• Breeders. If you have a specific breed in mind, such as a golden retriever dog, a Flemish Giant rabbit, or a Manx cat, going to a reputable breeder is one safe route. This is especially true if you've chosen a breed that tends to have genetic problems (German shepherds, for instance, tend to have hip dysplasia). But we have to emphasize "reliable" here. Bunny, kitten, and puppy mills are all too common in this country, and animals procured from such mass-production facilities carry heavy risks of health problems from inbreeding and bad husbandry. Ask your vet for names of reputable breeders in your area, or call national animal organizations, such as the American Kennel Club, the American Rabbit Breeders Association, or the American Cat Fanciers Association. Local trainers, pet-show judges, and rescue organizations also may have good tips.
  
  Even when you have the name of a local breeder, check the facility carefully before you buy an animal there. Be sure the environment is clean, the animals look healthy and relaxed, and the breeder seems picky about to whom she'll sell her animals. Breeders who don't take good care of their animals--or don't care about their fate--shouldn't get your financial support.



• Pet stores. While pet-store animals may seem irresistible, you're best off going home empty handed, at least for most species. Many pet stores don't take good care of their animals--the cages are overcrowded or too small, the water isn't fresh, and sick animals don't receive proper veterinary care. That means any animal you bring home may be ill or stressed enough to become ill soon.
  
  Many people buy so-called pocket pets (such as gerbils, hamsters, and mice) at pet stores. But you can usually find them through an animal shelter, your local newspaper, or even word of mouth. (Believe me, some family in your town has a hamster that reproduced!) The exception to the no-pet-stores rule is for fish. Specialty fish stores tend to have better stock and more helpful staff, but if the tanks in your local store are clean (just take a whiff as you walk by), the fish seem active, alert, and healthy (e.g., no torn fins or white spots), and the store clerks seem knowledgeable, it's fine to buy fish at a pet store.



• Shelters. Depending on where you live, you can get just about any kind of animal at a shelter these days. The best thing about getting a pet at a shelter (and that includes humane societies and city pounds) is that you're saving an animal's life. Many shelters euthanize a good number of the animals they collect, so if you're willing to take one of these abandoned creatures home, you're doing it a tremendous kindness. You'll also be teaching your youngster valuable lessons about the importance of taking care of animals (so they don't end up homeless) and the great reward of helping out an animal in need.
  
  The primary difficulty with shelters is that it's hard to get a good sense of an animal's personality there. Even the most confident or happy-go-lucky pet may act shy or aggressive in an environment where there are lots of animals, people, noises, and smells. And many animals will be too distracted to be able to meet you properly when you visit.
  
  That's not to say you should avoid shelter animals. At good shelters, staff and volunteers spend enough time with each animal to get a sense of their temperament and can advise you on how he or she might get along with children or other pets. An added plus: Many shelters offer no- or low-cost spaying and neutering, which can save you money and improve your animal's temperament. And some offer advice or even classes on handling the types of animals they take in.



• Rescue organizations. Rescue organizations exist for just about every kind of animal you could ever want to adopt. These organizations are usually species- or breed-specific, and the animals they foster have been saved from parks, shelters, city streets, schools, racetracks, and the many other places where animals are abandoned or abused.
  
  Adopting an animal from a rescue organization has certain advantages: The organization usually has neutered him, provided the necessary medical care, and gotten to know his temperament. The staff or volunteers are usually passionately devoted to their cause and
  thus able to provide ongoing advice on training, behavior, and general care. And again, helping to save an animal teaches your child about the importance of treating animals humanely.
  
  The disadvantage? You might not be able to find the exact breed, color, or age of animal you want. But sometimes the best personalities come in the most unexpected packages. I didn't really like Lop rabbits until I met Elmo, a cream-colored Mini Lop that I adopted from a rescue organization some years ago. In fact, even after I brought him home, I thought his head was too thick and his paws were too small. In time, though, I came to adore his noble face, dainty feet, and inquisitive spirit and he became a very important member of our family.

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