So, you’ve decided you want to add a new dog or cat to the family. This is a wonderful decision that will add joy and contentment to your life. Now you just need to figure out where to buy your furry companion. You might be considering a breeder, but pet adoption from an animal shelter could be a better choice. Here’s why.
Adopting from a Shelter Helps Combat the Pet Overpopulation Problem
In an ideal world, there would be no need for animal shelters. Sadly, the ASPCA states that 3.9 million dogs and 3.4 million cats enter US animal shelters every year. Many of these pets find loving homes, but about three out of 10 shelter dogs and four out of 10 shelter cats are never adopted, meaning 1.68 million animals are euthanized each year.
Adopting from a shelter means saving the life of an otherwise unwanted dog or cat. Plus, your adoption frees up space in the facility for another animal to enter. Even if you have a specific breed in mind, you may be able to find what you’re looking for at a shelter, especially if you check with a breed-specific rescue program.
Shelters Have Adult Pets to Choose From
While puppies and kittens are usually available at shelters, there are plenty of adult animals to choose from as well. Adopting an adult pet often means they come with:
- Up-to-date vaccinations
- A microchip
- Litter box and house training already completed
- A discernible temperament and size
- Shorter time commitment
- An agreement to take the animal back if it isn’t a good match for your family
Purebred Dogs Often Have Health Issues
Not all purebreds are unhealthy, and mixed-breeds aren’t immune to inherited diseases, but purebred puppies run a higher risk of having genetic health issues. While many reputable breeders offer genetic health testing, novice “backyard breeders” are more common. They may just want to witness the miracle of birth, and then when 10 extra sets of paws are running around, they get overwhelmed and try to sell them. If you buy from a breeder who isn’t trying to improve the breed standard, you’re simply encouraging this type of irresponsible breeding.
Pet Store Dogs Often Come from Puppy Mills
There are over 10,000 puppy mills in the US, and just one-third of them are regulated by the Department of Agriculture. The conditions in these mills are abhorrent, and adult dogs often only come out of their cages to breed. The puppies sold from these mills look pristine, but sadly, many die before they’re weaned.
If you buy a dog from a pet store, you could be unknowingly supporting this abusive system. Do your research before buying to ensure this isn’t the case.
Bring Your New Dog or Cat to Germantown Vet Clinic
Regardless of where you adopt or buy your new furry friend, we recommend bringing the animal to Germantown Vet for a wellness exam. We’ll make sure your pet’s vaccines are up-to-date and offer you tips as a new pet owner. We can also set you up with a wellness plan to make future vet care as affordable as possible.
To schedule a vet visit in Montgomery County for your new dog or cat, please contact Germantown Vet today at 240-252-7467.
