10 Reasons Why You Should Adopt A Shelter Pet Before Buying From A Breeder
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Dec 03, 2024
10 Reasons You Should Adopt, Not Shop:
You save a life: Nearly a million animals are euthanized annually in the US. Every adoptable cat or dog from Austin Pets Alive! (APA!) was saved from a euthanasia list or a serious medical condition. As one of the country's leading no-kill animal welfare organizations, APA! ensures every animal gets the chance to have the life they deserve. These animals can live long and healthy lives in homes and want to be loved. Bonus: When you adopt an animal from a shelter, the kennel opens up to save another life.
APA! has many excited and happy dogs of all ages and breeds waiting to find their forever homes: Many of the animals from shelters are no different from breeders, and if anything, are more enthusiastic to see their potential new companions. There is a wide variety of dogs and cats to meet and get to know, there is no need to research for breed, when you can do the Matchmaker program at APA! to find your perfect match.
Navigating the breeder world can be scary. Beware of scams, backyard breeders and even pet stores. Backyard breeders' main purpose for their animals is profit. Also, you can’t guarantee anything, especially if you are buying from an unknown breeder. You may get scammed for a deposit, you may be buying a sick animal from a pet store, or you may even be buying a pet that was born through inhumane or unethical practices.
Be cautious of vaccination status: As a potential new pet owner, you cannot guarantee vaccines have been administered/documented properly through a backyard breeder or that the breeder has good protocols to protect against diseases and parasites. At APA! we have a robust medical team and we work with other shelters that don't have the same resources to vaccinate and care for the pets in their care. Although some breeders may offer a health guarantee or limited health guarantee, most do not, especially backyard breeders.
Access to behavioral support: At Austin Pets Alive! you get support for the life of the animal you adopted from their shelter. This includes free dog training, virtual support, and abundant resources for you and your pet. Many other organizations are developing behavioral hotlines and other support resources for adopters and fosters.
Proper pet and people introductions: Lots of shelters, including APA! offer foster-to-adopt programs and test adoption “sleepovers,” so pets have a chance to get to know each other in a home. Some breeders will select the dog for you. APA! Also offers matchmakers who help you find the best match for your lifestyle and home.
Puppyhood is hard. Shelters have dogs who are past teething and teenage years. Adopting an adult or senior dog can be one of the most rewarding experiences, as they can live the rest of their lives in a comfy home instead of a shelter.
Support the pets, not lining the pockets of breeders: Shelters like APA! are well established and have a good reputation as nonprofits, whereas anyone can become a breeder to make profits. Adopting from shelters can help reduce the demand for breeding practices that may prioritize profit over the animals’ health. Many breeders follow high standards, but unfortunately, unethical breeding.
Choosing to adopt shows children and friends the value of giving second chances and caring for those pets in need: You can show and teach your children empathy, compassion and how to be a responsible pet owner. You can also set a great example to friends and other families to adopt instead of going to a breeder.
