Why you should pick a rescue animal over a pure bred
When looking for a new pet, it can be difficult to decide what to get. Beyond choosing what kind of animal that pet will be, you also have to consider whether you want to adopt an animal from a shelter, or purchase a purebred animal from a private company. Even though there may be pet owners and breeders out there who say purebred animals are the way to go, there are many good reasons to pick a rescue animal instead. Here is a quick rundown as to why adopting a rescue pet is usually the best option.
They cost less. Purebred pets are often sold for profit, meaning you are more likely to spend an exorbitant amount of money. Adopting from a shelter or from a breed-specific rescue – which pulls certain types of purebreds from shelters, then puts them up for adoption themselves – means you’re getting the same type of animal without having to pay thousands of dollars. You can feel good about the adoption fees, as they typically only go towards the upkeep of the shelter, which means the shelter can help more animals.
They can have fewer health and behavior-related issues. Because they often are the product of different breeds mating, rescue pets tend to not have the same genetic issues that purebred animals do. This can give you a happier and healthier pet, not to mention save you time, money, and stress in the long run.
They are more interesting looking. Another excellent benefit of being mixed-breed is the look of your pet. Having the features of multiple breeds can make your pet one-of-a-kind. This can be beneficial if you live in an area that restricts certain breeds of dogs, like pit bulls or Rottweilers; having a mix might help you spend less time navigating breed-specific rules and regulations.
You get a better sense of a pet’s personality. Typically, when you adopt a rescue animal, you are not getting them as a puppy. This means that you know what you’re getting right from the start and you can adopt the dog whose personality best fits you and your lifestyle.
Adoption helps curb overpopulation. As it stands, there are not enough willing owners for all the potential pets being born every year. By adopting from a shelter, you are opening up more space for animals who are homeless or in situations of neglect to be rescued by organizations that are dedicated to their well-being. The ripple effect of adoption in turn keeps animals from being euthanized down the road.
Rescuing a pet often means saving their life. At some shelters, animals that cannot find a loving home are euthanized after a period of time. By choosing to adopt, you are literally saving the life of that animal. More than that, you are giving them a second chance at having a happy, healthy, and full life that they otherwise would not have.
Top 5 Myths About Shelter Dogs [Cesar’s Way]
Top 10 Reasons to Adopt From an Animal Shelter [Helping Hands Humane Society of Topeka]
Why Choose a Shelter Dog [Positively]