Why is adoption better than buying from a breeder?
Every year, millions of animals are euthanized in this country because no one would take them home. Each time someone goes to a breeder, one home disappears for a deserving shelter animal. Pure bred animals needs homes, too, right? Well, if the demand decreased, there would be fewer animals bred, leaving more homes for the shelter animals. Need more reasons? Here they are!
- Health. Mixed breed animals are healthier as there are fewer hereditary health problems. In addition, a shelter animal has all of the required shots, has been seen by a veterinarian and has been micro-chipped.
- Cost. The adoption fee is a fraction of the cost of the "purchase" price for a full-breed animal AND that cost includes all shots, exam, micro-chipping and, in most cases, a package of supplies to start you off. Check out SVACA's adoption fees here.
- Socialization. Before an animal is adopted out from a shelter, volunteers and/or staff have spent time with him or her. Their observations will give you insight on your new pet's personality.
- Purebreds. Your heart is set on a purebred animal? You can find purebreds at a shelter, too. Just take a look!
- Puppy mills. Puppy mills house dogs in shockingly poor conditions - small wire cages with no human interaction. Once a female cannot have puppies anymore, they are often killed, abandoned or sold cheaply to another mill to try and get "one more litter" out of the dog. The annual result of all this breeding is millions of puppies, many with behavior and/or health problems. Don't support this practice.
