The phrase “adopt, don’t shop” resonates deeply with animal lovers and advocates who champion the cause of rescuing pets. Choosing to adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue organization rather than purchasing from a breeder or pet store can make a profound impact. Each year, millions of animals end up in shelters across the United States, and by adopting, you provide one of these animals with a second chance at life. The benefits of adoption are manifold: not only do you save a life, but you also help reduce the demand that drives commercial breeding facilities, which often prioritize profit over the welfare of the animals. This article explores the tangible effects that the “adopt, don’t shop” movement has had on animal welfare, the advantages of adopting pets, and how you can contribute to this humane and loving cause.
So you’ve decided it is time to bring a new pet into your home. You won’t regret it! That new dog or cat will provide you and your family with much happiness and love. “For a detailed comparison of adopting and buying, see the article ‘Is It Better to Adopt or Buy a Dog?‘
Impulse buying has become a mainstay in many people’s daily lives but shouldn’t be a factor when considering a pet. There are thousands of pets residing in shelters across our country; often they have only a few days to be adopted before their fate is sealed in order to make room for more lost pets. As a veterinarian in Saint Lucie County, I know this is an unfortunate daily occurrence in our local community. Each time a pet is purchased, another one of these shelter pets loses a potential home. Adopting rather than buying a pet will also help to curb the business of breeding. The bottom line is that there are just too many dogs and cats and not enough homes.
The worst place to get a new pet is either in a pet store or through the internet. This veterinarian believes that most internet sites selling dogs attract many unscrupulous Sellers. They often present their puppies for sale as those being “privately” bred and raised when in fact the puppies are produced in mass quantities in commercial settings. These types of breeding facilities have no regard to eliminating unwanted traits in a breeding line. If you still decide to buy a pet, make sure you visit the pet at its home and meet the Sellers and the others in the litter.
When visiting a shelter, consider your lifestyle and how it aligns with adopting a pet. Is someone home most of the day? Can you dedicate time to training and socialising a new companion? Do you have other pets or young children at home? By choosing to adopt, don’t shop, you’re giving a deserving animal a loving home. A knowledgeable shelter volunteer can help match you with a pet that perfectly fits your family’s needs, making the adoption experience even more rewarding.
Health Benefits Make “Adopt, Don’t Shop” a Smart Choice in 2025
How does adoption impact human health and wellbeing?
Adopting a pet has significant positive effects on human health and wellbeing. It provides emotional benefits by increasing companionship, which can alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression. Regular interactions with a pet can also lower stress levels, blood pressure, and anxiety. Furthermore, caring for a pet enhances physical activity through daily routines like walking, promoting better overall fitness. By adopting, individuals experience the joy of saving a pet’s life, which can enhance their sense of purpose and fulfillment. Thus, pet adoption contributes positively to both mental and physical health.
What are the specific cost benefits of adoption?
Adopting a pet offers notable financial advantages compared to purchasing one from a pet store or breeder. Initial costs are typically lower as adoption fees usually cover vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. This approach not only saves on upfront veterinary expenses but also supports community animal shelters by helping them manage and reduce the population of homeless pets. Consequently, this reduces the societal costs associated with stray animals and overcrowded shelters. Additionally, adopting from a shelter can prevent the significant costs associated with potentially unhealthy pets from high-volume breeders.
Is the ‘adopt, don’t shop’ message sometimes problematic?
The ‘adopt, don’t shop’ message, while promoting the valuable cause of rescuing shelter animals, can be problematic when it overlooks the diverse needs of potential pet owners. Adoption may not always match specific breed requirements, health considerations, or temperament needs that families or individuals might have. Additionally, this message might inadvertently vilify reputable breeders who maintain high ethical standards and contribute positively to animal welfare. Thus, while adoption is highly beneficial, it’s important to recognize that responsible pet ownership can also include purchasing from ethical breeders when done with thorough research and consideration.
What are the different types of breeders, and how can you distinguish between them?
When selecting a breeder for a new pet, it’s vital to recognize the differences among them. Reputable breeders prioritize animal health and genetics, often allowing visits to see the pet’s living conditions and meet its littermates and parents. In contrast, commercial breeders may focus on profit, often mass-producing pets under less favorable conditions. It is advisable to verify the breeder’s credibility and inspect the environment where the pet is raised to ensure ethical practices are followed and to avoid supporting inhumane operations.
How does adoption support local community institutions?
Adopting pets from local shelters supports community institutions by relieving the burden on these facilities, which often face overcrowding and limited resources. This action not only frees up space for other needy animals but also diverts funds spent on housing and euthanasia towards improved care and community programs. Furthermore, adoption fosters a culture of responsible pet ownership and awareness, encouraging more community members to engage in ethical practices rather than supporting commercial breeding operations that prioritize profit over animal welfare.
Cindy Wasserman, DVM, JD
