ADOPT, Don't Shop!
Did you know that most dogs sold in pet stores come from over-crowded puppy mills? So, too, do most of the puppies you see advertised online or in newspaper classifieds. Puppy mills are a for-profit operation whose sole purpose is to churn out puppies at the lowest cost to be sold at a higher price. This is done without regard to the mama dog's health, and puppies are often lacking proper nutrition, socialization, and vet care. Dogs are bred without regard to genetic conditions, often producing puppies that have issues down the line, such as hip dysplasia and allergies. Once the mama dog is no longer useful for breeding, they are usually killed (not always humanely), sold or given away to be used as bait dogs in illegal dog fighting operations, or set loose on the streets to become a stray.
My top five reasons why you should ADOPT and NOT SHOP (aka DON'T BREED OR BUY while shelter animals DIE):
#5: Adopted Animals often are at least partially house-trained. While adopting a shelter dog doesn't guarantee your new pet is housetrained or won't have accidents in the house as they get used to your home and schedule, it's much more likely for an adopted dog to already have at least some manners. Many also know commands such as "sit", "stay", and "come", making your efforts to train your new family member much easier.
#4 Adoption is better for your finances than buying a puppy mill or breeder's dog. Sure, adoption fees typically range between $50-$400 to adopt a dog from a rescue or shelter. That cost covers the spay or neuter (typically $100-$250), current on all vaccinations ($50-100), and the room and board (other medical, food, toys, etc) plus helps the rescue or shelter cover other costs. Some shelters and rescues also include the cost of micro-chipping and registration in the adoption fee (~$35-50). The fact is, the adoption fees often don't even cover the cost of care that your new pet has received, but along with donations received from others, will help keep the operation running and help save more lives.
#3: Rescues & Shelters offer variety. Some rescues are breed-specific, and that's a good thing if you are looking for a specific breed. If you aren't sure what breed you want, a non-breed-specific rescue or a shelter is the perfect place to go. You will be able to see dogs of all sizes, colors, shapes, breeds, and temperaments. Shelter staff will usually be able to tell you things like if that dog gets along with other dogs or if they have quirky preferences, like my basset/beagle mix, Remy, who generally doesn't like dogs that are bigger than her. Many rescues are able to foster their dogs, so they will be able to tell you if the dog you are interested in does well with small kids, prefers a quiet home, needs a tall fence, gets along with other dogs or cats, etc.
#2: When you adopt a shelter or rescue pet, you are saving a life. Actually, you are saving TWO lives. The life of the pet you are adopting, but also, by opening up that spot, an animal that would be euthanized may have a chance to find their furever home.
#1: Because it's the right thing to do. Everyday, thousands of shelter animals are killed simply because they are homeless and the shelter is full. Hundreds of shelter dogs and cats die every hour in the United States. You can't save them all, but you can make a difference in one (or more!) animal's life. Many times, these animals are in shelters through no fault of their own. Common reasons animals are surrendered are move, divorce, people who buy or adopt dogs without consulting other adults in the family, difficulty potty-training (due to the humans not knowing the best way or teaching the dog), the dog is more responsibility than the owner thought it would be, owners can't afford to feed their dog, etc.
If you can't adopt an animal, please consider donating (wet or dry food, collars/leashes, toys, money, etc) to your local shelter or rescue of your choice.
Benelli was adopted through our local SPCA, and Remy was adopted through an SPCA several counties away. Otis was adopted through Love Mutts Rescue, a local (NC/VA) non-profit non-breed specific animal rescue (dogs and cats).
Sources:
RedRover.org
Humane Society
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