Are you on the hunt for your new family pet? Many future pet-owners are torn between getting their four-legged friend from a breeder or adopting from a shelter. What’s an animal lover to do? Finding your future pet in a shelter or turning to a breeder each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on what you’re looking for in a furry companion!
If you are interesting in raising a purebred pooch or cat for competition, a breeder is probably your best bet. Many pet owners find their animals from breeders because they have a reasonable idea of what to expect. For instance, when you get a purebred Poodle or a Persian cat, you have some idea of how big they will grow to become. This is definitely not true of a mixed breed puppy!
If you have no expectations for an animal and are just looking for a family pet, you can definitely check with the animal shelter first! Many shelter animals are there through no fault of their own—their previous owners may not have realized the extent of the time commitment it takes to raise a pet, or they just found it difficult to keep up with their young animal’s boundless energy.
If you are interested in owning a pet with a pedigree, you can also find those in a shelter! Many people don’t realize that thousands of purebred cats and dogs are placed into shelters, along with the mixed-breeds. While many shelters take in animals with behavioral problems, these are not “bad” animals! Many people give up their pets because of landlord issues, the cost of raising a pet, or already have too many pets at home.
The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 6-8 million pets are abandoned at shelters each year, 3-4 million of which are euthanized. With the astounding number of pets that are placed into shelters, it’s safe to assume that your dream animal is out there somewhere!
Keep in mind that any pet you choose will have to be trained—whether it’s from a shelter or a breeder. Even before you ask yourself the question of which pet you will choose, first consider your willingness to stick with a pet through any issues that may arise. The personality, health, and overall temperament of an animal can often be predictable, even in purebreds.
So, what is the best tip for people who are looking for a new pet? Know what you want! Have a clear view of the grooming requirements and activity level of each dog, whether it’s a pure or mixed breed. For instance, if you find grooming a chore, don’t look at anything but the dogs with smooth coats, no matter how cute the others may be! If you live in an apartment, a smaller dog might be the best option.
There are lots of ways to find your new pet, but whichever way you choose, make sure to make an informed decision. Your furry friend will be with you for many years to come, so choose wisely! They deserve a good home, and you deserve a great animal!
