Introduction
Humans have always been closely associated with animals, and many of us seek companionship or love pets. Deciding where to get a pet is a big deal for many people. This is crucial for potential pet owners to select the best pet for themselves. In this case, many people think about buying a pet from a breeder or store. What many people need to learn, however, is that there is an alternative way to get a pet: adopting one from a shelter.
Adopting a Pet from a Shelter vs. a Breeder
Benefits of Shelters
Animal shelters offer a broader range of animals than breeders, including older and less healthy animals. Most shelters and rescue organizations also conduct a pre-screening process for potential owners to ensure that the animal will be in a safe and animal-friendly environment. Studies also confirm that pet breeders often employ unethical practices and use animals for commercial purposes (Holland). Such methods are unethical and can lead to psychological and physical problems in animals. Therefore, individuals seeking to adopt a pet should visit an animal shelter or rescue organization, rather than a pet breeder. In addition to preventing unethical practices, contacting an animal shelter or rescue organization helps solve the problem of stray animals.
Although pet breeders offer a wide variety of breeds and advertise their services heavily, people often need to visit animal rescues and homes, since these places offer more benefits. First, by adopting an animal from a shelter, you help save the life of a homeless animal and provide it with a new home. The shelter volunteers have put in countless hours and energy to protect these street kids and help them get new homes. However, many shelters are overcrowded and cannot accept more animals.
Second, animal shelters screen animals before releasing them to new homes. According to the study, most shelters assess the condition of animals and evaluate their psychological readiness for life with a person (Holland). This means the shelters only accept animals that need homes and are willing to live in them. This advantage allows the potential owner to avoid mistakes and obtain a pet that is right for them.
Third, pets in animal shelters often receive primary veterinary care, including vaccinations, preventive and neutering procedures, and expert home care advice. According to research, most shelters provide pets with comprehensive medical care before placing them in new homes (Holland). At the same time, pet breeders often fail to provide sufficient medical services and information on proper pet care.
Therefore, at present, buying and selling pets is a significant issue because many breeders need to prioritize the importance of vaccinations and compliance with veterinary requirements. While pet breeders may offer a wide variety of breeds, people should consider contacting animal shelters, as animals in these settings are medically examined and prepared for life in a new home. Thus, people acquire a pet that is suitable for a family and are prepared to live with it.
Benefits of Breeders
However, there are also opposing arguments. First, pet breeders may be more experienced in breeding specific breeds and can provide more detailed information about each breed. Second, some organizations that save animals may require additional funding to provide pets with adequate medical care. Even so, they generally offer the best options for getting a pet.
Adopting an animal from a shelter often means that its history is unknown. Many animals come from abusive or neglectful homes and have experienced trauma. This can lead to behavioral issues, such as aggression or fear, which require time and patience (Hawes). Sometimes, the animal may never fully adjust to its new home.
As a result, it is impossible to know precisely what kind of temperament the animal will have or what behavioral problems may arise. Additionally, animals from shelters may also have medical issues that are not immediately apparent, which can lead to costly veterinary bills down the line. It’s essential to be aware of the potential for problems and be prepared to handle them.
Another aspect is the amount of effort and patience required to successfully integrate a shelter animal into a new home. It is important to remember that animals adopted from shelters have often experienced trauma and will need time and patience to adjust to their new environment (Hawes). This can be a challenging process for both the animal and the owner, and it is vital to be aware of this before deciding to adopt a pet from a shelter.
Also, adopting an animal from a shelter can be an emotionally taxing experience. As it was said, it is crucial to be aware that the animal may have experienced abuse and neglect in the past and may have physical and psychological scars as a result. This can be challenging to manage, and it is crucial to be prepared for the emotional impact it may have.
Also, shelters often require potential adopters to undergo a screening process (Hawes). This can include an application, an interview, and home visits. This ensures that a responsible owner will adopt the animal. Some people may find this process intrusive, and it may be a deterrent to adoption.
Conclusion
In conclusion, those seeking to adopt a pet should think about going to an animal shelter or rescue group instead of turning to a breeder. Shelters and rescue organizations are much more responsible for the health of animals and provide the best materials for care and nutrition. Even if breeders can offer animals at a lower price, they still need to provide a safe and healthy environment for animals.
Adopting a pet from a shelter can be an enriching experience. However, shelter animals may have experienced trauma. They may require more patience and effort than a pet purchased from a breeder. Additionally, it is essential to be aware of the potential medical and behavioral issues that may arise due to the animal’s past and to be prepared to address these issues if they occur.
Works Cited
Holland, Katrina E. “Acquiring a pet dog: A review of factors affecting the decision-making of prospective dog owners.” Animals 9(4), 2019.
Hawes, S. M., Kerrigan, J. M., Hupe, T., & Morris, K. N.Factors informing the return of adopted dogs and cats to an animal shelter. Animals, 10(9), 2020.