Reasons Why We Should Adopt And Not Shop Our Dogs

1. You're saving a life

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Is there any more significant reason to adopt a dog not 'shop', than saving a life? And this isn't an exaggeration and it's not even referring to the fact you are saving them emotionally - you are literally saving them. The heartbreaking truth is that the greatest proportion of shelter dogs are euthanized because shelters cannot cope with the high levels of abandoned dogs.

2. There are so many 'backyard breeders'

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Backyard breeders are those people who are breeding simply for the sake of profit. They do not care properly for their own dogs, which they use as breeding machines. It's putting animal welfare at stake in order to churn out a profit and it's wrong and should NOT be sustained. The best way is to adapt to avoid feeding the greed that motivates them. Or, at least do a LOT of research first.

3. These dogs are just waiting to be loved

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This reason just tugs at your heartstrings. The thought that there are so many gods out there just waiting, craving the love and affection of a human is enough to make your heart feel heavy. The fact that you have the power to save an abandoned pup is one of the best reasons possible that you should adopt not shop. You literally have the power to give them a second shot at a happy life.

4. It stops the demand for 'puppy mills'

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Puppy mills are another thing entirely. They are immoral factories where dogs are used as breeding slaves and kept in terrible conditions, literally churned out to be sold for money. They have unhealthy breeding practices, horrendous conditions, and it animal abuse. You may not even realize that your pup has come from a puppy mill - you may be unknowingly funding them.

5. When you adopt, there is another space for a dog in need to be rescued

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So you probably didn't even realize that if you adopt rather than buying from a breeder, you're not saving one life, you're essentially saving two! Because not only have you saved your precious pup from an unfortunate future, but you've also freed up a space so that the shelter can take on another homeless dog - and there are so many out there that this is essential.

6. Dogs become collateral damage to human situations

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Dogs end up in shelters for all kinds of reasons. Sometimes they are dumped in the trash, thrown on the side of a road, and left to die. Sometimes familial situations or life circumstances mean that they can no longer keep their dog and they have to give it up for adoption. Whatever the circumstance, the dog becomes collateral damage and they do not deserve it.

7. Having a dog is so much more than the adorable puppy stage

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Yes, there's probably nothing cuter on this planet than little puppies. But when you're a true dog lover you know that getting a dog isn't to experience this stage, it's about having a companion that will truly be your best friend and love you unconditionally with incomparable enthusiasm. Looks and cuteness are nothing in comparison to the deep bond you'll form with your furry little friend.

8. Reduce animal homelessness

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Animal homelessness is a huge problem. And it's all over the world. Not all of these dogs get to be at shelters. Shelters have a limited capacity and they cannot possibly provide homes for all of the dogs that are without a home. So some dogs are literally left wandering the streets trying to find scraps to survive from bins. When more people adopt it reduces this problem.

9. They cost less than buying a dog

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Here's a very practical reason to adopt, and it is no less important. Some people are desperate to feel like their family is completed in the way only a four-legged fur baby can provide. Yet they may just not be able to afford it! Adopting allows people in all kinds of circumstances to be able to afford to have a dog, saving hundreds or thousands of dollars.

10. It's a good thing to do

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Sometimes it's just simply about doing the right thing. We all want to do good in the world, leave a positive mark and help change something and give back to the community. Plus, doing good makes you feel good, nobody can deny that feeling when you've done a good deed! So if you are trying to decide whether to adopt or to shop, maybe just consider which is the good thing to do!

11. Reduce pet overpopulation

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There really is an overpopulation of pets and dogs in the world and there are simply not enough homes to go around. The horrible thing is that despite the fact that a huge amount of the dog population in the world is homeless, breeders continue to create more and more dogs solely for profit even though even more dogs are left without a home or without love.

12. You already know if they're compatible with kids and dogs

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Now another super important factor to consider is the benefit of knowing whether the dog you choose to adopt is a good fit for a family with kids and dogs. The shelter will state if the dog is shy, nervous, or doesn't like dogs or children. So you can adopt a dog knowing that they will fit in with your family. You don't get this when you buy a dog because you cannot know if your dog will grow up terrified of other pups!

13. Dogs understand that they have been abandoned by their owner

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One of the worst things about a dog being abandoned by their owner is that they are fully aware that they are separated from their owner, yet completely unaware as to why they have been left. Dogs have an extreme emotional intelligence that cannot be underestimated. They will pine for their owner, realizing that they aren't coming back and they have no understanding of why this has happened.

14. You might find your dream match

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Your dream dog may be waiting at the shelter for you. And the benefit to adopting is that this dog has experience, their personality is formed and so you know if your personalities work together. Not only can you learn all about them from their description and from the helpers but you can meet them. You can get to know their personality already to see if you are a dream match.

15. They may already have some basic training

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Another practical element, but still super important, is that a dog from the shelter will already have some basic training such as potty training and basic commands. This could be important for a family who may not have time for the very extensive puppy training stage, yet they may love to have a dog and be a great owner to a dog who already has some kind of experience.

16. The majority of shelter dogs are mixed breeds - meaning they are healthier!

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When people choose their 'perfect breed', the sad reality is that often people are basing this huge choice on what the breed of dog looks like. Yet some breeds such as pugs have not been responsibly bred and face a lot of health problems. And, purebred dogs also face a lot more health complications and have a shorter life span. Mixed breed dogs which make up the majority of shelter dogs are often healthier because their genes come from a much wider gene pool

17. It could match your lifestyle needs more

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You can get old or young dogs at a shelter, there is such a huge variety. And for a family with less space or time, or for an elderly person or somebody with mobility issues it may not be possible that they can have a puppy. But, for someone like this who cannot provide a puppy with what they need, an older dog would be perfect and could fit your lifestyle.

18. You already have an insight into their personality

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It's so useful to know whether your dog is going to be super shy if they're going to hate cars or have an aversion to cats, or be super needy with separation anxiety. These are all serious factors that could alter how you have to live your life and buying a pup you have no idea how they will be. Whereas for example, if you're working in a busy city you can find a dog who isn't terrified of notice or external stimuli.

19. You can meet them first!

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If you're considering adopting a dog rather than buying a pup from a breeder just go to a shelter first to see what you think. Have a look at the dogs there because the chances are you'll fall in love with one and you'll just know that you were meant to save them. You may feel an instant emotional connection that tells you this is the right thing to do.

20. You'll get continued support from the shelter

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When you adopt a dog from a shelter you're not on your own. They'll give you support and guidance n becoming an owner or regarding your dog's needs. So it can be very reassuring to know that even once you have adopted your dog you can ask them for advice! Sometimes depending on where your dog is, there will be limited contact and no practical advice or help afterward.

21. You are supporting a charitable cause

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Shelters are a charity, so they rely on people volunteering and they rely on the money donated by people in order to be able to exist. Supporting a charitable cause is always a good thing to do as they can only continue to keep going if there are people who are willing to help. And one of the best things you can do to support a shelter is adopt a dog and rescue a life!

22. You'll both improve each other's lives

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This isn't a one-way street, you're not doing a favor with no repayment. An adopted dog is going to bring you more to your life than you could ever imagine. And in turn, you will be giving them the best thing you could ever give a dog, a loving home! You'll both improve each other's lives and bring so much to one another - more than you could ever anticipate.

23. You get to see their huge change

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There's nothing more rewarding than seeing your rescue pup go from a timid and unhappy version of themselves to the fun loving energetic dog that it truly is. When we see a dog at a shelter they are often depressed, knowing their owner has left them. But some time after being rescued when your dog has received stability and love they'll be back to the dog they should always have been and it's so good to see.

24. They will be healthy and up-to-date on their vaccinations

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When you get a dog from a shelter they have already been given the latest vaccinations and they will have probably been neutered. They will give also been checked over to ensure that they are healthy and any problems will be clearly stated. So you already can guarantee that you're getting a healthy dog which isn't something you can guarantee even with a puppy from an unknown breeder!

25. You'll become an advocate for adopting a dog

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When someone around you adopts a dog it brings it to your attention, you're exposed to a positive story and it makes you think about doing the same. It's experiences like this which really lead to people adopting a dog. So by adopting a dog you then essentially become an advocate and inspire other people to follow the same route of adopting not shopping.

26. There are SO many success stories

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Just speak to someone who has adopted, and they'll tell you that they don't regret it and that they couldn't imagine their life without their dog. Talking to people who have done the same thing is one of the best ways to get insight into what to expect - although each person and each dog is different. But when you listen to the vast amount of success stories, it is very inspiring.

27. You're making a statement that dogs are more than 'Instagrammable' puppy cuteness

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It's shocking and sad really that one of the main reasons that people don't adopt and shop instead is because they have the 'perfect breed' in mind and they want to experience the 'cute puppy stage', or post photos online. But having a dog is like having another member of your family. Choosing their breed is completely irrelevant to how the two of you will love each other.

28. Shelters do their best, but they aren't a home

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When you're a dog lover, the thought of a shelter full of dogs is really upsetting. Shelters are amazing, they rescue dogs who have been abandoned and without them, so many more dogs would die being left on the streets. But for a dog, it's never going to be a home. Shelter staff are often volunteers who sacrifice their time to help animals and despite them giving the dogs love and care, it's not the same as having an owner.

29. Only around 30% of dogs are adopted

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Only around 30% of dogs in shelters are adopted. You may be wondering what happens to the rest of them. A VERY small percentage of these dogs will be rehomed back with their original owner who gave them up due to circumstance. But, the rest of the dogs may sadly be euthanized as there's not enough space and maybe they've been at the shelter for many years without anybody adopting them.

30. They do also have puppies

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If having a puppy really is a requirement for you, then shelters do have then. They may be few and far between but it is a possibility. The reason there are fewer puppies is that this is the stage in which some people who abandon their dogs enjoy, while they; 're 'small and cute'. After this stage perhaps they realize the full responsibility of being a dog owner and decide they no longer want to keep them.