Is It Better to Adopt or Buy a Dog?

Some people have strong feelings about whether it’s better to adopt or buy a dog. Some people prefer to buy dogs from breeders and other people prefer to adopt dogs from shelters. There are also some people who feel that neither of these options is right or wrong, but rather that each person should decide for themselves which is best for them.

If you’re trying to decide what is best for you, read on as a local vet talks about a few things to consider when making your decision.

Shelter Adoptions

Folks who want to adopt often feel strongly about the plight of dogs in shelters. If you’re already leaning towards adoption, check out some of these stats:

• The ASPCA estimates that more than 6 million dogs are in animal shelters throughout the United States.
• In 2017, approximately 1.2 million shelter animals were euthanized due to a lack of space at their shelters or because they were deemed unadoptable.
• The Humane Society of the United States estimates that approximately 3 million animals enter U.S. shelters every year, and approximately 1 million are euthanized.

Many animal shelters also offer a range of services to help you with your new family member, including:

• Dog adoption counseling and advice on how to match your dog with you. We’ll help you figure out what kind of dog fits your lifestyle and home, and how best to introduce them into the family
• Dog training classes, including basic manners and puppy socialization
• Spay and neuter services

Breeders and Retail Stores

Some people choose to buy their dogs from breeders and pet stores, either because they’re looking for a specific type of dog or they prefer the guarantee of getting a puppy, not an adult dog whose behavior and temperament are harder to predict. Purchasing a dog may be more expensive than adopting one from a shelter, but it can also provide peace of mind that you’re getting exactly what you want in terms of size, age, and breed.

And if you’re set on purchasing a certain type of puppy—for example, if your dream is to own a Corgi—and there are no Corgi rescue organizations in your area (or if there aren’t any at all), then buying from the breeder is probably your best choice.

If you have more questions or need help finding the dog that’s right for you, please don’t hesitate to call us, your local vet, anytime!