There are many good reasons to adopt rather than buying a pet from a breeder, on-line or from a pet shop. Here are a few of them:
- Buying a purebred or designer pet can easily cost $1,000 or more. Adoption costs typically range from $50 to $200, depending on whether the pet comes from a city shelter or a rescue group that has spent money on boarding, vets and grooming.
- You’re getting more for your money if you get a mixed breed. Based on the well-established principle of “hybrid vigor,” a mixed-breed animal is likely to live longer and cost less in vet bills than a pure breed. Many purebred dogs are prone to developing health problems ranging from breathing difficulties to hip dysplasia to an enlarged heart.
- A pet purchased from a pet store or online is a complete unknown. And, once you walk out of the store, you are on your own. Most pet stores do not provide any support if you have questions or problems with your new pet. When you adopt, especially from a rescue group or shelter, you know what you are getting because the group has a history on the animal. The rescue group will also help you through the familiarization period because they are invested in providing a good home or shelter for that animal.
- When you adopt a pet, you are saving a life. When you buy a pet from a breeder, pet shop or online, you not only deny a homeless pet a home, you are supporting an industry that values making money more than the welfare of animals. Puppy and kitten mills which sell to pet stores, are in business to make a profit, so they churn out puppies and kittens as fast as they can. These animals are often in ill health and have problems like poor socialization skills due to lack of human companionship and genetic defects due to inbreeding. Click here for more information on puppy mills.
- If you adopt, you get your choice of any age. Though puppies and kittens are cute and cuddly, they can also be a handful. An adult or older pet may be a better fit for you. For example, adopting an adult dog who is already house-trained and has basic training, is often much easier than adopting a puppy, who must be taught these things.
- You get just as much love (if not more). An adopted pet is every bit as loving, intelligent and loyal as a pet purchased from a breeder, even if you get an adult or older animal.
- Despite the view that most pets are surrendered because of health and behaviour problems, this is simply not true. Most are surrendered because of the owner’s personal challenges. For example, 1 in 5 pets are surrendered because owners couldn’t find pet a rental property that allowed pets. Pets from shelters are behaviour and health tested. This is not the case with pets from pet shops and on-line purchases.