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Why Adopting a Pet is Better than Buying

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Published: Aug 31, 2023

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11 Reasons Why Adopting a Pet Is Better Than Buying

By Emma Stenhouse

Updated on Jan 22, 2024

If you’re ready to add a new pet to your family, adopting is a fantastic idea. If you’re on the fence, though, we rounded up our top 11 reasons that adopting a pet is better than buying.

Hopefully, by the end, you’ll be fully convinced to adopt, not shop!

Why Adopting a Pet is Better Than Buying: 11 Reasons

1. you’ll save a life.

The ASPCA estimates that every year, 1.5 million cats and dogs in US shelters are euthanized. By deciding to rehome a shelter animal, you could literally be saving their life. The good news is that these rates are slowly dropping as more animals are rehomed and lost pets are successfully reunited with their owners. It’s still a huge number, though, and by choosing to adopt, you can do your part to reduce it even more.

2. Adopting is often cheaper

While the cost of a purebred or designer pet can run to thousands of dollars, adopting a pet is usually less than $250. You’ll need to pay a fee to your chosen shelter, and this usually covers the cost of your new pet’s health checks, initial vaccinations, and spaying or neutering. Most shelters have a policy of only rehoming pets after they’ve been spayed or neutered.

3. You can avoid puppy/kitty mills

Puppy mills are a huge problem. The owners of puppy mills are more interested in making money than breeding healthy puppies. That means they cut corners where welfare and care are concerned. Many puppies from mills suffer from genetic illnesses that could be prevented by responsible breeding. They’re often sick too. That means you end up with an overpriced puppy that needs immediate veterinary attention, and even then, they sometimes don’t survive.

4. You can still get the breed of your dreams

If you’ve got your heart set on a particular breed of dog or cat, don’t fall into the trap of thinking that it won’t be possible to adopt one! Plenty of rescue organizations focus exclusively on a particular breed. You might need to do research and travel, but you can still find the breed of your dreams waiting patiently for you in a shelter. Many purebred pets are surrendered to shelters after their new owners realize that they actually have specific requirements in terms of care and exercise.

You can find all sorts of breed-specific shelters, from Siberian Husky rescue centers and the Yorkie Rescue of America to Specialty Purebred Cat Rescue sites and more.

5. Helping that one pet will change their life

Choosing to adopt your new pet from a shelter might not save all shelter animals, but it will make a world of difference for your newly chosen companion. While dogs and cats are well looked after in shelters, it’s no comparison to having a cozy home and a family to adore them. The companionship that you’ll get from your adorable new shelter pet will soon convince you that you made the right decision.

6. Shelter pets are often already house trained

Many pets are surrendered to shelters through absolutely no fault of their own. Sometimes a family’s circumstances change, an old owner dies, or someone has no option but to give up their pet. This means that many pets in shelters are already well-trained, including house training! Getting a new puppy house-trained is stressful, so choosing a pet that’s already trained will make your life much easier!

7. You can choose the best pet to suit your family

While it can be tempting to decide that the cutest puppy is the right choice for your family, sometimes that breed may not be right for you at all. By choosing to find your new pet at a shelter, you can take advantage of the knowledge of the staff who work there. They’ll ask you to fill out a questionnaire and suggest which pets would suit you and your family best.

That way, you maximize the chances of being matched with the perfect pet, even if they’re not the breed that you would have thought of.

8. You’ll support a local organization

Shelters work tirelessly to improve the care of the animals that they rescue. By choosing a local rescue, you can support them in their mission to improve the lives of the pets in their care. The costs of your new pet’s adoption will help the shelter rescue more animals in need. By adopting your new pet, you’re also making room for each shelter to help one more pet!

9. Adopting can help encourage others to do the same

Whenever anyone asks you where you got your new pet from, you can proudly tell them that they’re adopted from a shelter! Becoming an advocate for shelters can help your friends and family consider doing the same if they decide to get a pet. As soon as they see how awesome and adorable your new pet is, they’ll probably be totally convinced!

10. You’ll get an ongoing support system

If you get your new pet from a shelter, you’ll always have someone friendly to ask for advice. With a puppy mill or backyard breeder, you can expect exactly zero in terms of ongoing support. Shelters are more than happy to support new owners as they get used to life with a new pet. If you’re not sure how or where to sign up for puppy training classes or which local vet is best, they can help.

11. Rescue pets make the best pets!

Last but very much not least, rescue pets are simply awesome. Knowing that you saved your new pet from an uncertain future is one of the best feelings in the world. It’s perhaps only beaten by the joy that you’ll get from seeing your new pet embrace their future as part of your family.

Adopting is a great way to give a home to a pet in need. While you may have your heart set on a certain breed, there are thousands of adorable dogs looking for a forever home, and some may even be the breed you’re looking for. Plus, these dogs are often already trained to an extent, and will certainly cost you a lot less than purchasing from a breeder.

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Why You Should Adopt a Pet Rather Than Buy

By: Dr. Clayton Greenway, B.Sc., DVM | Feb 12, 2017

Adding a new pet to your family is always a big decision. It takes time and patience to find a companion with just the right temperament to take home. Whether you decide to adopt or ultimately purchase a pet, local animal shelters and rescue groups should always be first on your list of places to search. There are a lot of good reasons why you should adopt a pet rather than buy. Here we go over the many benefits of adopting .

You’re saving a life.

Millions of animals are euthanized each year in shelters (an unknown total number in Canada, and an estimated 3-4 million in the United States). Adopting pets from shelters helps curb pet overpopulation, reducing the likelihood of future animals ending up in shelters.

An adopted pet already has good manners.

A common myth about rescue pets is that they must have been relinquished by their owners for bad behaviour. In fact, shelter pets usually have already been trained. The most common reasons people actually give up cats and dogs are:

2. Landlord not allowing pet

3. Too many animals in the household

4 . Cost of pet maintenance

5. Owner having personal problems

Unlike a brand new kitten or puppy, a slightly older pet is likely to already be housetrained and may have learned other good habits from their previous owners. Any animals with behavioural problems or health issues will have accompanying documentation, and shelters take special care to ensure they are only adopted to a home that can handle their special needs.

You’re saving a lot of money, and the money you do spend goes to a good cause.

One of the reasons to adopt a pet is that it will save you hundreds of dollars compared to the cost of buying one, especially when you factor in the healthcare, vaccinations, microchipping and even desexing that shelters will perform before you take your new pet home. The small adoption fee will help animals and pet shelters with their operating costs so that they can continue to support other pets in need. Often there are deals during certain times of the year such as Black Friday offering even more money-saving opportunities.

Mixed-breed animals can be healthier than pure breeds.

While not all animals in a shelter are mixed-breed, many of them are. Mixed breed animals benefit from what is known as “hybrid vigour”, or the protective effects that come from a diverse genetic background. These animals are less likely to suffer from health problems associated with inbreeding that can, unfortunately, affect purebred animals.

You can pick just the right age of pet for you.

Rescue kittens and puppies are adorable, but they aren’t the best pets for everyone. Not everyone can handle the task of training a new puppy or keep up with the high energy of a new kitten . A fully-grown animal is easier to integrate into a busy routine. Senior pets are often ideal companions for people looking for pets that can match a slower pace of life.

You can avoid supporting puppy and kitten mills.

New legislations are making it easier to avoid purchasing from kitten and puppy mills, but they, unfortunately, have yet to be stamped out entirely. With shelter cats and dogs, you can be completely certain that you are not supporting one of them.

For a brief overview about why you should adopt a pet rather than buy take a look at the clip below!

Disclaimer: healthcareforpets.com and its team of veterinarians and clinicians do not endorse any products, services, or recommended advice. All advice presented by our veterinarians, clinicians, tools, resources, etc is not meant to replace a regular physical exam and consultation with your primary veterinarian or other clinicians. We always encourage you to seek medical advice from your regular veterinarian.

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Pet Adoption vs. Buying: Why Adopting is the More Ethical Choice

Last updated Apr 11, 2024 | Pet Adoption Tips

The problem with buying pets

If you’re considering getting a new furry friend, it’s important to understand the difference between adoption and shopping for a pet. While buying a pet from a store or breeder might seem like a great idea, it actually contributes to the overpopulation problem in shelters. Thousands of animals are euthanized each year simply because there aren’t enough homes for them. However, when you adopt a pet from a shelter, you’re not only providing a loving home for an animal in need, but you’re also helping to reduce the number of homeless pets.

Plus, adopted pets often come with all their necessary vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and even microchipping. So before you turn to a pet store or breeder, think about adopting from a shelter and giving a furry friend a second chance at a happy life.

The commercial pet industry

It’s important to be aware of the commercial pet industry and the unethical practices of breeders and puppy mills. These facilities prioritize profit over the well-being of animals, often keeping them in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. When you adopt from a reputable shelter or rescue organization, you not only save a life but also support humane treatment of animals. You can also research responsible breeders who prioritize the health and happiness of their animals.

Let’s work together to end the cruel practices of the commercial pet industry and provide loving homes for all animals in need.

The unethical treatment of animals in pet stores and breeding facilities

As pet lovers, it is essential to raise awareness about the unethical treatment of animals in pet stores and breeding facilities. The truth is, they are often kept in small and crowded spaces, denied proper care and socialization, and subjected to cruel breeding practices. The situation is heartbreaking, but by understanding the reality, we can take action to prevent it from happening.

One way to combat this problem is by adopting pets from shelters or rescue organizations, which not only helps animals in need but also sends a powerful message to pet stores and breeding facilities. Another way is to advocate for stricter regulations and enforcement of animal welfare laws.

The risks of supporting puppy mills and irresponsible breeding practices

We all want to bring home the cutest, cuddliest little ball of fur as our newest family member, but have you ever stopped to think about where that adorable puppy or kitten came from? Unfortunately, many people don’t realize the risks they take when buying animals from puppy mills or irresponsible breeders. As many prioritize profit, the resulting conditions are inhumane, unclean, and detrimental to the physical and behavioral well-being of the animals.

By supporting these practices, we perpetuate the cycle of animal suffering and promote an industry that has no place in a compassionate society. So, next time you’re considering bringing home a furry friend, do your research and choose adoption or a responsible breeder who prioritizes the health and happiness of their animals.

The impact on animal welfare and overpopulation

Did you know that where you buy your new furry friend can greatly impact the animal welfare and overpopulation? Purchasing from a store or breeder may seem like the easier route, but it can contribute to the cycle of overbreeding and neglect in puppy mills. Meanwhile, adopting from a shelter not only provides a loving home for an animal in need, but it also helps to reduce overpopulation. Don’t let convenience steer you in the wrong direction. By making a conscious decision to adopt, you can make a positive impact on the lives of both animals and our communities.

The benefits of adopting pets

Adopting pets is more than just adding a furry friend to your family. It’s a decision that benefits both you and your new companion in so many ways. Not only do pets offer unconditional love and a source of comfort, but owning one can also lead to improved physical and mental health. Studies have shown that pet owners have lower blood pressure, reduced anxiety levels, and even decreased risk of heart disease.

Adopting an animal in need can also provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that you’re giving a deserving animal a second chance at a happy life. The benefits of adopting a pet truly go beyond words, and are best experienced firsthand. So why not consider adopting your new best friend today?

The opportunity to save a life

Every year, millions of innocent animals are euthanized because they are unwanted or have no place to go. By adopting a pet, you are giving them a chance at a happy and fulfilling life. Not only do you get to experience the joy and love that comes with having a pet, but you also become a hero in the animal world. You’ll be amazed at how much they will enrich your life, all while knowing that you made a positive impact on theirs.

The availability of a wide variety of breeds and ages

Adopting a pet can seem like a daunting task, but the availability of a wide variety of breeds and ages can make the decision a lot easier. When choosing a furry friend, it’s important to consider your lifestyle and the type of pet that would fit best. Do you want a high-energy dog to go on hikes with you or a calm lap cat to snuggle up with at night? The options are endless.

Plus, adopting an older pet also has its perks. They are often already trained and socialized, making for an easier transition into your home. With so many options, you’re sure to find the perfect pet that matches your personality and lifestyle.

The cost-effectiveness of adopting

Have you considered adopting a pet instead of shopping for one?. Adoption fees generally include essential vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and microchipping, which can add up to hundreds of dollars if done individually. Plus, you’ll be supporting a local animal shelter or rescue organization that works tirelessly to find homes for pets in need. On the other hand, shopping for a pet can cost an arm and a leg, with prices for purebred animals reaching thousands of dollars.

While it might be tempting to go for a designer breed, there are countless fur babies waiting for their forever homes in shelters across the country. So next time you’re considering adding a furry member to your family, remember that adoption is a smart choice for your wallet and your heart.

The support of animal shelters and rescues

By taking in a pet from a shelter, you’re giving them a second chance at life and providing a steady stream of funding to these organizations, allowing them to continue rescuing more animals in need. So, consider adopting instead of shopping and make a positive impact on the lives of animals in need.

Addressing common misconceptions about adoption

Thinking about adopting a pet? Good for you! But before you jump into this rewarding adventure, there are a few misconceptions that need to be addressed

“Adoptable pets are damaged or have behavioral issues”

One of the most common myths is that adoptable pets are damaged or have behavioral issues. The truth, however, is that there are many reasons why pets end up in shelters, and behavior problems are just one possibility. In fact, many adoptable pets are surrendered by their owners simply because of unfortunate circumstances such as job loss or relocation.

When looking to adopt a pet, it’s important to focus on the individual animal rather than generalizing about adoptable pets as a whole. With a little patience, love, and training, any pet can make a wonderful addition to your family.

“I won’t find the breed I want in a shelter”

Many people believe that their dream dog breed cannot be found in a shelter, but this is simply not true. Shelters have a wide variety of dogs of different breeds and mixes, and there is a good chance that the pet of your dreams is waiting for you at a shelter right now.

“Adoption is too complicated or time-consuming”

Adoption can seem like an overwhelming process to navigate, but don’t be discouraged! While it is true that adoption requires some paperwork and a little bit of patience, it is far from the complicated and time-consuming myth we often hear. With the right resources and support, adoption can be a beautiful and life-changing journey.

Tips for successful adoption

Adopting a pet is an exciting and life-changing decision, but it’s important to approach it with research, preparation, and commitment. Prior to bringing your new furry friend home, do your due diligence and make sure you’re ready for the responsibilities that come with pet ownership. Once you’ve decided on the type of pet that’s right for you and your lifestyle, take the time to meet and get to know your potential new family member. It’s crucial to understand their needs and behavior to ensure a smooth transition and a happy life together.

Lastly, remember that adopting a pet is a lifelong commitment, so make sure you’re ready to provide love and care for your furry friend for years to come. With these tips, you’ll be well on your way to a successful adoption and a beautiful bond with your new pet.

Pet adoption is the more ethical choice

After diving deep into the world of pet ownership, it’s clear that adopting is the more ethical choice. By choosing to adopt, you’re not only giving a loving home to a pet in need, but you’re also taking a stand against the cruel and inhumane practices of pet breeding. Not to mention, you’re likely to save money on adoption fees compared to the high prices of buying a pet from a breeder.

And let’s not forget about the forever bond that you’ll create with your adopted pet – knowing that you saved a life and gave them a second chance at happiness is truly priceless. So, if you’re thinking about bringing a furry friend into your life, choose to adopt and make a difference in the world one pet at a time.

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8 Strong Arguments for Adopting a Pet Instead of Buying

You know the benefits of adopting a dog from an animal shelter, but not everyone out there does. If you have a friend or family member considering buying a dog from a breeder, consider using these arguments to show just how wonderful adoption can be.

It’s Better for Your Budget

Adoption prices are significantly lower than the price a breeder charges, and that’s only the initial cost. Shelter pets also come home up-to-date on their vaccinations and with their spay or neuter surgery already performed, which you pay out-of-pocket if you buy from a breeder.

Many Come Pre-Trained

Many shelter dogs arrive knowing their basic commands, and trainers and dog walkers continue to work with them in the shelter. Most breeders only do basic socialization with their puppies, and unethical breeders may not even do that much.

Mutts are Often Healthier

Shelter dogs are screened and treated for diseases and other health problems before they go home, so you know you’re getting a healthy pet. Mutts also tend to be healthier than purebred dogs.

You’re Not Contributing to the Overpopulation Problem

An estimated 1.2 million dogs and 1.4 million cats are euthanized every year due to pet overpopulation, and many more live as strays. By adopting, you opt out of supporting unethical breeders and instead give a homeless pet a loving family.

A Housebroken Dog Means No Stained Carpets

Even if your new pet doesn’t know any commands yet, there’s a good chance that the puppy is at least partially housetrained . Many are fully housetrained, which saves your carpets and minimizes the need for scrubbing out pet stains.

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Reasons to Adopt a Pet

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Poodle mix dog. Please adopt, don't buy, your next pet.

Wondering whether to adopt or buy a dog or cat?

Adopt don't buy

There are lots of good reasons to adopt rather than buy a pet. Here are a few of them:

Buying a pet can easily cost $500 to $1,000 or more. Adoption costs range from $50 to $200, depending on whether the pet comes from the city shelter or a rescue group that has spent money on boarding, vets and grooming.
You’re getting more for your money if you get a mixed breed. Based on the well-established principle of “hybrid vigor,” a mixed-breed animal is likely to live longer and cost less in vet bills than a pure breed. Many purebred dogs are prone to developing health problems ranging from breathing difficulties to hip dysplasia to an enlarged heart.
A pet purchased from a pet store is a complete unknown. And, once you walk out of the store, you are on your own. Most pet stores don’t provide any support if you have questions or problems with your new pet. When you adopt, especially from a rescue group, you know what you are getting because the group has a history on the animal. The rescue group will also help you through the familiarization period because they are invested in providing a good home for that animal.
When you adopt a pet, you are saving a life. When you buy a pet, you not only deny a homeless pet a home, you are supporting an industry that thrives on short-changing the welfare of animals. Puppy and kitten mills (which sell to pet stores) are in business to make a profit, so they churn out puppies and kittens as fast as they can. These animals are often in ill-health and have problems like poor socialization skills due to lack of human companionship and genetic defects due to inbreeding. Click here for more information on puppy mills .
If you adopt, you get your choice of any age. Though puppies and kittens are cute and cuddly, they can also be a handful. An adult or older pet may be a better fit for you. For example, adopting an adult dog who’s already house-trained and knows basic cues is often much easier than adopting a puppy, who must be taught these things.
You get just as much love (if not more). An adopted pet is every bit as loving, intelligent and loyal as a purchased pet, even if you get an adult or older animal.

For all of these reasons, adopting rather than buying is pretty much a no-brainer. As Homer Simpson would say, “Doh! I’ll take the adoption … and a donut, please.”

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Reasons to Adopt a Pet Instead of Buying One

Bringing a pet into your family is a big commitment that shouldn’t be taken lightly. You’re taking responsibility for another life! You should be certain that you and your family are ready for that responsibility, especially if it’s a puppy or kitten, which requires more time and attention to satisfy their growing needs.

Once you’ve decided you’re ready for a pet, the next step is to figure out where you’re going to get one and what you plan on getting. Let’s say you decide that you’re ready to welcome a nice, loving dog into your home. It then comes down to two options: you can either adopt a dog or buy one.

When it comes to adopting, the first place you’ll want to look is your local shelter. There should be plenty of shelters around your area that would be more than happy to have you adopt one of their animals. On the other hand, if you were to decide to buy one, you could go to one of many pet stores or buy from a breeder if you have a specific breed in mind.

The Pet Adoption Process

How it works & what to expect.

Shelters are always eager to adopt pets to interested parties, but what they won’t do is let you just pick an animal and leave with them. There is a process when it comes to adopting an animal.

Shelters are typically very easygoing in terms of letting you see or play with whatever animal you show interest in, even allowing you a private room (when possible) to have some time alone with the animal to ensure compatibility between the two of you.

Once you’ve bonded with an animal and decided you’d like to take them home, you can request to file an application to adopt that animal.

When it comes to the application, you can expect to fill out a couple of pages worth of paperwork that asks for information like where you work, your housing situation, how often you’re at home, your history with previous pets, what happened to them, or where they are now, etc. If you are renting, they may reach out to the leasing office of the development you live in, or the landlord from whom you’re renting, to ensure that you’re allowed to have a pet on the premises.

The shelter's main goal is to find a home for the animal and to ensure they are placing the animal in a good situation where they will have a long, healthy, and loving life.

Once your application is accepted, it’s possible that they’ll let you take your new furry friend home with you that day! Most shelters make you purchase a leash, food, and a collar before leaving, so that they can guarantee the animal will have the basic necessities right off the bat.

In some instances, shelters may require you to wait a day or two, and sometimes even up to a week to take your new pet home. This may be for a couple of reasons, ranging from having to file the required paperwork or the animal needing to be neutered or spayed before they’re able to leave the shelter.

Why You Should Adopt a Pet

Deciding whether to adopt or buy your next (or even first) pet can be a difficult decision. Here are reasons we think you should adopt your next pet:

One of the simplest reasons for choosing adoption over buying is because adoption costs are much less than breeder or store costs. Depending on the shelter you’re adopting from, you may even be able to adopt an animal for under $50 if the animal is past their puppy or kitten stage. The adoption fee is usually spent on food and resources for the other animals at the shelter.

Puppies at shelters will typically be more costly to adopt, but this is only because the shelter may have had to neuter or spay the animal and they’re looking to be reimbursed for the procedure. Even by paying that fee, you’re likely to leave with a puppy at the cost of $200–$300, rather than a couple of thousand dollars.

Sheltered Animals

Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter animal shelters in the United States every year, and this doesn’t consider the ones that are already in shelters. Approximately 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. Of these 6.5 million animals, approximately 1.5 million are euthanized every single year. Animals are being euthanized at an alarming rate just because there’s nowhere for them to go and shelters are low on space. Around 4,100 cats and dogs are euthanized every day.

Most shelters operate off donations and struggle to pay the bills needed for them to operate month-to-month. Dog food, toys, and other resources add up significantly when you have anywhere from 50 to a couple hundred animals residing in a facility. These animals are all hoping to find loving homes.

Animal shelters follow a 72-hour rule, which means that they only need to wait a minimum of 72 hours after bringing in a stray animal before they’re legally authorized to euthanize them. This is the sad reality that many animals face if they’re left unadopted and in shelters.

Putting an End to Puppy Mills

What most people don’t know is that those adorable little puppies they see at their local pet stores were probably raised in a puppy mill. If you don’t know what a puppy mill is, it’s a facility where dogs are bred so that breeders are able to bring in as much profit from their offspring as possible.

There are between 2,000 and 3,000 USDA-licensed breeders currently operating in the United States. What’s not known is the number of unlicensed puppy mills in existence. These puppy mills can be so large that they contain more than 1,000 breeding dogs at the same time.

Responsible breeders understand the importance of the health of a parent, as well as the genetic pairing required to produce strong litters that will improve the breed. Operators of puppy mills don’t consider these things, focusing on producing as many puppies as they can, causing legitimate genetic flaws in the dogs’ breeding pools. Along with this, the abuse that these animals can encounter is disturbing. If more people adopted, rather than bought dogs, these puppy mills would go out of business.

There are plenty of lovable animals in shelters across the United States who just need to be given a home and an opportunity to prove their worth. Give them that opportunity. Consider adoption over purchasing.

Learn More About Pet Adoption

Your Guide to Dog Adoption
Why People Are Looking For Rehoming For Dogs
The Ultimate Puppy Adoption Guide
10 Tips To Avoid Online Dog Adoption Scams
Your Guide to Cat Adoption

What is better: Buying pets or Adoption?

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Why Everyone Should “Adopt Don’t Shop”

"Adopt, don't shop" is an important credo to follow if you're looking for a dog or cat to join your family — here's why.

Jun. 16 2023, Updated 4:24 p.m. ET

Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic began, more and more people have embraced remote work and spending more time at home — inspiring many individuals to finally welcome that dog or cat they’ve longed for into their families.

During coronavirus lockdowns, I personally saw numerous posts in my social media feeds from friends and acquaintances who used their time in quarantine to purchase dogs from breeders rather than adopt animals in need . I’m sure the pups are going into wonderful, loving homes — but knowing all that I know about the dog breeding industry , it’s a little bit heartbreaking to see.

Of course, the dogs they’ve purchased are cute and lovable — but so is every single adoptable dog in a shelter or rescue. No matter what breed, size, or age you’d like, you can find one in need of adoption. All it takes is a bit of research and patience. And I promise, you posting your newly-adopted dog or cat on Instagram will generate just as many likes as posting a purebred or “designer” dog that cost you $4,000.

Not to mention, there are endless benefits to following the credo “adopt, don’t shop” when it comes to taking in a dog or cat — it costs less, the dog is more likely to be trained, less likely to have health issues, you’ll have bragging rights that you adopted your dog, and so much more.

If you still aren’t convinced, read on for a few of the reasons why you should always adopt, not shop.

What does “adopt don’t shop” mean?

“Adopt, don’t shop” is a campaign slogan encouraging people to adopt dogs from shelters or rescues rather than purchasing a dog from a breeder or puppy mill.

Why should we adopt not shop?

There are so many reasons to adopt a dog rather than purchase one from a breeder. Every year, an estimated 920,000 million adoptable shelter dogs and cats are euthanized in the U.S. as of 2023, according to the ASPCA. That’s because the shelters simply don’t have enough space and funding to accommodate all the animals that are brought there.

As noted by the ASPCA, that number has declined immensely in the early 2020s. In 2021, the number of euthanized adoptable shelter dogs and cats was about 2.6 million.

Every time an animal is adopted, a space opens up in the shelter or the rescue. So when you adopt a cat or dog, not only are you saving that animal’s life, but you are also opening up a space for another animal’s life to be saved.

Additionally, the shelter or rescue may share your dog or cat's story with you. Maybe they were saved from an abusive home, found living on the streets, or even rescued from South Korea's dog meat industry — and knowing they had a troubled past (that you can help them recover from) may strengthen your bond even more.

Why do people buy pets from breeders?

The main reason people go to breeders or puppy mills is because they want a dog of a specific breed. But fortunately, you can always find a dog worth loving — even of the breed you want — at a shelter or rescue.

Adopting a dog or cat is cheaper than buying one.

Not to mention, adopting a dog is typically cheaper than purchasing one. According to Prudent Pet, some of the most expensive dogs include Samoyeds ($14,000), Chow Chows ($11,000), Rottweilers ($9,000), and Afghan Hounds ($7,000).

According to Animal Humane Society, adoption fees for dogs typically range from $129 to $767; cats range from $39 to $317; and other small animals (such as birds and rabbits) range from $9 to $199.

Those adoption fees typically include vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and necessary health tests, while dogs purchased from breeders may not.

Puppies are a lot of work.

If you are purchasing a dog from a breeder, that dog will likely be a puppy. And while puppies are extremely cute, it takes a lot of work to train one. If that doesn’t bother you, and a puppy is what you’re after, you can still adopt one — many rescues and shelters take in pregnant dogs or cats, meaning their litters will soon be up for adoption.

But if an easy transition to becoming a fur parent is what you’re after, shelters and rescues are typically filled with dogs who have already been around the block — aka they are already housebroken and trained.

Why are puppy mills bad?

Another reason to adopt a pet is because doing so helps fight puppy mills, which supply dogs to pet stores and breeder websites. Puppy mills are large-scale dog breeding operations that prioritize making a profit over the care of the dogs. The dogs are often kept in less-than-ideal conditions, mother dogs are forced to endure multiple pregnancies in a row, and puppy mill breeders often do not give the dogs adequate veterinary care — that means dogs purchased from a puppy mill are more likely to develop health issues as newborns, before they have access to proper care.

Puppy mills typically focus on breeding purebred dogs — and purebred dogs often come with genetic disorders or shorter lifespans. For example, pugs are prone to snoring and wheezing, various skin disorders, ringworm, atopy, collapsed tracheas, and more; and French bulldogs are prone to various allergies, hip dysplasia, conjunctivitis, hearing loss, and more.

Plus, dog breeds with shorter lifespans include Saint Bernards (9.5 years), Newfoundlands (9 years), Irish Wolfhounds (7 years), Bernese Mountain Dogs (7 years).

These issues mean parents of purebred dogs may need to take their dogs to the vet more often, which can become costly.

Why are dog breeders bad?

Those who want a purebred or “designer” dog — such as yorkiepoos, goldendoodles, cavapoos, and cockapoos — will often go to supposed “reputable” or smaller breeders instead of puppy mills. Unfortunately, breeders are still part of the same problem as puppy mills. For one thing, many breeders — even ones that come recommended by a friend — may simply be puppy mills that market themselves as responsible breeders.

And like puppy mills, dog breeding is a business — so no matter how compassionate a dog breeder seems, the dogs and puppies are still their products, and the breeders are focused on making a profit. If their No. 1 priority was the welfare of dogs, they likely wouldn't be unnecessarily bringing more dogs into the world via breeding.

Dog breeders are expensive.

Additionally, purchasing a dog or cat from a breeder will still run you thousands of dollars, compared to the several hundred dollars that adopting a dog costs. Not to mention, breeders who market themselves as reputable may charge even more for their dogs than the pet stores do, knowing that consumers will be willing to pay more for a “reputable” breeder — but the dogs may actually all come from the same puppy mill, behind closed doors.

Not to mention, purebred dogs from breeders will still be susceptible to the same health issues and shorter lifespans as purebred dogs from puppy mills.

Dog shelters vs. rescues:

What is the difference between a shelter and a rescue ?

Shelters are often run by the local government (but are sometimes privately-owned), and they take in animals who are surrendered or found on the streets. These animals typically live in the shelter facility until they are adopted or, sadly, euthanized. Some shelters are “no-kill” shelters, meaning they do not euthanize animals; however, other shelters do euthanize animals when there are too many who aren’t getting adopted.

Animal rescues are typically privately-owned, and do not have a facility — often, they are run entirely by volunteers, including people who volunteer as fosters. Fosters care for animals at their homes for a few weeks or months until the animal gets adopted. In the last few years, a lot of rescues have shifted to promoting their animals on Instagram and Facebook, which serve as free marketing for getting their animals adopted.

Here’s how to adopt a dog or cat:

If you are interested in adopting a dog or cat, there are so many resources to help you get started. You should start out by doing your research on animal care to make sure you can handle it, and to figure out what kind of animal you’d like (an older or younger animal, a big or small one, or no preference at all — they’re all out there waiting for you).

When you’re ready to meet your newest family member, you can follow local rescues and shelters on social media; you can check out Pets and People Together or Petfinder to locate a pet in need of adoption near you; or, you can stop by your local shelter to potentially take home a sweet dog or cat that very day.

The best part of adopting a dog or cat is...

There are so many other benefits to adopting a dog or cat versus purchasing one from a breeder that aren’t mentioned in this article — but the best of all is that you’ll be making a new best friend.

This article, originally published on May 19, 2020, has been updated.

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Home / Essay Samples / Life / Pets / Adopting Pets Is A Better Option Than Buying Them

Adopting Pets Is A Better Option Than Buying Them

Category: Life
Topic: Adoption , Pets

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