When you decide to add a new pet to your family, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is whether to adopt from a shelter or purchase from a breeder or pet store. Both options come with their own set of pros and cons, but adoption is often the more compassionate and responsible choice. Here’s a breakdown of the key considerations for both adopting and buying to help you make the best decision for your family and for animals in need.
The Benefits of Adopting a Pet
Saving a Life One of the most compelling reasons to adopt is that you’re literally saving a life. Shelters across the country are often overcrowded, and adopting frees up space for another animal in need. By adopting, you’re giving an animal a fresh start at a happy life.
Lower Cost Adoption fees are typically much lower than the cost of buying a pet from a breeder or pet store. Adoption fees at Humane Animal Partners include vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering, which saves you hundreds of dollars in veterinary care right off the bat.
Health and Behavior Assessments Many shelter pets have been examined by veterinarians and behavior specialists, so you’ll have a better understanding of your potential pet’s health and temperament. Shelters often provide vital information about the pet’s personality, habits, and any special needs, making it easier to find a good match.
A Support System Shelters often provide support and advice on pet care, helping you transition smoothly with your new companion. HAP is always a phone call or email away.
Breaking the Cycle of Pet Overpopulation By adopting, you help reduce the demand for breeders, who sometimes contribute to the overpopulation problem by breeding more animals than they can responsibly place in homes. Fewer pets being bred means fewer animals in shelters.
Promoting Ethical Practices When you adopt, you’re not supporting potentially unethical breeding practices, such as puppy mills or backyard breeders, which often prioritize profit over the welfare of animals. Shelters, on the other hand, are focused on finding loving homes for animals in need.
The Considerations of Buying a Pet
Predictable Breed Traits Some families prefer buying from breeders to ensure certain traits in their pet, such as size, coat type, or temperament. This is especially important for people with specific needs, like allergies or living situations that require a particular breed.
Known History With ethical breeders, you’ll often have a clear picture of the pet’s genetic background and health history, which may be appealing if you’re looking for a purebred pet with predictable traits. But that’s not to say purebreds don’t end up in shelters, they often do!
Potential for Training From an Early Age Buying a puppy or kitten from a breeder allows you to start training your pet at a very young age. However, many shelters see puppies and kittens pass through their doors often and many animals are still young enough to train and have already been socialized by shelter staff or foster families.
The Drawbacks of Buying a Pet
High Cost Buying from a breeder can be extremely expensive, especially for purebred animals. Additionally, the initial purchase cost doesn’t usually include vaccinations, spaying/neutering, or other necessary care that is often included in adoption fees.
Contributing to Overbreeding Even responsible breeders may contribute to the issue of overpopulation, as breeding more animals continues the cycle of pets in need of homes. In some cases, breeders prioritize profit over animal welfare, leading to inhumane conditions, particularly in puppy mills.
Ethical & Health Concerns Some pet stores source animals from puppy or kitten mills, where conditions are poor. Many home breeders also do not prioritize living conditions or quality medical care and may even inbreed their animals, leading to unhealthy pets. Certain breeds are also prone to genetic health problems, which are exacerbated by inbreeding or poor pedigrees. For example, brachycephalic breeds like pugs and French bulldogs frequently have respiratory issues, while larger breeds like rottweilers or cane corsos are more susceptible to hip dysplasia.
Buying from reputable breeders (or simply adopting!) is crucial to avoid supporting these unethical practices and welcoming a healthy pet into your home.
Why Adoption is the Ethical Choice
While both adoption and purchasing have their merits, buying can be quite costly and adoption is the more ethical and compassionate option for most people. By adopting, you’re saving lives, supporting shelters, and taking a stand against irresponsible breeding practices. There are millions of loving pets waiting in shelters for their forever homes, and you could be their happy ever after! At Humane Animal Partners, we’ll take the time to help you find the perfect pet for your lifestyle and needs. If you’re ready to make a difference, visit Humane Animal Partners: Adopt to meet your new best friend. Adopting not only changes an animal’s life—it enriches yours!
