There is a clever slogan floating around animal lover circles. The “Adopt, Don’t Shop” campaign has gathered steam, but for many of us, it’s still not enough. There are still far too many people choosing a new pet as a means of status or aesthetic instead of choosing a new pet in desperate need of a home. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), over 6.5 million animals enter shelters and rescues each year, and 1.5 million of those animals are euthanized simply because of space shortages.
Adopting doesn’t merely save the life of the animal you adopt, it provides an opening for another animal to be adopted as well.
But the advantages of adopting an animal instead of purchasing one from a breeder or pet store extend beyond simply altruistic reasons.
The benefits to the new family are also clear and measurable.
Three Practical Reasons You Should Adopt and Not Shop
Adopted Animals are Often More House Ready
Puppies and kittens are some of the most adorable things on the planet. Raising one correctly is also extremely time consuming and frustrating. In some cases, it even leads to new owners bringing the animal back and creating the need for more room in the shelters and rescues.
Rescued animals are often already house trained and while they must learn the specific behaviors and expectations of their new environment, the basics of house breaking are often known which makes the transition for both animal and family shorter and more enjoyable.
Adopted Animals Often Cost Less
The desire for specific traits in purebred pets, especially dogs, has led to inbreeding and the passing along of genetic defects and harmful markers as well as the desired characteristics, many of which served a functional end that is no longer needed or utilized.
These genetic defects lead to poor health in the animal which lead to higher veterinarian costs and a lowered quality of life vs many adopted animals who have been cross bred, whether that mingling of blood lines was intentional or not.
Adopted Animals Often Stick Around Longer
The pure bred or designer breeds such as labradoodles, cockapoos, and puggles often live shorter average life spans vs many of the previously discarded animals left at shelters or liberated by rescue organizations due to those same genetic defects that cause higher medical costs.
As we stated above these shortened life spans also often come with a decreased quality of life due to illness and physical ailments such as hip dysplasia, skin disorders, and respiratory ailments which often lead to fewer years spent with a cherished friend.
All animals deserve a home and to feel like they are wanted and loved, and the animals at shelters and rescues often feel the opposite. They come from situations where they have been abandoned, neglected, or faced some other form of trauma, and they’re just looking for a fresh start in a healthy environment.
If you’re looking for a new furry friend, please reach out to us at 740-782-9712 or at bcarl.net/adoption and let us help you find the perfect match.
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