Now more than ever, it is important to adopt, not shop! In recent years, we have seen a huge shift in the way animals are regarded. Companion animals are now widely considered to be part of the family (yay!) and as such, we have a responsibility to them and to the animal community. Within this shift, we have seen an increase in puppy mills and unqualified breeders. Saying no to purchasing pets from pet stores or unqualified breeders (including buying from Craigslist ads, social media ads etc.), will have a massive impact on reducing the overpopulation and incredibly inhumane breeding and living conditions this type of practice produces. Your choice matters and these are five reasons why we should adopt, not shop.
You are Saving Lives
When you adopt a pet, you are not only saving the life of the pet you adopt but you make room in the shelter/rescue for another pet to come in. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), shelters euthanize about 1.5 million animals (dogs and cats) each year. The good news is, adoption is the reason the numbers of euthanized shelter pets is decreasing over the last few years from approximately 2.6 million in 2011. It’s working, so we need to keep it up until our shelters no longer need to euthanize pets due to overpopulation. You can also save more lives by educating and encouraging your friends and family to Adopt Not Shop!
You Can Find Purebred Pets and BONUS, You Actually Save Money
Did you know you can find almost any kind of purebred rescue group? You can! Many times, people want a specific breed of dog. No problem! There are amazing breed-specific rescue groups all over the United States with amazing dogs, waiting for their forever homes. Not only can you rescue a purebred dog and save a life but the bonus is, adoption fees are typically much less than the fees for purchasing a purebred dog from a pet shop or breeder.
You Can Choose a Dog That Fits Your Lifestyle
Often times, people purchase puppies from shops or breeders, only to realize that a puppy is a lot of work, or that the breed is not the right fit for their lifestyle. Unfortunately, this leads to people surrendering the puppy to a shelter or a rescue group. By deciding to adopt, you can choose a dog that fits your lifestyle. For example, some dogs require a high level of exercise, attention, and training, others require less. By adopting, you can choose what type of dog suits your activity level and overall lifestyle. Choosing the right fit can contribute to lowering the rates of dogs people return to shelters and rescues!
Adopting Sends a Message to Puppy Mills and Unqualified Breeders
Money talks. When people stop paying for pets, it drives the demand down. When there is no demand, we put these horrible puppy mills and unqualified breeders out of a job. Purchasing a pet from a pet shop, backyard breeder, unqualified breeder, craigslist, social media post etc., promotes these irresponsible and inhumane practices. When we adopt, we are taking a stand against these awful practices and saving countless lives.
You Get Unconditional Love
Animals are incredible creatures. Thus, we as humans can learn so much from them. One thing that stands out is the unconditional love they give us. By adopting a pet, you are saving their life. Somehow, they seem to know and will most certainly do their best to show you how grateful they are. There is nothing like a happy tail coming to greet you each and every time you come home.
*We most definitely promote adoption above all else but if you are planning on buying from a breeder, please do your research to make sure the breeder you are considering is reputable, has good breeding policies, genetic testing, and overall humane practices. Ask to visit their facility. Education and awareness are the best resources we have to advocate for the welfare of our furry friends!
