There are countless reasons why you should always adopt not shop. My family is very big into "adopt, not shop." Most, if not all of our pets have been adopted. Seeing how happy every pet that has entered our home is, brings so much joy to us all.
I am such an advocate for this, and I hope this article helps you to realize why.
1. You are saving a life
Mikayla McCombs
Each year, there are over 7 million animals put into shelters. Of those animals, nearly 3 million are euthanized. That's nationwide. Three million animals is a lot of animals, adopting instead of shopping can make such a big difference.
2. You're creating space for more homeless animals
With 7 million animals put into shelters yearly, there's not much room for incoming homeless animals. Kennels will be over crowded, not leaving a very clean living environment for the animals. This will create space for them to live in a healthier environment.
3. When you shop you're supporting puppy mills
Puppy mills are a horrible business to animals through. There is an insane amount of breeding going on. The animals are put in crowded, and tiny pens. They are exected to live in these conditions until they are adopted. To put them through that kind of treatment is unfair. It is cruel, and unusual punishment.
4. Chances are the animal is already house trained
Since the pet is most likely coming from a pervious home, they are more likely to be house trained. That's less work for you when it comes to taking your new furry friend home!
5. Shelters often include typical doctor fees in adoption fees
When buying a new pet, there is a lot of vet visits you would typically have to make. You will need to get your pet vaccinated, neutered/spayed, and possibly microchipped. With shelters, they usually take care of this stuff. The fees for it all is included in the adoption fees.
6. There is a big variety at shelters
Mikayla McCombs
When it comes to browsing at a pet shop, often you are going to find all of the same types of pets you typically see. When going to a shelter there is a huge variety. They are not choosing what pets get to come and what pets don't. They allow them all for a chance at a better life.
7. Shelter fees are cheaper
Pet stores charge a ridiculous amount of money for their pets. It's insane how much money they charge, and you still have to pay for vet fees on top of that? It is truly a rip-off. Shelters are a lot cheaper, and as stated before, they typically include vaccination fees in their adoption fees.
8. You are supporting pet investigation teams
Pet investigating teams are finding animals in cruel environments. They are saving them from these horrible conditions and bringing them to the shelters. By adopting your pet from a shelter you are supporting the pet investigation teams.
9. The animal is given a second chance at life
These animals often come into shelters because they are homeless, or their previous owners could not care for them. Sometimes they are injured or in critical condition. When you adopt them from a shelter, you're giving them a second chance to live. A second chance at a family or owner who will love and care for them unconditionally.
10. You will feel so much better about yourself
When you think about the good you did, you will feel so great about yourself. You will think about how happy you are making you are making your new furry friend and see how happy you are. You will realize what goodness and joy you have brought into their life. You have given them a second chance to live, created a healthy living environment for them. Provided them with more than their last family could, or the streets. That. Right there. Is something to be proud of.
