Adopt Or Shop? (Which Should You Choose?)

Deciding whether to adopt or shop for a pet is a significant choice for prospective pet owners.

The article aims to help you understand both sides of the coin and make a well-informed decision. Ultimately, it concerns what is best for you and your new pet.

Pros Of Adopting A Pet

Saving A Life And Reducing Shelter Load

When you adopt, you save a life.

Every year, close to 1,000,000 shelter animals are euthanized².

It is hard to even fathom such a staggering number.

Many of these poor animals have been abandoned, lost or born as strays.

You are giving your newly adopted pet a second chance at a new life.

This helps reduce the burden on shelters and opens up space for other animals in need,

Adopting Trained And Socialized Pets

Adopting an animal that has already received some level of training and socialization.

Many pets in shelters have either been surrendered by owners who could no longer care for them.

This means they may already be used to living in a home and understanding basic commands.

They also know how to interact with humans and other pets.

I have spent many months helping out at various shelters in my hometown.

The dogs and cats there are always craving human affection and eager to please.

Adopting a trained pet eases the transition into your home and lifestyle.

It makes the adjustment period smoother for both you and your new companion.

Health Benefits And Lower Initial Costs

Adopting from a shelter can be more cost-effective than buying a pet.

Many shelters typically take care of the initial health care needs such as:

• Vaccinations
• Sterilization
• Microchipping

This ensures that you are bringing your new pet home in good health.

The adoption fees at many shelters are also a lot lower than buying one from a breeder.

It usually ranges between $100-$400, depending on the breed and age of the animal.

This is a lot more affordable than buying a purebred dog or cat which can cost more than a few thousand dollars or more.

Emotional Rewards And Societal Impact

Not many pet owners realize that adopting a pet offers deep emotional rewards.

Many adopters report a special bond with their rescue pets.

Every pet that I’ve ever had was from the shelter or found living on the streets.

It does feel me with dread at times when I look at my cat or dog and wonder what if our paths never crossed?

There’s a sense of fulfillment in knowing that you’ve given a home to an animal in need.

Challenges Of Adoption

Uncertainty About A Pet’s History

Shelter animals often come with little to no background information.

This can lead to uncertainty about their behavior, temperament, and health.

Adopters may encounter unexpected behavioral traits or health issues that were not apparent during the initial adoption process.

A pet may unexpectedly exhibit anxiety, fear or aggression after some time.

Such behavior can stem from past experiences such as abuse or post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

This requires patience and possibly professional training to address.

Similarly, undisclosed health problems may surface after adoption, requiring veterinary care.

Adopters must be prepared for these surprises and willing to invest time and resources in helping their new pet.

Limited Choices

Adopters face the issue of a limited selection in terms of breed and age at shelters.

Shelters may not always have specific breeds or the age group that you are looking for.

This a challenging situation for individuals or families who have specific needs such as a particular size or temperament suited to their living situation.

This limitation means potential adopters might need to change their expectations.

They may also have to look at several shelters or rescue groups, which takes more time.

Long Adoption Process

The adoption process itself presents its own set of challenges.

Shelters and rescue organizations typically have an extensive screening process to ensure that each pet is placed in a suitable and safe environment.

This process often includes detailed applications, personal interviews, home visits and even background checks.

While these steps are crucial for the welfare of the animals, they can prolong the adoption timeline.

There can be significant wait times, especially for in-demand pets like puppies, kittens or certain breeds.

This waiting period can cause a lot of frustration for eager adopters.

The Rise Of The “Adopt Don’t Shop” Movement

This campaign started as a strong reaction to unethical breeding mills and the large number of shelter animals being euthanized yearly.

It brought a big change in how we think about getting pets, pushing for the choice to adopt from shelters instead of buying from pet stores.

This movement has its problems too.

There are times when owners want certain breeds for specific reasons such as behavior, allergies, etc.

The campaign doesn’t always address these valid needs.

The Case For Pet Shopping

The Need For Specific Breeds

Many potential pet owners have specific needs that make certain breeds more appealing or appropriate.

For instance, owners with allergy concerns may want hypoallergenic breeds like Poodles or Siberian cats.

Those looking for a working farm dog will be looking for a Border Collie or Corgi.

In these cases, shopping for a pet allows individuals to find a breed that satisfies their requirements.

Predictable Health And Behavior

One big advantage of buying a pet from a breeder is knowing what to expect in terms of the pet’s health and behavior.

Reputable breeders often conduct genetic testing and health screenings to ensure their litters are free from common hereditary conditions.

This can give future owners peace of mind regarding their pet’s long-term well-being.

Ethical breeders invest in the health and well-being of their animals. Raising them in a nurturing home environment.

This early socialization and care can contribute to a well-adjusted pet, ready to integrate into its new home.

Support From The Breeder

Good breeders can often provide a reliable insight into the expected temperament and behavior of the pet.

They can provide detailed advice on the care, training and feeding of the breed.

This support can extend throughout the pet’s life, with many breeders willing to offer guidance and assistance as needed.

You’ll be hard-pressed to find some assistance from shelters.

The Darkside Of Pet Shopping

The Reality Of Unethical Breeding

Breeding mills are commercial dog-breeding facilities that breed animals just for pure profits.

These breeders do not care two hoots about the welfare of their animals.

The poor animals are kept under inhumane conditions and are in bad shape.

The same can be said about backyard breeders who breed unprofessionally, usually at their homes or in their backyards.

An estimated 2,000,000 dogs die in puppy mills each year.

Many of these unethical breeders are willing to break the law as many pet owners are willing to pay for the breed they desire.

Health Issues In Purebred Pets

Purebred pets are often prone to specific genetic health issues due to selective breeding practices.

Breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and German Shepherds are known to suffer from respiratory problems and hip dysplasia.

The limited gene pool in purebred populations increases the risk of these inheritable diseases.

People looking to get purebred pets should know about possible health issues.

They need to be ready for regular vet visits and the costs that come with them.

Higher Costs

Purchasing purebreds from breeders often comes with a high price tag.

Top breeders can easily charge more than $10,000 for their puppies or kittens.

This cost not only covers the breeder’s expenses in breeding and raising the litter.

However, there’s a risk that in seeking a lower price, buyers may turn to breeding mills and bayyard breeders.

Should You Adopt Or Buy A Pet?

When deciding whether to adopt or buy a pet, several important factors come into play beyond personal preference.

This decision impacts not just you but also the welfare of the pet you choose.

Understanding Breed-Specific Requirements

If you want a purebred pet for its known traits, keep in mind that these pets can have health problems related to their breed.

Adopting a pet might not give you as much certainty about its behavior and health but it could lower the chance of some inherited health problems.

Buying a pet means getting one with more predictable traits.

Deciding on an adopted pet depends on your readiness to handle future challenges.

Financial Implications

You need to set a budget that you are comfortable with when getting your pet.

If you can only afford a few hundred dollars, the better choice would be to adopt from a shelter.

Please do not buy a pet from unethical breeders just because it is cheap.

A Samoyed puppy or Bengal kitten going for $300 should set off your alarm bells.

Buyers need to research thoroughly and ensure they are buying from responsible breeders who maintain high standards of animal welfare.

Personal Values And Beliefs

Finally, your values and beliefs play a crucial role.

Reflect on your stance regarding animal welfare, ethical breeding practices and what pet ownership means to you.

Whether you choose to adopt or buy, your decision ensures that it’s not only the best choice for you but also for the pet you’re bringing into your life.

Understanding The Landscape

Pet ownership has been increasing year on year globally.

In the United States alone, 65.1 million homes have at least one dog. Cats are a close second at 46.5 million¹.

According to the ASPCA, more than 6 million companion animals are taken in by pet shelters every year.

With dogs and cats making up the majority.

This leads to overcrowding and the lack of resources to keep these shelters in operation.

References

1. Number of pet-owning households in the United States in 2023, by species

2. Pet Statistics

Iggy Thorne

Iggy Thorne, also known as ‘Iggy the Explorer,’ is a seasoned writer with a flair for adventure and a deep love for animals.

Not only does he craft captivating stories often set in the great outdoors, but he’s also a dedicated pet owner who has owned and fostered both dogs and cats.

His expertise in animal care extends to volunteering at local shelters, making him a credible voice in pet ownership.

With a unique blend of humor and adventure, Iggy’s writing is as engaging as it is informative.