Florida Southwestern State College
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ADOPTING DOGS
Alyssa LoSauro
Professor Perkins
ENC 1101
31 August 2018
Throughout the world, there are around 2 million species, one of the most popular being dogs. According to the American Pet Products Association, 78 million dogs are owned in the United States and 44% of households own dogs. Research has shown that since there are so many dogs, not every dog ends up having a home. Specifically, there are more dogs in animal shelters that are in need of homes, leaving them at a higher risk of death. Society needs to understand the significance of adopting dogs from a shelter not only because is it less expensive, but also because it saves lives and is more beneficial than purchasing from breeders.
A pet comes with responsibility and expenses which is why it is financially wise to purchase a dog from an animal shelter. Most dogs in animal shelters are at least a year old and are already potty trained, making it easier for a new owner. It is more expensive to buy a puppy from a breeder and train it, rather than saving money and buying from a shelter where the dog is already trained. Additionally, a high percentage of dogs in shelters are already spayed and neutered which is also financially beneficial for the consumer. In essence, families will save more money in rescuing dogs instead of purchasing them from breeders.

The most important reason to adopt dogs is the moral aspect. Adopting saves lives and allows more animals to have the opportunity to find a home. The Humane Society of the United States declares that 2.7 million adoptable dogs are euthanized each year. Too many animals are put into animal shelters and it leads to overcrowding, making it impossible to keep each dog. Many people realize that pets are available to be adopted from shelters, but they still aren’t aware of the astonishing statistics. Today, society has the mentality of “If I don’t do something someone else will.” There needs to be a dramatic change so that more lives can be saved and dogs can live in loving homes. The Humane Society also describes how euthanized animals can dramatically decrease if more people consider adopting pets instead of buying them. Adopting dogs allows more space for animals who desperately need shelter. Today, studies show that more dogs are being saved than ever before. All in all, adopting dogs saves many lives and increases the opportunity for more dogs to have loving homes.


Adopting dogs from shelters rather than purchasing them from breeders is helpful for animals and owners. The veterinarians at animal shelters have more experience and expertise in the field over most breeders. Those employed at shelters usually have had the dog longer than breeders, therefore, they have already developed a relationship with the dog and have the ability to inform you about the dog’s personality and behavior. Another advantage is that the dog is up to date medically while breeders leave it up to the buyer to pay for all of the extra fees. Although every animal matters, shelters are more valuable due to the benefits it provides to the consumer and dog versus breeders.
Animals in shelters deserve to find affectionate homes and this obstacle needs to have more awareness throughout society. Not only does adopting a dog save a life, but it is also more economical and beneficial. So, are you going to adopt a dog today?
Work Cited
“Animal Shelter Euthanasia.” American Humane, 25 Aug. 2016
Bershadker, Matthew. “Pet Statistics Shelter Intake and Surrender.” ASPCA, 2018
“Top Reasons to Adopt a Pet.” The Humane Society of the United States, HSUS, 2018
“U.S. Pet Ownership Statistics.” American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA, 2012