Buying or Adopting: What's Better for Me?

Many people go back and forth between buying or adopting when they want to bring a dog home. On the one hand, some people prefer to pay the full price for their new pet. That way, they know they’re getting a healthy, pedigree animal.

On the other hand, other people say that rescuing a stray animal or a dog in a shelter is far more beneficial for the pet. So, what’s better for you? Buying or adopting? We’ll tell you in this article.

Buying or adopting? Here’s why you should adopt

Let’s start with the option of adopting a pet. When it comes to adoption, you’re giving the dog a second chance. Unfortunately, many of these dogs have suffered from abandonment, abuse, being forgotten, hunger, cold, etc.

Adopting an animal is definitely an act of great solidarity and love. It’s not based on the dog’s appearance, but on helping with their chance of recovering. However, it’s also important to keep in mind that even if they don’t survive, at least you were able to show them affection in their final days.

Who wouldn’t want a second chance at happiness? Also, adopted dogs are known to be the most faithful and grateful in the world. They would give their lives for the person who rescued them from a sad, lonely, and very painful world.

Also, you have to keep in mind that, for many animals, the options they have are either to get adopted, to die in the street, or to live locked up in a shelter with dozens of other dogs. The main advantage of adopting a dog is that you will save its life and give it the dignified existence that it deserves. 

Since many of these dogs have lived in a home before, or have had to survive on the street, they’ll know how to behave in different situations. For example, they’ll understand how to relieve themselves and how to eat. If you show enough patience, your new dog will start to trust you and become your friend for life. 

Additionally, you’ll be able to save money by not having to buy your new pet. And, of course, you’ll be avoiding animal commercialization and you’ll be taking home an already sterilized pet.

Disadvantages of adoption

However, there are also downsides to this option. For example, not knowing if the animal is going to survive its prior abuse or the disease it’s suffering from. Also, you may have to take care of very expensive treatment that you aren’t able to afford. 

In a lot of cases, dogs can’t walk and require special care that’s very difficult for people who work long hours outside of the home.

Also, you have to be careful if you already have other pets in the home because your new dog may be carrying diseases. Lastly, you should know that most dogs that are up for adoption aren’t puppies. 

Buying or adopting? Here’s why you should buy

Now it’s time to talk about buying a pet. Many people look down on buying pets. Some people believe you shouldn’t “buy your friends.” However, it’s not always a bad thing. You can look at it as a decision that will rescue an animal from living in a cage with others, waiting for a home. 

When you buy a pet, you can choose the breed that you want. Also, you’ll bring home a puppy that you can train and teach the way you want. In addition, in most cases they’re healthy, strong, and have had all their shots. 

Disadvantages of buying

The downside of buying your pet is that you’re supporting people who breed and profit from animals. In many kennels the females are forced to give birth every time they go into heat and aren’t cared for properly. So, you’re taking part in a business that considers pets merchandise instead of living and sentient beings. 

Also, it’s important to know that certain dog breeds may require special care (both medically and aesthetically). In addition, their diets can be expensive and the pedigree or breed purity certificate can cost a lot.

Lastly, when you bring a puppy home, you’ll need to be very patient when teaching it where and when to relieve itself and not to chew on your things. Also, you need to be cautious that it won’t suffer from typical diseases in the first months of its life.