Adopting or buying a dog? Pros and cons
If you’re planning on adding a fluff to your family, congratulations! Every family should have a dog, and every dog should have a family. You have a lot of love and pup-cuddles ahead of you!
If you’re unsure of whether to adopt or buy, there are pros and cons of each. Either way, you’ll be offering a pup a loving home! But there are some unique points to consider with each, so have a read before you choose.
Adopt
There are thousands of rescue dogs waiting for new moms and dads to give them a loving home. Many of these pups have experienced some trauma that landed them where they are right now - looking for someone to care for them.
Choosing a rescue dog could, quite literally, be saving a life!
Pros
- It’s more affordable than buying.
- If you’re looking for a particular breed, you’ll most likely find it.
- The pup you choose may already be neutered or spayed.
- The shelter will most likely vaccinate your pup.
Cons
- You won’t have any idea of existing medical conditions.
- There may be underlying behavioural conditions that you won’t be aware of (due to their previous life or trauma).
Where?
If you’d like to adopt, check out your local city council or one of these organisations:
Buy
Buying instead of adopting is not a bad thing, despite the connotations. You’re still giving a dog a good home, although the pooch may be less in need than a rescue.
If you choose to buy, ensure you’re buying from a reputable, verified breeder. Puppy mills have a reputation for producing badly-bred, unhealthy dogs and keeping them in terrible conditions. Although those puppies need homes too, puppy mills should not be supported.
Pros
- If you buy from a breeder, your pup should have papers proving they’re a purebred.
- Using these papers, you can trace your dog’s lineage.
- This way, you’ll have an idea of possible medical conditions to watch out for.
- Vaccinations should be up to date when buying.
Cons
- Buying can be much more expensive than adopting.
- Not all breeders are decent! Check carefully before choosing.
Where?
If you’d like to buy, check out these organisations to find the right breeder:
What you’ll need to welcome your pup home
Whichever you choose to do, here’s what your new fluff should come home to:
- A high-quality, healthy dog food.
- Comfy bedding and his own blanket.
- A variety of toys like indestructible chew toys.
- Dog treats.
- Pet insurance.
Adopting a dog is one of the best things you can do. Not only do you gain a grateful, loving fluffy companion, but you also save a life and give love to something so deserving! Whether you are a first time dog parent or just wanted an addition to your furry families, adopting is considerable wonderful.
Buying a dog is not the bad thing it’s made out to be. As long as you choose an ethical breeder, you’ll still be giving a healthy dog a loving home.
Either way, welcome to being a pet parent. Enjoy the ride, the licks, and the love!
This article was written by Mike Powell.