Deciding to welcome home a new pet is exciting, but you must determine where you will find them. Should you adopt from a shelter or rescue, or buy from a breeder or pet store? Each option presents challenges and advantages, and your experiences, knowledge, and personal beliefs will undoubtedly influence your choice. Our Family Pet Care team helps you weigh your options for finding and choosing a new pet, so you can make the most appropriate choice for you and your future furry friend. 

#1: Adopting a pet from an animal shelter

One of the most compelling reasons to adopt from a shelter is the opportunity to save a life. Every year, millions of animals end up in shelters, and by adopting, you are giving an animal a second chance for a happy life. You’re also making space for another animal who needs shelter. Some people mistakenly assume that every shelter pet has behavioral or medical problems. However, pets end up in shelters for myriad reasons such as an owner’s disability or death. 

A local animal shelter is a great option if you are interested in many different breeds and mixes and if you prioritize a pet’s personality and energy level over their physical attributes. Shelters house animals of various ages, breeds, sizes, and personalities. Whether you want a young, energetic pet or a more mature, calm companion, chances are good that you’ll find a perfect match at a shelter. Adopting from a shelter is also more cost-effective than buying from a breeder or a pet store. The adoption fee usually includes vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping. In addition, your adoption fees go back into the shelter system, helping to care for additional animals in the future. Adopting from a shelter is a responsible and rewarding option that benefits everyone involved. You get a loving companion, save a life, and support the community while helping to reduce pet overpopulation. 

#2: Adopting a pet from a foster-based animal rescue 

An animal rescue is a nonprofit organization that places animals from local shelters in foster care to help them adjust to home life and make space in a shelter. Animal rescues are ideal if you want to adopt a pet but also want more detailed information about an animal’s health and personality before bringing them home. Reputable rescue organizations provide basic vetting, sharing health records with potential adopters, and before you can bring home your new pet, the group spays or neuters the animal. 

While a shelter environment can cause an animal to experience anxiety and stress, making an assessment of a pet’s true personality difficult, a pet’s foster family can provide insight into their personality in a home environment. Adoptable pets may also have received some training, such as potty or crate training. A foster-based animal adoption process can be lengthier and more meticulous than that of a shelter, and the fees can be higher because of the specialized care the animals receive.

#3: Purchasing a pet from a reputable breeder

If you are set on a certain breed, then purchasing from a breeder might be your best bet. However, you must ensure the breeder from whom you purchase your pet is reputable. Doing so can be challenging, because pet breeding is largely unregulated, and some breeders prioritize profit over animal welfare. 

When looking for a breeder, do your research, ask for references, and speak with others who have purchased pets from the breeder in whom you are interested. The American Kennel Club (AKC) website provides information on selecting and interviewing a potential breeder. Purchasing a pet from a breeder is more expensive than adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue group, but you will receive a health guarantee and certificate, helping ensure that you’re bringing home a healthy pet.

#4: Think twice before purchasing a pet from a pet store 

You may be tempted by being able to bring home a cute puppy or kitten from a pet store immediately. However, these pets likely come from large-scale breeding operations (i.e., puppy mills) that focus on quantity over quality, and often neglect their breeding animals, whom they consider only as an income source. Pet store animals often come from poor living conditions, which causes them to have a compromised health status, and poses ethical questions. 

While pet store prices are generally less than those of a breeder, beware. The upfront cost might seem competitive, but unforeseen health issues can result in substantial veterinary bills down the road. Furthermore, the ease and convenience of purchasing from a pet store encourage impulsive decisions. Who doesn’t love an adorable puppy or kitten? Unfortunately, when you think only with your heart and not with your brain, you are likely to bring home a pet that doesn’t fit well with your lifestyle. 

Adding a pet to your life is an important and long-term decision, so do your research. Once you’ve welcomed a new pet into your home, schedule a new pet wellness exam with our Family Pet Care team.