Adopt Don’t Shop: What It Means and Should You Adopt or Buy a Dog?

Are you thinking about getting a dog? If you are, chances are you have already been to some pet stores or have already contacted local breeders who have pups that are looking for a home.

But before you go off and buy one, there’s a very worthwhile alternative to consider – which is adopting a dog.

Has anyone ever told you to “adopt don’t shop”? It means choosing to find the dog to love as your own from a local shelter or pound.

Considering this path has many alternatives – not just for the dog itself, but also for you as an owner.

In this article, we will discuss more about why you should start with checking out your local shelter or pound vs. going straight to the pet store or breeder.

Adopt Don’t Shop – Why People Say It

Have you ever wondered what people really mean when they say “adopt don’t shop”?

The phrase “adopt don’t shop” has become very popular in the world of animal welfare, emphasizing a movement that is gaining a lot of traction in the last couple of years.

When a person commits to adopting a dog, it means they are choosing to open up their home for an animal in need.

Now that you know the meaning of “adopt don’t shop”, the next thing to be aware of is the urgency behind such a phrase.

The reason for the urgency in this statement is because rescue organizations and animal shelters have long been known to host more dogs that they actually can care for.

When they go over their care limit, a good number of those dogs are likely to be euthanized – just because there isn’t enough space or aren’t enough resources to support them!

When people go for adopting a dog, it not only saves that dog’s life but it also frees up space and resources for more animals in need.

Choosing to adopt instead of shopping for a dog also shows that they are one in supporting animal welfare efforts and helping to reduce the demand for puppy mills and other unethical breeding practices.

There are many benefits to adopting a dog instead of shopping for one – and we will talk more about that later in this article.

However, one particular benefit that is worth mentioning at this point is that it is definitely more affordable to just adopt a dog instead of buying one from a pet store or a breeder.

And since a lot of adopted dogs are already trained and socialized, transitioning to a new routine in their new environment happens a lot more smoothly compared to a dog that you still need to house train.

When you adopt a pup to love for your own, you are making a positive impact on your local community, supporting animal welfare efforts, and gaining a loyal companion who will love them unconditionally for years to come.

Adopt or Shop – What Does That Mean?

The phrase “adopt or shop” is like a campaign slogan for animal welfare supporters that encourages people to really think about how they will bring a dog into their home.

It literally means choosing between two options – to adopt a dog from a shelter, or to buy one from a shop or breeder.

Looking at it beneath the surface, it simply means considering the pros and cons of both ways, and seeing how those pros and cons fit in one’s value systems.

The Adopt Don’t Shop Movement – When It Came to Be

For sure, you are wondering when this phrase came about and what exactly were the conditions that prompted such a movement. It was around the early 2000s when the “adopt don’t shop” movement started to take off.

During these times, people began to realize just how mistreated animals were in facilities that were designed to house and care for them.

Those notorious puppy mills are especially bad – they’re all about making money, and often at the expense of their animals’ welfare.

The animals are kept in subpar living conditions, and basic needs are often ignored. It’s pretty sad stuff, but that’s why people started advocating for adopting dogs instead of shopping for them.

The phrase “adopt don’t shop” emerged as a response to the growing concern over the mistreatment of animals in breeding facilities.

Because of mistreatment and the growing plight of animal shelters, the “adopt don’t shop” movement has become the better choice compared to buying from a pet store or breeder.

When people choose to just adopt a dog instead of to shop for one, they are doing their part in saving the life of an animal.

That animal would otherwise be euthanized or be forced to live in less-than-desirable conditions.

Adopting also means a lot to animal rescue facilities. When you bring a dog home, that is one dog less that they need to care for using their easily-depleted resources.

Plus, you’re supporting animal welfare efforts, which is always a good thing!

The adopt don’t shop movement has gained a lot of traction and support with the help of social media and the corresponding online advocacy that developed.

Lots of animal welfare organizations and even famous folks have gotten behind it, using their platforms to spread the word about the benefits of adopting a dog.

And they’re not afraid to call out those unethical puppy mills either – those places are just awful for animals.

The voices that supporters have on their online platforms have done a lot to further the cause, thanks to people banding together to make a difference in the lives of dogs.

The Adopt Don’t Shop Campaign – What Does It Promote?

The “adopt don’t shop” movement has gained widespread support because it provides a practical and compassionate solution to the problem of pet overpopulation.

By adopting a dog, people can provide a loving home to an animal in need and help reduce the demand for puppy mills and other unethical breeding practices.

It is clear to see that the “adopt don’t shop” movement has turned out to be a powerful call to action for dog lovers and people who are invested in the lives of these four-legged creatures.

Adopting as a first choice when it comes to adding a furry friend to their family is a good way to support animal welfare efforts in one’s community.

It is an act that helps to increase awareness about why it’s important to become responsible pet owners, as well as the need to treat animals with kindness and respect.

Adopting or Buying a Dog: Where Should You Align Yourself To?

While it’s easy to see how much good goes into adopting a dog, it’s still a personal decision to make. In this section, we list the pros and cons of adopting as well as buying a dog to help make the decision-making a lot easier for you.

Pros of Adopting a Dog:

• You’ll be giving a loving home to a dog in need, and potentially saving their life.
• Shelters and dog rescue dogs have a lot of dogs across breeds, ages and sizes – which means there’s a high chance you’ll find one that you will love.
• Adoption fees are typically lower than buying from a breeder.
• Dogs at the adoption center are likely already spayed/neutered and up-to-date on vaccinations
• You’ll be supporting animal welfare efforts

Cons of Adopting a Dog:

• There may be less information about the dog’s history or health status.
• The dog may require more training or behavior modification due to past experiences.
• It can be a bit challenging to find a specific breed or age of dog that you have in mind.
• There may be a longer wait time to find the right dog.

Pros of Buying a Dog:

• You can typically find a dog of a specific breed, age, or color that you’re looking for.
• You’ll have more information about the dog’s health and history.
• You’ll likely receive support and guidance from the breeder as you raise your new puppy.

Cons of Buying a Dog:

• You may be supporting unethical breeding practices, such as puppy mills.
• Buying a dog from a breeder can be much more expensive than adopting.
• The dog will require spaying/neutering and vaccinations, which can add to the cost.

More Good Things About Adopting a Dog

Adopting a dog instead of buying one should be the clear choice for many people by now.

However, if you are still unsure about going for it, we’ve got more reasons that will help you realize that adoption is a great, conscious-learning decision to go for:

• You will save that particular dog’s life. Animals that are adopted into a loving home avoid the possibility of being abandoned or mistreated in overcrowded, possibly toxic, and underfunded facilities. Shelters and rescue groups often have limited space and resources, so adopting a dog can literally save their life.

• You’ll be doing your part in supporting the efforts of all animal welfare groups. Animal welfare organizations are constantly looking for ways to rehome animals, and when people come in to adopt one it frees up their time and resources for those particular animals. When more people adopt, they can focus more of their efforts in fighting the root causes of animal overpopulation.

• You’ll have a loyal companion (quite possibly for life): Dogs are known for their loyalty and devotion to their humans. Adopting a dog is opening yourself up to the possibility of forming a deal and loving bond with a four-legged creature, who may very well prove itself to be a joyful companion for life.

• You’ll be giving one dog a second chance to have a happy life: Many dogs in shelters or rescue groups have had a tough start in life, but with the right care and training, they can thrive in a loving home. Adopting a dog means giving that dog another chance at having a happy, comfortable life.

•  You will be helping to reduce animal overpopulation. Choosing to adopt from an animal resource group or a local shelter will help decongest their already crowded facilities. When more people choose to adopt, it puts less pressure on shelters and helps create more space for animals in need.

• You’ll be supporting an important member of your local community. Shelters and rescue groups are often non-profit organizations that stay operational with the help of the local community’s provisions. When you adopt a dog from your local animal rescue shelter, you are doing your part in supporting a valuable resource in your community.

By adopting a dog from a local shelter or animal rescue facility, you’re supporting a valuable resource in your own community.

From supporting animal welfare efforts to giving a second chance to a deserving dog, adoption is a choice that can make a real difference in the lives of both humans and animals.

Reputable Breeders: Friend or Foe?

What about those who are keen to get their pups from a breeder? Reputable breeders often get a bad rep when it comes to the notion of adopting over shopping for a dog.

With all the urgency that goes into addressing animal overpopulation, it is natural for many animal welfare activists to turn their attention to reputable breeders and how they seemingly contribute to the problem of animal overpopulation.

However, the key term that you need to take note of is “reputable”.

Breeding animals for profit is in itself a legitimate business, for as long as the policies and guidelines in doing so are met with utmost confidence to protect the rights of both the dog and potential customers.

When a breeder is considered to be reputable, it means he:

• Invests in health testing. A reputable breeder will conduct health tests on their breeding dogs to ensure they are not passing on genetic diseases to their offspring. The breeder should be able to provide proof of health testing results.

• Provides good living conditions. The breeder should provide clean, comfortable living conditions for their dogs, with plenty of space to exercise and play.

• Promotes socialization from the earliest opportunity. The breeder should socialize their puppies from a young age, exposing them to a variety of people, animals, and environments to help them become well-adjusted and confident dogs.

• Draws up a contract complete with guarantees. A reputable breeder will provide a written contract that outlines the terms of the sale and includes any health guarantees or return policies.

• Provides after sales support and advice. A good breeder will be available to offer support and advice throughout the life of the dog, including help with training, nutrition, and any health issues that may arise.

• Demonstrates breeding standards. The breeder should follow ethical breeding practices, including breeding only healthy dogs that meet breed standards.

• Values transparency. A reputable breeder will be open and transparent about their breeding practices, welcoming potential buyers to visit their facility and meet their dogs.

• Is proven to have a good reputation. The breeder should have a good reputation in the community and be willing to provide references from past buyers.

A breeder that ticks off all these boxes can be considered as a reputable one, but it doesn’t always mean they are perfect or infallible.

Still, choosing a breeder who meets these standards can help increase the likelihood of getting a healthy, well-adjusted puppy from a responsible source.

Adopting A Dog: Still the Best Option for Many

At the end of the day, there’s no denying how the adopt don’t shop movement will solve a lot of concerns for the dog being adopted, the person looking to adopt, and organizations that actively work to fight animal welfare problems.

You should consider adopting a dog a good deed, for as long as you stay true to your commitment to do your best to give your adopted dog a happy and comfortable life.

Should you choose to buy one, it’s not wrong and there’s no harm in that either for as long as you know to buy one from a reputable breeder as this is still a personal decision.

What benefit of adopting a dog is most appealing to you and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!