Why You Should Adopt NOT Shop For A Pet!
Kitkat a few months after rescue! Picture by Kat Brancato
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Are you thinking of finding a new furry friend to add to your family? If so, you may have been tempted by buying a cute puppy from the pet shop, or perhaps you've seen pets for sale online. As a huge animal lover, I'm here to tell you why you should adopt NOT shop for your new beloved pet.
Once you see just how much adopting can help out our furry friends, you will have no doubt that you are making the right choice by adopting a pet.
So, let's dive into why you should adopt a pet and not buy one!
5 Reasons Why You Should Adopt NOT Shop!
The shelters are overflowing with homeless animals. So if you are looking to bring some love into your life, then check out these reasons why you should adopt a pet and not buy one.
You get one of the best friends ever
My sweet Vinnie & Kitkat (Both Rescues) Pic by Kat Brancato
When you adopt a pet, you will get the best friend you will ever have. They love you unconditionally and bring you happiness. There is nothing better than having a furry friend to cuddle in good times and bad; they are always there for you.
As if that wasn't enough, studies have found that interacting with animals actually reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, and boosts your mood.
Call me a crazy cat lady, but my babies are my best friends in the world. They bring me so much joy and keep me going when times are tough.
2. You save an animal's life
Beautiful crazy Kiki rescued after being abandoned. Pic by Kat Brancato
One heart-wrenching statistic by the ASPCA Shelter Animal Count Data is that approximately 920,000 dogs and cats are euthanized every year. The main reason why you should adopt not shop for a pet, is because you can SAVE A LIFE!
It's also estimated that 6.3 million companion animals enter the United States animal shelters every year. The shelters are overflowing with animals, and simply choosing to adopt an abandoned pet can save their life.
Not to mention most shelters only have to hold the animal for 5-7 days, depending on state laws, before they are euthanized if they aren't a "No Kill Shelter."
No Kill Shelters don't euthanize even if the shelter is full and if the animals are healthy and treatable. They try to find ways to get animals adopted by utilizing resources such as finding foster parents for pets until they can find their forever homes.
Also, keep your heart open to older pets instead of opting for puppies and kittens. Although they are adorable, the older ones need love too and are less likely to get adopted. You can give them the life they deserve by giving them a loving home for the time they have left.
3. Help reduce overpopulation
Remember the legendary sign-off from Bob Barker on the price is right? "This is Bob Barker reminding you to help control the pet population — have your pets spayed or neutered." That was in 1982 when he began bringing awareness to the issue of pet overpopulation.
Seeing the statistics on how many animals end up in shelters every year proves there is a population problem more than ever. One female cat can have 3 litters of kittens a year! When you get a dog or cat from the shelter, they are spayed or neutered to help reduce overpopulation.
Also, when you buy a dog or cat, you promote animal breeding. Which we will get into in the next reason on why you should adopt not shop.
4. Fight puppy and cat mills!
Did you know that roughly 90% of puppies in pet stores come from puppy mills! The same goes for purebred cats as well. The conditions of where these poor animals come from are nothing short of horrendous.
Many pet mills have been exposed for overcrowded cages, making animals suffer from malnutrition, not providing vet care when needed, and continuously breeding pets until they are no longer able to have babies; then, they are discarded or destroyed.
Just sick. This is another major reason why you should adopt a pet and not purchase one. You will be saving a life and not supporting animal mills by putting cash in their pockets.
5. Mixed breeds can have fewer health ailments
Many people want "purebred" pets. However, it's estimated that one in four purebred dogs have serious genetic problems, according to an article by Times Magazine.
For instance, bulldogs actually have breathing problems due to their flat faces and shortened airways.
Other health issues among purebreds can be hip dysplasia, glaucoma, various cancers, and more.
3 Things To Consider When Adopting A Pet
So I really hope these reasons on why you should adopt not shop helped you to decide to hit the shelter instead of the pet store!
However, there are some things to consider before deciding to adopt a pet. Check out a few things to keep in mind:
It takes time for your new pet to adapt
One important thing I want to tell you is that it will take time for your new furbaby to adapt to their new home.
Try to understand they have been in a loud scary place for who knows how long, and now they are somewhere completely new.
Do your best to be patient. It can take up to 3 months for a pet to adapt to their new home. Also, remember if they came from an abusive home, it will take time to earn their trust.
But keep at it because it is so worth it when they realize you are their new best friend.
2. You need to pet-proof your home
So it may sound crazy but having a pet is kind of like having a child. They get into things they shouldn't that can hurt them or tear something up they shouldn't.
Remember, patience and training, but you should also pet-proof your home for some things.
Be sure not to have any indoor plants that are toxic to dogs and cats. Put food away in cabinets so they can't get into it and eat it.
And if you end up with pets that can't stay out of the trash, get one with a lid they can't knock off. 🤣
3. Budget and save for your pet's needs
Keep in mind you will have recurring expenses such as food, treats, litter, etc. Your pet should also have an annual check-up with a veterinarian.
So you will want to add these things into your budget to ensure you cover your expenses.
Also, make sure to save up a pet emergency fund. Trust me on this. Even with pet insurance, you should have a dedicated fund for your pet's emergencies.
They get expensive fast, and you want to be able to give your pet the care they need if something were to happen.
Find a New Furry Friend and Adopt NOT Shop!
Baby Chops rescued from shelter! Pic by Kat Brancato
Now you see why you should adopt a pet and not buy one. Between shelters overflowing and the horrible conditions of puppy mills and cat mills, it's obvious which is the better choice.
Remember that it will take time for your new furry friend to adjust, but you will have the best friend ever, and you will make your house a home with the help of a loving pet.