Getting a dog is a life-changing decision that yields both rewards and challenges. One of the most important questions to consider before bringing a new dog home is whether to adopt or shop. Ultimately, the decision of whether to buy or adopt is a personal one. There are strong opinions on both sides, and this article will provide a balanced viewpoint of the pros and cons of dog adoption.
Dog Adoption Pros
Opening your heart to a rescue dog can bring immense joy and companionship into your life while also addressing the growing number of dogs needing loving homes. Here are some of the advantages of adoption over buying a dog:
Save a Dog’s Life
Many people buy pets without considering the responsibilities of pet ownership, which leads to treating animals as disposable. As a result, millions of dogs end up in shelters each year, and sadly, over 390,000 dogs are euthanized in shelters every year, more than 1,000 per DAY. By choosing to adopt, you can actively help to reduce the overwhelming population of homeless dogs.
When you adopt from a shelter, you’re giving a dog in need a new home and making space for another needy dog to take its place. By choosing to adopt, you’re saving two lives – the one you bring home and the other who now gets a chance to be adopted by another loving family. Knowing that you’re giving a loving home to a dog in need is extremely rewarding.
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Helps Reduce Puppy Mills
Adopting a pet rather than buying one ensures you are not supporting puppy mills or questionable breeders. Puppy mills prioritize profit over animal welfare, using factory-style breeding methods. It’s estimated that of the 2.3 million puppies born in mills yearly, only about half survive past the first 12 weeks. About half a million dogs are kept in puppy mills solely for breeding. They are confined to small cages for their entire lives and then are often left to die or abandoned once they can no longer breed.
The puppies from these breeders are often sold to unsuspecting buyers through pet stores, online platforms, and classified ads. Many suffer and die from health issues due to unsanitary conditions, inbreeding, and lack of veterinary care.
The Humane Society of the United States invites you to join the fight to end puppy mills.
Watch this video and find out what happens in puppy mills!
The Financial Savings of Adoption
Buying a purebred dog can cost $1,000 to $3,000 or more, depending on the breed, while adoption generally costs between $50 and $500. Most adopted dogs are already spayed, neutered, and vaccinated, which can save you money.
Research suggests mixed-breed dogs are less prone to genetic disease than purebred dogs due to a broader gene pool. This can lead to reduced veterinary costs, potentially reducing the cost of veterinary care. A 2018 study of over 100,000 dogs found that while all dogs can be at risk for genetic disorders, purebred dogs are about 2.8 times more likely to be affected by recessive genetic diseases than their mixed-breed counterparts.
Because certain purebred dogs are prone to congenital health problems, they may be reflected in more expensive insurance premiums. Nationwide Insurance reports that purebred dog owners are nearly twice as likely to submit insurance claims as those of mixed-breed dogs.
Dog Adoption Cons
Whenever you bring a new animal into your family, it’s vital to do all you can to ensure it’s a good fit. Being informed of the cons below will help you make the best possible decision.
Health and Behavioral Concerns
One challenge with adopting a dog is that their past is often unknown. While many adopted dogs are healthy, some may suffer from health conditions due to neglect or subpar living conditions. Many rescue dogs in shelters and kennels suffer from kennel cough, a contagious respiratory disease with symptoms like coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. Others may have been malnourished or even abused, which can lead to physical and psychological problems, including anxiety and even aggression. Older rescue dogs may have ingrained bad habits, which may be difficult to retrain.
Ask These Questions Before Adopting
- Where did the dog come from?
- How long have they been at the shelter or rescue?
- What is the dog’s health status, including vaccinations, and if it is neutered?
- Is the dog house-trained?
- Does the dog have any behavior problems?
- What is the dog’s personality?
- Does the dog get along well with children or strangers?
- Does the dog get along well with other dogs or pets?
- Was the dog rescued from an abusive situation?
- Any behavioral problems?
The answers to these questions will help you to consider the most important question: is this rescue dog the right dog for my lifestyle? The shelter or foster family wants the dog to go to a stable environment, so they are motivated to ensure the adopted family is a good match.
Availability of Specific Breeds
While shelters offer a variety of breeds, if you have specific traits or characteristics in mind, finding the perfect match may take time. Adopting may not always be the quickest route if you’re set on a particular breed.
However, there is a misconception that purebred dogs are unavailable for adoption. While it’s difficult to estimate the number of purebred dogs in shelters accurately, there are many breed-specific rescue organizations. The American Kennell Club Rescue Network is the largest network of purebred dog rescue groups in the United States. The network includes over 450 rescue groups of over 160 unique breeds.
A dog can bring immense joy and companionship to your life, but it’s also a significant responsibility that requires time, effort, and resources. Whether to adopt or shop for a dog requires careful consideration of both the positives and the challenges. Regardless of which route you choose, understanding the pros and cons will help you make an informed decision, paving the way for a fulfilling and lasting relationship with your new family member.
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