Adding a dog to the family is always a big decision. You’ve got to ask yourself many questions before arriving at the conclusion to bring a furry friend into your home. Is it the right time for your family? Do we want a big dog or a small dog? Energetic or mellow? Shy or super outgoing?
Beginning the search for the most perfect pup can be overwhelming, but one thing is definitely a very simple choice to make: adopting a pup is a much better idea than purchasing one. There are countless reasons to choose adoption over buying from a pet store or a breeder, but here are just a few of them that’ll be sure to convince you.
1. Adoption saves lives.
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It’s a tragedy how many potential pets are put down each year simply because there isn’t enough space for them at a shelter. About 2.7 million dogs are euthanized each year due to overcrowded shelters. Each time someone adopts from a private humane society or animal shelter, rescue group, or the local animal control agency, that’s one more free spot and one more chance at life.
2. Adopted pets are healthy pets.
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Most shelters will give their animals vaccinations and health screenings, and it’s common to even spay and neuter pets before putting them up for adoption. It’s a common misconception that pets end up in shelters because there is something wrong with their health or behavior. The reason is usually more related to a person’s circumstance: a divorce, a big move, or financial hardship.
3. Adoption saves you money.
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In addition to having a lower up-front cost than a breeder or a pet store that’s supplied by puppy mills, you won’t have to pay for the vaccinations and other medical costs that shelters take care of for you.
4. Mutts tend to be healthier than purebred dogs.
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Many purebred animals have health problems due to overbreeding and breeding for looks rather than wellness. With a mix of different breeds, mutts are less likely to have these issues, and are more likely to live happier, healthier, and longer lives.
5. When you adopt, you get to chose the age of your dog.
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Let’s face it, while puppies are adorable, they can be a huge undertaking. Sometimes, it’s better to chose an older dog who is already trained and has chilled out. We give you major bonus points for taking home a less adoptable pooch, too, since it’s harder for older dogs to find homes.
6. Puppy mills are evil, evil businesses.
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Puppy mills are basically factories where puppies and their parents are viewed as commodity, rather than living, breathing things. They’re kept in small, dirty cages with little-to-no human interaction. Once the breeders have given birth multiple times, and are of no more use, they are discarded as waste. Sometimes they are killed, sometimes they are abandoned. Once the puppies make it to the pet store, they’re often marketed as being from prestigious breeders.
7. There is no regard for genetic defects when breeding at a puppy mill.
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Heath is absolutely no issue when making breeding decisions at a mill. It doesn’t matter whether or not heart disease or hip dysplasia is likely to be passed down to the litter, and the potential owners definitely won’t be informed of any possible health issues.
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And who needs that added stress in their life? Make it easy on yourself and head to your local shelter and fall in love instead of custom ordering a pup.
9. A lot of “pre-owned” pups are already house trained
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So you won’t have to clean up quite as many puddles of pee from your hardwood floors. Thank goodness.
10. Once you take a pup home from a pet store or a breeder, you’re pretty much on your own.
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However, if you adopt from a shelter or a similar institution, the welfare of the dog matters to the people at the shelter, and they are happy to answer questions and give advice on how to keep a happy home. Plus, most actually check in after a month or so, provide preliminary health insurance, and other benefits.
11. You’ll help solve the overpopulation problem.
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Every single adoption is a step in the right direction!
12. Akoni is adorable and would love to be taken home by a loving family.
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13. How much cuteness can you take from Carly? Never-ending!
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14. Tylie is ready for her forever home!
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15. You definitely can’t say no to Shadow.
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16. Hercules will rescue you as much as you him.
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17. Shelter pups need your love just as much as a purebred does!
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18. Your adopted pup will love you so much for saving their life.
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And as a bonus, you can give yourself a little pat on the back, too.
(via Best Friends, The Humane Society of the United States, PETA, American Humane Association)
I can’t really think of any valid reasons to purchase a pup when there are so many wonderful, loving dogs in need, no matter where you are. If you’re looking to rack up some brownie points while also adding loads of happiness to your own life, definitely consider pet adoption!
