Adopt Don’t Shop: Why Rescuing a Pet is Better Than Buying from a Pet Store
The Ethical and Practical Considerations of Choosing Adoption Over Pet Stores
1. Introduction: Why are we talking about this?
It is generally known that pet shops make a significant profit from the sale of animals.
According to a report by the Humane Society of the United States, pet shops in the US typically mark up the price of puppies by 50–400% and kittens by 500–700%. This markup allows pet shops to profit substantially on each animal sold.
It’s important to note that while pet shops may make a profit from the sale of animals, the animals themselves may suffer from poor living conditions and lack of proper care. That’s why it’s important to consider adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization instead of buying from a pet shop, as you will not only provide a loving home for an animal in need but also support ethical and responsible pet ownership.
When buying from pet shops we are not only promoting animal abuse we are also encouraging them to sell more because of the profit they make
2. The benefits of adopting a pet
Adopting a pet helps to reduce the number of animals in shelters and rescue organizations, and gives these animals a second chance at life. Every year, millions of pets are abandoned or surrendered to shelters, and many of them are euthanized due to a lack of resources or space. By adopting a pet, you are providing a loving home for an animal in need and freeing up space and resources for other animals in the shelter.
Adopting a pet can be emotionally rewarding for the owner. Pets are known to provide companionship, reduce stress, and increase physical activity levels. Owning a pet can also have positive effects on mental health, such as decreasing anxiety and depression. Adopting a pet can also give a sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that you are providing a loving home for an animal in need.
Adopting a pet can be more financially beneficial than buying from a pet store. Adopting fees are typically much lower than the cost of purchasing a pet from a store or breeder, and often include spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. Additionally, adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization can often mean that the pet is already trained and socialized, saving the owner time and money on training classes.
Finally, adopting a pet is important because it helps to support animal welfare organizations and promote ethical pet ownership. Many animal shelters and rescue organizations work tirelessly to provide care and support for animals in need, and by adopting a pet from them, you are supporting their efforts. Adopting a pet also means that you are taking responsibility for an animal’s well-being and committing to providing them with proper care and attention.
3. The dangers of buying pets from pet stores
Let us come back to the pet stores, the animals may have been sourced from commercial breeders, who often prioritize profit over animal welfare. These breeders may keep animals in cramped and unsanitary conditions, leading to health and behavioral issues in the animals.
The animals may be separated from their mother and littermates at an early age, which can lead to socialization and behavioral problems in the animals. This can be particularly problematic for puppies and kittens, who need proper socialization during their early developmental stages.
Animals in pet shops may be exposed to high stress and environmental stimuli, which can lead to health and behavioral problems. The loud noises and bright lights in pet shops can be overwhelming for animals, particularly those who are young or have not been properly socialized.
Animals in pet shops may be at a higher risk of developing health problems due to poor breeding practices and a lack of proper veterinary care. This can lead to costly veterinary bills for pet owners and potential suffering for the animals.
Overall, the sale of animals in pet shops can contribute to the mistreatment of animals and promote unethical breeding practices. That’s why it’s important to consider adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization instead of buying from a pet shop, as you will not only provide a loving home for an animal in need but also support ethical and responsible pet ownership.
There have been several studies that support the notion that buying pets from pet shops can be detrimental to animal welfare. Here are a few examples:
- A study published in the Journal of Applied Animal Welfare Science found that dogs purchased from pet stores had a higher incidence of behavioral problems, such as aggression and fearfulness, compared to those obtained from other sources, such as shelters or breeders.
- A report by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) found that pet shops often obtain animals from commercial breeding facilities, which are often associated with poor animal welfare standards.
- A study published in the journal Animals found that cats purchased from pet stores were more likely to have health problems, such as upper respiratory infections and diarrhea, compared to those obtained from other sources.
- A report by the Humane Society of the United States found that many pet shops sell animals that come from large-scale breeding facilities, or “puppy mills,” where animals are often kept in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions.
These studies and reports highlight the potential risks and negative consequences associated with buying pets from pet shops and provide further support for the importance of adopting pets from shelters or rescue organizations.
4. How to find the right place to adopt a pet
Finding a good adoption center for animals requires a bit of research and due diligence. Here are some steps you can take to find a reputable adoption center:
- Ask for recommendations: Ask your friends, family, and local animal rescue organizations if they can recommend a good adoption center. They may have firsthand experience with a particular center and can provide valuable insight.
- Check online reviews: Look up adoption centers in your area online and read reviews from previous adopters. This can help you get a sense of the center’s reputation and the experiences of other pet owners.
- Visit the center in person: Take a tour of the adoption center and ask questions about their adoption process, policies, and animal care practices. Observe how the animals are being treated and housed, and whether the staff seems knowledgeable and passionate about animal welfare.
- Check their accreditation: Look for adoption centers that are accredited by national organizations such as the Animal Welfare League of America or the Humane Society of the United States. Accreditation indicates that the center has met certain standards for animal care and adoption practices.
- Consider their adoption process: A good adoption center should have a thorough adoption process that involves screening potential adopters, providing education and resources for pet care, and ensuring that the adopter is a good match for the animal.
By taking these steps, you can find a reputable adoption center that prioritizes animal welfare and provides a positive adoption experience for both the animals and the adopters.
Conclusion
Adopting a pet from a reputable animal shelter or rescue organization is a responsible and humane way to add a furry companion to your family. It not only saves the life of an animal in need but also helps to reduce the demand for animals from commercial breeding facilities that often prioritize profits over animal welfare. Buying pets from pet stores can be detrimental to animal welfare and contribute to the cycle of breeding and abandonment. Therefore, it’s important to do your research and find a reputable adoption center that prioritizes animal welfare and provides a positive adoption experience for both the animals and the adopters. By adopting instead of buying, you can make a positive difference in the lives of animals and help to promote responsible pet ownership
