You may have heard the common saying “Adopt, don’t shop”, but aside from it being a catchy thing to say, what exactly does it mean? Why should you adopt from a local shelter or rescue that may not have the breed you want?

 The ASPCA estimates that over 6 million dogs and cats in the Unites States are admitted to the care of shelters & rescues annually. Unfortunately close to 1,000,000 of these end up being euthanized. While adoption numbers are trending up and percent euthanized rates are trending down, there is still much work to be done to protect the welfare of our homeless, furry companions. Delaware for example, was recently declared the first “No-Kill” state, with over 90% of pets that enter a Delaware shelter and rescue system fortunate enough to leave alive.

Our top 5 reasons for adopting a pet are below:

1. Save a life - In some instances, when an animal gets too old or a shelter does not have the financial resources to continue caring for an ill or injured animal, then that animal may end up being euthanized to make room for other homeless or lost animals.

2. Less Expensive – Adopting a dog or cat in most states will only cost you in the range of about $150. Whereas if you were to shop via a breeder, you could end up paying $1,000 – $2,000 for your standard pure bred. For a really unique dog purebred or show dog you could be paying way above this.

3. Purebred homeless and abandoned pets enter into shelters as well! A fair chunk of dogs admitted to shelters or rescues are also purebred dogs that have gotten lost or been abandoned by their owners. If you are dead set on getting pure bred, there are many shelters and rescues out there that focus on taking in and rehabilitating specific breeds.

4. Mass breeders and “Puppy Mills” can result in animal cruelty – Because breed specific dogs commonly carry a higher sale price than mixed breeds, this can result in purebred female dogs being kept in poor or unfavorable conditions, including highly unsanitary, overcrowded cages. They are then forced into birthing litter after litter after litter for their “owner” to make more money.

 5. Man & Woman’s best friend – They’re called this for a reason. From tail wags to face licks, ear scratches and belly rubs, and from “fetch” to “bring it back!” Your dog is sure to provide you with a lifetime of memories and you’ll always be grateful for having adopted them.

Those are our top 5 reasons for adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue instead of a breeder. If you need any pet products for your new best friend, check out our unique and amazing collection of pet products here!