-to-code facility, and licensing and insurance fees.
In addition to financial costs, being a breeder also requires a great deal of time. As puppies grow and develop, breeders must be available for regular checkups and vet visits to ensure that all puppies are healthy and have no congenital defects or illnesses. Each litter of puppies requires full-time attention for a minimum of 8 weeks because this is the age when you can get your puppy.
Not only does breeding require dedication in terms of money and time, but it also requires knowledge. Breeders must understand animal health to recognize any issues that may arise with their puppies. They must also be familiar with state and federal legislation surrounding the breeding industry to operate legally. Without understanding these regulations, they may unknowingly commit an offense that could result in fines or criminal charges.
Breeders must also consider the living space they provide for their puppies while they’re still under their care. Each litter of puppies needs proper exercise areas, temperature control, veterinary care access, and sanitation methods that keep the puppies healthy and safe before they can be placed with new owners. For this reason, breeders must provide adequate facilities such as kennels or whelping boxes for the puppies during their early growth stage until they can move into larger housing units once they reach maturity.
So, do you have the time, money, and knowledge about animal health, legislation, and proper puppy housing facilities to become a breeder? It is important to fully understand what is involved before taking on such an endeavor, as there are potential risks involved both financially and legally if any regulations are not followed correctly.
Dog breeding laws
In the past, reputable breeders were able to raise healthy puppies and relocate them safely into a pet store. Typically, this meant that the breeder was able to receive their fair share for the effort and expenses they put into raising puppies while giving the community a concentrated location to find the puppy of their dreams. Puppies were able to find homes quicker than ever before.
However, within the last decade, anti-breeder lobbyists have forced legislation in the direction of banning pet stores with overgeneralization and partially ignorant claims of puppy mills. This movement has caused numerous U.S. states to begin shutting down pet stores. Although this is well-intentioned, and although it will hopefully help end the sourcing of puppies from puppy mills, it can paradoxically have the opposite effect. Instead of promoting federally regulated puppy sales from stores requiring buyer contracts and the chance to find a dog breed suitable for the consumer’s needs, it has promoted the quick and easy method of adopting a dog from animal shelters and animal rescues with unregulated transactions or oversight.
The first state to ban pet stores was California and the second state to ban pet stores was Maryland. New York became the most recent state to ban pet stores. Since then, other cities and states are following suit. There are two sides to every coin, so here is some food for thought on what has happened and what is to come.
California breeding laws
Existing as such a large state, California faces an extraordinary challenge of creating fair laws, top to bottom. Northern California and Southern California, for example, are nearly two worlds apart. In 2017, Governor Jerry Brown California signed Assembly Bill (AB) 485, setting California as the first state to make the sale of a pet from a pet store unlawful. Pet stores are no longer allowed to sell puppies from breeders, but they maintain the right to partner with animal shelters and rescue groups to sell puppies from these locations. On the surface, this seems all fine and dandy. But this raises the question, "Why should rescue dogs be sold?" As the population of dogs in shelters moves into pet retail stores, more space opens up in the shelters to accept more pets. This law also mandates the spaying and neutering of pets before a pet is released to new owners, further promoting a hasty practice of "fixing" pets that are not at a mature age for the procedure. A major victory in California law was the January 2022 amendment of Assembly Bill 702, which voided the idea of breeder permits containing ridiculous amounts of grey area. Instead, politicians smartly developed the Animal welfare: Dog and Cat Bill of Rights. Thankfully, these changes ensured that home-breeding and hobby-breeding would still have a place in the dog world. Most dog-lovers that seek a puppy from a breeder want a low-volume, small-operation type of breeder anyways.
Maryland breeding laws
Maryland followed California's lead in 2018 as Governor Larry Hogan signed House Bill 1662: No More Puppy–Mill Pups Act of 2018. Again, well-intentioned political actions to cut off the buying and selling of puppy-mill dogs appear to be short-sighted. Limiting the rights of pet owners by forcing them to rehome a dog with no paperwork, no recorded history, and no knowledge of genetic health status backfires in the face of intentional dog ownership. Up until HB 1662, Maryland state law already had strict codes in place for pet retail stores to conduct business transparently, with steep fines and losses over infractions. Yet, HB 1662 highly prioritizes the organizations "whose mission and practice is the rescue of animals and the placement of those animals in permanent homes," which is a good practice, but has three noticeable shortcomings: (a) this only treats symptoms of poor dog ownership from breeder to -any- owner, (b) this is no direct attempt to end irresponsible breeding, and (c) turns a blind eye to the responsible breeders that put the same loving attention into breeding healthy dogs and finding the best homes for their dogs. In doing so, this bill has failed to recognize the achievements of the American Kennel Club, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), and other advocates of the necessity for reputable and responsible breeders in this country. Admittedly, Maryland continues to allow the purchase of dogs directly from breeders and services like Pawrade, a fact that has not received pushback.
New York breeding laws
For example, New York is the most recent state to sign legislation banning pet stores. In December 2022, Governor Kathy Hochul signed the new law to begin in 2024. Like any law, it’s not perfect, and the downfalls could be significant. NY State Senate Bill S1130 and other previous laws enforce the premature spaying and neutering of pets as well as a USDA Class A License, which means a breeder must have a minimum number of breeding dogs onsite. As a result of the latter, breeders that actually have fewer breeding dogs and do focus on honorable breeding habits are faced with the decision of ending their breeding program or adding parent dogs to their location. Ironically, these government interventions could be adding to the presence of puppy mill puppies.
As of now, more state and local jurisdictions across the country are turning to similar legislature to adopt these bans, pun intended. Before continuing, it is important to note that Pawrade believes all puppies deserve the right to live and deserve a life in a loving home. Animal shelters and rescue organizations are absolutely necessary to achieve this. Pawrade works with non-profit organizations, like Make-A-Wish, and offers help to the national community. On occasion, Pawrade is given an opportunity to help a pet in need by finding a new home for an unwanted or uncared for dog. Shutting down pet stores is not inherently bad. In fact, these bans on pet stores have made services like Pawrade more valuable to people that have committed to saving money and doing the research to prepare for a furry family member. Pawrade reserves the right to support reputable breeding, and does so by screening breeders first before partnering with them as a means to filter out the good from the bad.
Challenges of finding a puppy in a major city
At this point, it should be clear why finding a puppy in your city is taking forever! Despite the different cultures, people, and scenery offered by each city, the general habits of city life offer the same obstacles to owning a dog. Pawrade has connections nationwide and is ready to let you sit back and relax until your puppy arrives! Certain major cities are worth noting to review the commonalities and specific types of experiences you might have during your puppy search.
Puppies for sale in New York City, New York
Buying a puppy in New York City can be especially hard compared to the rest of the United States. New York City is the largest city in the United States, so you'd think it should be easier. But as discussed, the challenges involved with breeding dogs in the city and the state laws that have passed greatly reduce your chances of finding your perfect puppy. For those looking for rescue dogs instead, finding the perfect fit may require extra time and patience as these pups have often experienced trauma that needs special attention and care. Living a busy life in "the city that never sleeps" requires you to seriously think about the perfect dog for you. Shelters may have firm requirements before allowing someone to adopt one of their furry friends, from providing references from previous pet owners to submitting applications and undergoing interviews - all procedures designed to make sure each adopted animal goes home with the best possible family for them.
Similar to other major cities, New York City's standard of living means that prices for puppies are typically much higher than they would be elsewhere. Competition can be fierce with so many people vying to bring home a cuddly companion. Many potential dog owners find themselves paying hundreds to thousands of dollars more than they would elsewhere in order to get a puppy. Plus, there are very few areas where large breeds can be exercised, so owners must plan carefully if their chosen companion is of a larger variety.
You're in luck, though! Pawrade works with screened breeds in New York as well as neighboring states like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Maryland. New York is one of the most popular states for new puppy owners and Pawrade offers the convenience of helping you find a breeder near you, or safely bringing your puppy home to you.
Puppies for sale in Los Angeles, California
Los Angeles is the second largest city in the United States, and it is the largest city in California, but buying a puppy in Los Angeles is easier said than done. With the city's high cost of living, prices for puppies are often more expensive than in other areas of the United States. Costs of dog ownership are also higher because veterinarians in California and pet stores in California charge more for their products and services due to state taxes and property taxes, for example.
Demand for a purebred puppy in Los Angeles is growing, but the most popular dog breeds in Los Angeles are French Bulldogs, Bulldogs, Labrador Retrievers, German Shepherd Dogs, and Golden Retrievers. If you know your dog breeds, then you know these breeds are larger dog breeds or dog breeds with health issues. Yet, Los Angeles is one of the most pet-friendly cities in America! Hollywood celebrities with dogs even set trends for a variety of smaller breeds, like Justin and Hailey Bieber with their Yorkie, Kim Kardashian and her Pomeranians, and most famously Paris Hilton with her Chihuahua.
Overall, getting a puppy in Los Angeles can be tricky because of the inflated prices and limited availability of certain breeds. Pawrade represents breeders in Southern California with a wide array of dog breeds to choose from. Ask a Pawrade specialist about connecting with dog breeders in Los Angeles County today!
Puppies for sale in San Francisco, California
If you are looking to buy a puppy in San Francisco, Sacramento, Oakland, or Northern California then Pawrade can help! San Francisco is a city with significant geographic constraints when searching for a dog breeder. It is a coastal city and the nearest major cities from it are up to 10 hours away, considering Portland (Oregon), Las Vegas (Nevada), and Los Angeles (California). Unfortunately, most breeders are located outside of San Francisco's city limits, so finding a puppy in San Francisco can become an extensive process. Even though there are suburban parts of San Francisco, Sacramento, and Oakland, many residents live in apartments rather than houses with yards. This means that potential pet owners are limited to dogs of specific sizes and breeds.
In addition to having difficulty locating puppies within or near San Francisco’s borders, those interested in purchasing a puppy may also struggle with navigating different shelter organizations. While some shelters do have access to puppies and dogs at varying stages of life and breeds, these animals generally require considerable time commitments to adopt them as well as meeting stringent vetting requirements before they are approved for adoption. People in smaller living situations often have a harder time meeting the criteria of animal shelters and rescues.
Ultimately, while finding a puppy in San Francisco can be tricky, it is still possible with effort and dedication. Pawrade works with a handful of breeders in Northern California! If you end up falling in love with a puppy that is farther away than you can travel, Pawrade offers safe pet transport methods to airports and ground deliveries to residences to assist with puppy travel.
Puppies for sale in Miami, Florida
Located near the most southern part of the United States, finding a puppy breeder in Miami is no simple task. This geographic limitation means that local breeders are few and far between, so do not be surprised if it takes time to search for quality breeders within reasonable driving distance. In addition, there is a lack of variety when it comes to the breeds of puppies available in Miami. Most pet stores carry only the most popular breeds – such as Labrador Retrievers, Mini Poodles, Beagles, and Chihuahuas – while more obscure or rarer breeds may not be available at all. You can expect to look outside of Miami to acquire a specific breed.
The process of buying a puppy in Miami also involves knowing about several processes and regulations set by both local and state governments. Be aware that, in Florida, you may be required to obtain an Animal Permit from the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services before adding a puppy to your home. Altogether, this adds complicated conditions where buying a puppy can become quite complicated even with the help of experienced breeders and legal resources.
Pawrade has specialists eager to help you determine what you need before, during, and after you find the furbaby that you need in your life! Necessary paperwork is all completed by Pawrade to make your life easy. Pawrade's network of breeders extends from the Florida Panhandle, down both coastlines and throughout Miami, so call today to find a breeder near you that is raising your future four-legged friend.
Puppies for sale in Chicago, Illinois
Buying a puppy in Chicago can be an incredibly difficult and daunting task. This is especially true for those living in the inner city, as there simply aren't adequate resources to take care of these animals. Known for having very unsafe neighborhoods, buyers should be cautious about where they purchase their puppies from. Many pet stores receive their animals from puppy mills or other irresponsible sources and cannot guarantee a healthy pup.
Adopting from shelters is another option for potential pet owners in Chicago. However, it can be hard to find the right breed when searching through shelters as most do not specialize in certain breeds and sizes—many rescues only keep certain breeds due to limited space and resources within the shelter itself.
Ultimately, finding a suitable puppy in Chicago requires consideration of both financial and safety matters while also taking into account the needs of your specific family unit. Although it may seem like an overwhelming task at first, it is possible to find your perfect pup if you do your research and take things one step at a time!
Puppies for sale in Detroit, Michigan
Puppies in Detroit have become harder and harder to find within the last decade. Detroit has been rated as the U.S. city with the most stray dogs in previous years, which has resulted in overcrowded shelters that are predominantly filled with pitbulls, pit-mixed, and senior dogs. This means that individuals seeking to adopt hypoallergenic puppies or good breeds for families are faced with limited options. Moreover, the process of purchasing a puppy from a breeder in Detroit can be challenging due to the prevalence of unlicensed and unethical breeders who prioritize profit over the well-being of their animals. This puts potential buyers at risk of purchasing a sick or poorly socialized puppy that may require extensive medical care or behavioral training, adding additional financial strain.
Detroit as a whole has also suffered financially and is ranked as the poorest city in America. The economic struggle of most Detroit residents restrains them from keeping up with the higher prices of puppies in today's market. Sadly, the prospect of purchasing a puppy may be out of their reach. Despite these challenges, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and long-term health of any potential pet, and individuals must take the necessary time and effort to ensure that they are making responsible and informed decisions when acquiring a furry companion.
Pawrade is partnered with multiple lending companies that are quick, simple, and easy to work with. You can apply for a pet loan and get approved the same day you apply! Financing opportunities make buying a puppy easier than ever, whether you are on a limited and fixed budget, or whether you don't want to dip into your savings.
Puppies for sale in Houston, Texas
Finding a puppy in Houston becomes harder and harder to do, especially when considering the city's unique geographical and environmental factors. Houston is located a considerable distance away from other major cities and is surrounded by vast rural areas that may be hard to get to. Houston's location means that potential pet owners may need to travel long distances to find the right puppy. For those who don't have the resources or time to travel to other cities to find a suitable pet, finding a puppy is not so simple. Similar to Detroit, Houston also has one of the highest rates of stray dogs, which could make it difficult for potential pet owners to find healthy and well-behaved dogs. Adopting a stray or shelter dog comes with additional responsibilities, including medical care and behavioral training.
Pawrade represents breeders in the Houston, Texas area as well as the San Antonio, Texas area! If you are looking for an opportunity to pick up your puppy from the breeder, or if you need a little extra help having your future puppy brought home to your residence, speak with a Pawrade Concierge today and meet your puppy match!
Puppies for sale in Dallas, Texas
Buying a puppy in Dallas is becoming increasingly difficult. It’s not only because there are limited options available, but also because of the ban on retail pet stores that the city has implemented to discourage puppy mills. In addition, shelters and rescue organizations often have full kennels and can’t take in any more animals, making it difficult for those looking for puppies to find one.
The nearest major city that still houses traditional pet stores is many hours away from Dallas, so those who don't have access to transportation or the time to travel long distances can quickly become discouraged. This means that puppies are becoming harder than ever to find in the area of Dallas.
Those looking for a pup should consider talking to Pawrade first! While there may be a few puppies up for adoption at local shelters, these will likely fill up quickly due to high demand. Furthermore, some breeders may be willing to meet halfway if they’re located farther away but within driving distance of Dallas. Given the current situation, finding a puppy in Dallas is no easy feat. However, with some effort and a bit of research, it's possible to locate one of these precious pups and bring them home! Working with Pawrade is quick and easy and your search for a puppy can be resolved in just minutes!
Puppies for sale in Seattle, Washington
Seattle is situated in the northwest corner of America, far from other major cities, and does not have a lot of breeders. As a result, many people who want to buy a purebred dog in Seattle often find themselves struggling to locate a reputable and reliable breeder. Further, with certain requirements to buy and sell puppies internationally, buying a puppy in Canada does not become an automatic alternative. Seattle's geographic isolation makes it more difficult for breeders from other areas to market their dogs in Seattle, as shipping costs and other logistical challenges can be significant barriers.
While Seattle is a large and vibrant city, it does not have the same concentration of dog breeders as other major states. This means that prospective buyers may have to cast a wider net when searching for a breeder, and may need to be more patient and persistent in their efforts.
Pawrade works with breeders in Washington and is readily available to contact any day of the week! Not all breeds are available in the Pacific Northwest but Pawrade will hold your hand every step of the way to make your puppy search easier than ever.
Puppies for sale in Las Vegas, Nevada
The task of finding a puppy in Las Vegas can be an intimidating and difficult endeavor. Like other cities and states, Las Vegas has placed a ban on puppy stores, making it even more challenging to find your perfect pup. The next major cities are far away, requiring a long drive or flight to reach them. Additionally, Las Vegas' climate and environment may not be suitable for certain breeds of dogs due to extreme temperatures and lack of outdoor space.
These factors can make adopting or buying a puppy in Las Vegas seemingly impossible for some people. Shelter animals may offer respite from the difficulties of finding a specific breed; however, these beautiful pooches often have issues such as separation anxiety, lack of socialization, or medical problems that come with being in an animal shelter. Potential pet owners should also be aware that animal shelters are often overwhelmed and require extensive background checks before an adoption can be approved.
Another option for those seeking puppies in Las Vegas is to seek out local breeders who specialize in toy dog breeds and small dog breeds that can withstand the extreme heat of the desert city. Breeders are likely to have much more knowledge about their dogs than pet shops and will likely be more familiar with the pets’ family history and genetic makeup. However, beware of purchasing from backyard breeders, as they often cut corners when caring for their puppies which can result in sickly puppies with genetic defects that could potentially cost thousands of dollars down the line to treat.
Ultimately, those looking to adopt or buy a puppy in Las Vegas must consider all the potential obstacles they may face while searching for their perfect pup. Pawrade has worked with Las Vegas dog breeders in the past and continues to serve the community by offering an amazing network of breeders to access. Don't hesitate! Give Pawrade a call today to find your furbaby.
Advantages of Finding a Puppy in Rural Areas
Dog breeders are often found in rural areas because they are able to provide their animals with the space and environment they need. Dogs require room to walk and play, and cities simply don't have the same amount of land that a rural area does. Furthermore, dogs bark, which can be disruptive for city dwellers. After all, would you want 8 puppies howling in your neighbor's home through the thin apartment walls?
Living in a rural area also allows dog breeders to better control the environment around their animals. Breeds like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies require lots of outdoor activity, as well as large fenced-in areas that may not be possible in an urban environment. In addition to providing adequate space for physical exercise, being located away from cities can help keep these dogs healthy by allowing them to breathe fresher air with fewer pollutants and allergens.
Finally, many people who become dog breeders do so out of a love for the animals rather than for financial gain, making rural locations even more attractive. With less traffic and fewer people around, these breeders can better focus on fostering healthy relationships between their pets and potential owners without worrying about urban distractions or disturbances. Rural areas also tend to have less strict regulations when it comes to owning multiple pets or large animals—a major advantage for experienced dog breeders who already know how to care for their pooches responsibly. On top of their experience with dogs, they may own other animals such as cows, horses, goats, chickens, and more. You can trust these types of breeders to work with knowledgeable veterinarians.
In short, most dog breeders live in rural areas because it offers them the space and peace of mind required to provide their pets with adequate physical exercise, fresh air, and plenty of affection—all essential components of responsible dog ownership. So do not be alarmed if your Pawrade Puppy is coming home to you from a farm or rural setting. Pawrade has carefully chosen certain breeders to represent and in doing so, saves you an incredible amount of time. After all, finding a reputable breeder these days and avoiding puppy scams is more than half the battle.
Pawrade's location
Pawrade is located at your fingertips! As a website, Pawrade is able to bridge the gap between buyers and breeders effectively in the digital age. Pawrade knows that breeders are the best people to ensure a healthy environment and routine for raising puppies, so puppies do not need foster homes or pet stores to stay in before going to their forever homes. Instead, Pawrade is the best avenue to take to guarantee that a puppy goes from the breeder's door to your door in the safest and soonest way possible. Whether you prefer emailing, texting, or calling, Pawrade has a full staff and can assign you a Puppy Concierge today to help you get more information about a puppy, search for breeders in your area, set up a Zoom video call with the breeder, and make a safe and secure payment for the next best decision of your life! Start your journey with Pawrade and view Pawrade's selection of puppies for sale.
