5 Reasons Why You Should Adopt, Not Buy, Your Next Puppy
Introduction
It seems simple – especially in today’s world of online purchases and delivery to your doorstep. You want to buy a puppy so you order one online. What you may not realize is that one choice has cascading ramifications beyond the exchange of money with a breeder – reputable or not. Where our pets originate can either help alleviate the ongoing shelter crisis, or potentially contribute to it.
Pet overpopulation is a significant issue, with nearly 700,000 animals euthanized each year at overcrowded shelters. Choosing to adopt, rather than buy a puppy, not only saves that one puppy from the shelter, but also reduces demand by ensuring fewer puppies are purchased from unethical breeders who prioritize profit over welfare. Opting for puppy adoption over breeder buying contributes to responsible pet ownership and helps combat these pressing issues.
1. You Save a Life by Adopting a Puppy from a Shelter
Adopting a puppy from a rescue like Lucky Dog directly impacts the lives of homeless animals. Shelters across the country are full, and are well into their fourth year of having too many animals and not enough adoptions—especially for dogs and puppies. These animals end up in shelters through no fault of their own, often due to changes in owners’ life, financial or housing circumstances, or, in the case of puppies specifically, from unsold or unexpected litters.
According to Shelter Animals Count, the number of puppies entering shelters has been steadily increasing since 2019, and in 2023, one in five canines entering shelters and rescues across the country were puppies under 5 months old. Additionally 90% of shelters surveyed said they were receiving puppies in need of homes, and more than half said they’re getting "leftover" puppies/litters from breeders who can't sell them.
By choosing to adopt, you offer these puppies a second chance and the opportunity to experience love and care. This act of kindness not only saves them from potential euthanasia but also gives them the chance to thrive as cherished family members. Believe us, a rescued puppy will reward you with a depth of unconditional love that pets from other sources don’t seem to rival.
Adopting from Lucky Dog is not just about saving one life; it also opens up space in foster homes and on our Rescue Campus for other homeless animals in need. Your adoption fee contributes to our ability to rescue more pets, providing them with transport, medical attention and care until they find their own loving homes.
2. Adopting a Puppy Helps Prevent Pet Overpopulation Crisis
Pet overpopulation is a significant issue, with 6.5 million dogs and cats entering shelters and nearly 700,000 dogs and cats euthanized in 2023, according to Shelter Animals Count. This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for more socially responsible and compassionate choices for pets in the U.S. including choosing to adopt and spay/neuter.
Every adoption makes a meaningful difference in combating this crisis:
- Reducing Euthanasia Rates: When you adopt a puppy from a shelter, you directly reduce the number of animals that face euthanasia.
- Choosing a Pet Who Won’t Contribute to the Crisis: Pets from shelters and rescues are generally already spayed or neutered (or come with a spay/neuter contract) so they won’t grow up to produce more homeless pets.
- Creating Space for More Animals: Adoption frees up space in shelters, allowing them to take in more homeless animals who need care.
- Promoting Awareness: By choosing adoption, you set an example for others, encouraging a community-driven approach to solving pet overpopulation.
Choosing to adopt, rather than buy a puppy, is a rewarding and socially-aware decision that impacts the community pet crisis on a systemic level.
3. Adopting Instead of Buying Helps Stop Cruelty in Breeding Facilities
When you adopt a homeless puppy from a shelter or rescue, rather than buying from a breeder, pet shop or online puppy seller, you’re withdrawing consumer demand from inhumane commercial puppy mills and backyard breeders.
The fewer people who support breeders by buying puppies, the less revenue those breeders, puppy mills, and online puppy sellers receive. And, that decline in demand eventually leads to less breeding and less puppy selling.
Understanding the conditions in puppy mills and backyard breeding operations is crucial for making ethical choices. These facilities prioritize profit over animal welfare, often keeping dogs in inhumane, overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. Puppies are frequently separated from their mothers too early, leading to developmental issues and behavioral problems. By purchasing from puppy mills or backyard breeders, you inadvertently support a system that profits from the mistreatment of animals.
Adopting a puppy disrupts this harmful cycle. It sends a clear message that you reject unethical breeding practices and stand against animal cruelty. Adopting promotes healthier and more humane alternatives, giving homeless dogs and puppies the opportunity to find homes and live with people who love them.
4. Adopting a Puppy is Cost-Effective and Provides Health Benefits
When deciding between adopting a puppy and buying from breeders, pet stores or online puppy sellers, cost is a significant factor. Puppies purchased from commercial sources can cost thousands of dollars, while adoption fees are typically much lower and include valuable medical services.
Adopting from a shelter or rescue comes with a significant financial advantage, even beyond the cost of acquisition. Because spay/neuter, vaccinations and often microchips are generally included with the adoption fee, these costs won’t present later expenses for new owners, drastically reducing the initial investment of adding a pet to the family. With increasing costs of vet care, the inclusion of these services can save the adopter a thousand dollars or more. By adopting, you not only save a life, you save a lot of money, which leaves more in your budget for future pet care expenses.
5. Find Your Perfect Match: Diverse Selection and Support Resources Available with Adoption
Lucky Dog has a wide variety of breeds, mixed-breeds, and even trendy “designer” hybrids, available making it easier than ever to find a pet that aligns with your lifestyle and preferences. Whether you're seeking a playful Labrador Retriever, a darling Beagle, or a unique mixed-breed, Lucky Dog offers a wide array of options for finding your perfect pet match.
Puppies and dogs from shelters and rescues come with diverse backgrounds and personalities. This variety increases the likelihood of finding a pet that fits seamlessly into your home environment. For families with specific needs—like low-shedding breeds or dogs that have lived with children or other pets—Lucky Dog's Adoption Counselors offer invaluable assistance.
Adoption Counselors play a crucial role in the adoption process by:
- Evaluating each animal's behavior and temperament to ensure they are placed in suitable homes.
- Offering insights into the pet's personality and history, helping adopters make an informed decision and facilitating a success match.
- Providing support and resources post-adoption for a smooth transition.
This personalized assistance helps ensure that both you and your new pet are happy together. By adopting from Lucky Dog, you're not just gaining a pet; you're gaining a partner in making sure your new family member thrives.
Conclusion
When considering a new puppy, please adopt, don’t buy. If you're located in the Washington, DC, Maryland or Virginia area check out Lucky Dog's adoptable animals. If you're located elsewhere, visit your local shelter or rescue to see the incredible dogs waiting for a loving home or talk to us about our transport program. By adopting, you contribute to solving the pet overpopulation crisis and help create a more humane world.
Support local animal welfare in your area:
- Volunteer at Lucky Dog or your local shelter
- Foster a pet for Lucky Dog or a local shelter or rescue
- Donate resources or funds
- Spread awareness about the benefits of adopting, fostering, spaying/neutering, volunteering and donating
Thank you for making the ethical, compassionate choice to adopt a puppy from Lucky Dog or your local animal organization, rather than buying from a breeder, pet shop or online puppy seller. This seemingly simple choice to adopt your perfect pup not only saves lives and money, but also withdraws support and demand from inhumane puppy mills and backyard breeders.