Adopt or Buy

Pet adoption is when you take responsibility for a pet that a previous owner has abandoned or released to a shelter or rescue organization. _(Wikipedia)

There are lots of organizations and shelters where you can adopt your own furry friend. This article will be about adopting in general, however I will release a separate article for both cats and dogs.

Adopting can be very exciting but please note that it is not something to be taken lightly. If you adopt an animal you need to make sure you do your research on the shelter (organization etc) and the animal itself.

Most animals that need to be adopted from shelters are the older ones as the general public wants a cute baby animal rather than an old dog. Adopting an older animal can be extremely helpful to both the animal and the shelter but please note if you don't put in the research beforehand, the situation could end up out of your hands, each animal is different and an older animal will have past experience.

Reasons to Adopt

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Adopting is Cheaper

Keep some of the money in your pocket by adopting. Owning a pet can be expensive on its own, and buying a pet can cost you thousands of dollars just to buy it!

Adopting Can Save Lives

Believe it or not adopting can not only save the life of the pet you choose but can save many other animals lives. Pet stores often get their pets from shady breeders or puppy/kitten mills. Which if you don't know what those are, they are breeders that have the animals just to breed and sell their offspring, which can cause illness and often unhappy pets.
Not only that but adopting is often mix breeds, which can actually be better since purebreds are known for developing health problems ranging from breathing difficulties to hip dysplasia to an enlarged heart.

Even if the shelter is a non-kill shelter, adopting opens up room for more animals, allowing more to have the chance to find their forever home.

Click here to read more on puppy mills.

Experience

When adopting you have the chance to get a trained dog or cat. If you are a new animal owner and aren't quite ready or don't have the time to train, adopting can be perfect for you. Just make sure that you read up on the animal you are adopting and are prepared to put in that responsibility.

On Your Own

When you buy a pet you are often on your own as soon as you walk out of the shop. With most adopts you are able to contact the organization, shelter etc to find out more info or get help.

Why not to say Adopt Don't Shop

Despite the whole saying "Adopt Don't Shop" sometimes shopping can be good too.
Not all breeders are animal mills, and by people just adopting and not shopping there can take away from those people depending on that money.

Lack of Communication
Some shelters, and organizations in the world can have a bit of a communication block, and they can be a bit strict if you're trying to adopt. Sometimes you can't take home the pet you want because it's not good around cats or you don't have enough time because of a full time job.

Kill Shelters

Some adopt shelters are kill, or do not treat their animals correctly, so even if you do your best to adopt and treat them perfectly there is a chance your pet wasn't treated properly from the start.

• Volunteer at Shelter
• Be a Foster Home
• Research and Be Prepared Before Adopting or Shopping
• Donate to Organizations