To buy or not to buy a dog, that is the question. The correct answer is: adoption over purchase. We show you six reasons why you should rather adopt a dog from the shelter instead of buying it.
1. Adoption is (almost) free
First things first, adoption costs (almost) nothing. Compared to buying a breeding dog, the buyer only has to pay a small nominal fee. The main effort is a little time and nerves. The future owner has to deal with paperwork and it takes a while to find the right dog.
2. An adoption finds the right dog
Everyone is different and so is every dog. If one is loud and aggressive, the other is calm and reserved. To keep the peace, the future owner should choose an animal that suits him in character. This is not a problem with adoption. The dogs are mostly grown up and their character clearly recognizable. The employees at the animal shelter know the habits of the resident animals and are happy to help with the placement.
3. An adoption protects against dubious breeders
Animals, especially dogs, are a business. That sounds sad, but it’s true. And in every deal the trader wants to make a profit. It is therefore not surprising that some dogs are bred and raised in inhumane conditions (Read: How Old Can a Dog Have Puppies?). Through an adoption, the future holder ensures that he does not support such relationships. An animal shelter must also work economically, but its main goal is not profit. It wants to help the dogs and enable a better life.
4. Adoption gives them a second chance
If you adopt a dog, you give it a second chance. It is often unclear why an animal has to eke out its existence in an animal shelter. Perhaps the dog had run away or was abandoned. Perhaps the former owner died or the animal lived on the street from the beginning. Whatever the reason, every living being has a right to a good life and a second chance. No matter if animal or human. With an adoption, the future owner gives the animal back this right.
5. One adoption saves two dogs’ lives
Not only is the adopted dog rescued, another animal can also get the chance of a better life. Animal shelters have limited space. If it is not enough, sick and older animals are euthanized. Adoption frees up another place for a needy animal. A place where it at least has the hope of a real home.
6. Adoption guarantees a healthy dog
While it is waiting for this moment, the dog is in the best of hands. Animal shelters do not let their residents perish pointlessly. Until a good home is found, the animal receives the necessary medical treatment and good food. In the event of adoption, the future owner is guaranteed a strong and healthy animal.
Not only dogs are looking for a home
In all of this, it is important to remember that not only dogs live in animal shelters. Other animals have also been abused or abandoned and are now looking for someone who can offer them a better life. And that for their entire life and not just as long as the owner has a desire for the animal. This should be clear to every future pet owner: an animal means responsibility, work and costs for a long time. Only those who are willing to take on all of these hurdles should adopt an animal. Then you can be sure that nobody will be disappointed – be it the owner or the animal.
Written by Evan Yap, pet blogger at https://petsroof.com