Are you ready to bring a new furry friend member into your family? If so, that’s great! Having a dog will enrich your life in numerous ways. Thinking about how to find the right dog for you? You may be considering whether or not to adopt from an animal shelter or buy a puppy from your local pet store or trusted breeder. This article will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of these options.
Cost
When choosing to pay retail for a pet, you can expect to pay anywhere from $500 to $1,000. Adopting, however, allows you to save big. Typically, adopting a dog only cost around $50 to $200, depending on whether you are adopting from a city shelter or from a rescue group that spent money on boarding, vets and grooming.
Breeds
Typically, when you choose to adopt a dog, you are getting a mixed breed of a dog. Many find this advantageous, but others who are looking for a pure bred may see this as a con. According to the principle of hybrid vigor, an animal that is a mixed breed is likely to live longer and cost less in vet bills than a pure breed will. This is because many pups that are purebred are predisposed to having health problems that range from hip dysplasia to an enlarged heart.
Support
When you choose to buy a dog at a pet store, you never know where it truly came from. Once you leave the store with your dog, you are on your own. The majority of pets stores do not have anyone you can turn to if you have any questions or issues with your new dog. However, when you choose to adopt from a rescue group, they typically have kept a history on the animal. The rescue group wants to help you get familiar with your dog so that you can provide it with a good home.
Life
When you choose to adopt a dog, make no mistake about it—you are saving his or her life. While there are a few no kill shelters and organizations around, most animal shelters have to euthanize dogs when they don’t get adopted.
Age
When you choose to purchase from a pet store or a breeder, you are buying “brand new” puppies, which liken to brand new merchandise. This is appealing to many individuals, which is what brings them into a pet store in the first place. However, even though puppies are cute and cuddly, they are much more difficult to care for than adult dogs. Sometimes an adult dog just makes a better fit in a household. When adopting, you have the choice of picking out any age of animal that you would like.
There are many things to take into consideration when thinking about adding a new furry friend to your family. Whether you are choosing to buy or adopt, the love that receive from your dog will be the same. Don’t hesitate to contact us here at All Pets Veterinary Medical Center with the link below!
