As a pet lover, finding a canine best friend is an exciting journey. However, with so many online and offline avenues to purchase a dog or puppy, it can be difficult to determine where to find dogs and puppies for sale near you that are sourced ethically.

Ethical breeders prioritize the welfare of their breeding dogs and the puppies they produce. They should be responsible and knowledgeable about their breeds, adhere to breed standards, and screen for genetic health conditions.

Here are some ethical sites where you can find dogs and puppies for sale near you:

1. The American Kennel Club (AKC) Marketplace – The AKC Marketplace is a trusted source for buying purebred dogs and puppies from AKC-registered breeders. It ensures that AKC-registered breeders follow ethical breeding practices.

2. Petfinder – Petfinder is a non-profit organization that connects adoptable pets with interested pet owners. You can search for adoptable dogs and puppies near you by breed, size, age, and other preferences.

3. Rescue Me – Rescue Me is an online platform that helps owners and dogs find each other. You can search for adoptable dogs and puppies by breed and state and view their pictures.

4. Local animal shelters and rescues – These organizations rescue dogs and puppies from homelessness and provide them with the care they need before putting them up for adoption. Adopting a dog or puppy from a shelter or rescue organization assures you that you are providing a home for an animal in need.

It is recommended to visit the breeders or the rescue organizations before purchasing a dog or puppy to check their breeding or care standards. Make sure that you observe the premises, the dogs and puppies, and get to know the breeders or rescue organizations’ representatives.