Why you should adopt and not shop

So you want to adopt a dog? There are two possible routes you could take. Your first option is to run down to your local pet store and buy a puppy. Seems like an easy, safe and viable option for all parties right? Not quite.

Most dogs being sold at these stores were purchased from puppy mills.

A puppy mill is a “commercial dog-breeding facility that focuses on increasing profit with little regard for the health and welfare of the animals,” according to the Canine Journal.

These mills are legal in the U.S. but are rarely regulated. Doesn’t seem like a great option anymore right?

Well it’s a good thing I have another idea for you, adoption from a local shelter.

Not only are you adopting humanely and preventing puppy mills from receiving your money but you’re saving a dogs life. By adopting you get to take home a new friend and open new spots for dogs who are living in broken homes or on the street.

I stand with the idea of adopt don’t shop in order to protect dogs and other animals from inhumane breeding and treatment.

There are a boatload of benefits that come with adopting from a local shelter over a pet shop.

For those of you who are anxious or simply don’t want to take the time to train a dog there are plenty of older rescues who are house trained. This can help those of you who don’t want your home to be covered in potty training pads.

Every dog has a different personality. My own dog is super energetic, active and anxious but maybe yours will be a bit timid and shy.

Adoption centers give you information about each pup and you can find a pooch that will match your lifestyle and behavior.

Now we all know that dogs are an investment in both time and money. Adopting from a shelter is often cheaper with fees ranging from $50-$300 according to Canine Journal.

Almo Nature explained how adoption from shelters can also take a stand against puppy mills and prevent dogs from living in unsafe conditions.

There are plenty of other benefits to adoption but coming from someone who has adopted a dog from their local shelter all the way in San Diego, it is worth every penny for the memories that last a lifetime.

One of the best local adoption centers here in Fort Collins is Animal Friends Alliance. Their Director of Community Engagement, Jordan Dunn, was able to provide a professional insight into the adoption process and why these puppy mills contribute to animal harm.

Jordan explained how these mills further add to pet homelessness by breeding dogs when there are already thousands across the nation. He also mentioned how “there is also evidence that puppy mills are inhumane and contribute to health ailments for dogs and puppies,” he expressed. This continuous contribution will cause pet homelessness to continue to rise instead of helping pets in dire need.

Adopting from places such as Animal Friends Alliance allow for a safe and healthy way to find owners their four-legged pals. Adopting from shelters is especially great health wise because “Unlike animals that may have come from craigslist or pet stores, most shelter dogs have already been spayed/neutered, microchipped, dewormed, tested for heart worm, and given age-appropriate vaccines,” Jordan explained. One of the largest issues that arise from puppy mills is dogs with serious health problems or illnesses.

Thanks to people like Jordan dogs are protected and kept safe until they can find the home that fits them perfectly.

Fort Collins is full of local adoption centers that are humane and want to connect pets to their forever homes. Animal Friends Alliance is one of many that have helped over 1,131 dogs and puppies in 2021.

With help from your local shelter and people like you we can prevent pet homelessness and take a stand against puppy mills everywhere.

If you are interested in adopting you can visit SavingAnimalsToday.org or visit their local shelter located at 2200 N. Taft Hill Road.