Top reasons to adopt your next dog. Shelter vs Breeder.

Why adopt instead of buy

Experts estimate that 17 million people will add a new pet to their families this year, and ASPCA estimates that approximately 7.6 million dogs and cats will be added to shelters in the US this year because they've been lost, given up on or abandoned by their owners.  Approximately 2.7 million  of those animals will be killed because they are not adopted and space in shelters is limited.  If just 8% of families looking for new pets chose to adopt and love animals from shelters, almost half of the annual animal euthanizations could be stopped.

Mass breeding facilities throughout the US have contributed to the pet overpopulation cycle.  Thousands of commercial and backyard pet-breeding facilities produce millions of animals for sale annually through stores, newspaper ads and social media.  Pets used for breeding are kept in unsavory conditions and are often left without human or other pet companionship.  Pets that can't produce litters are euthanized.  Adopting from animal shelters decreases the demand for mass produced pets and saves pets used in breeding facilities.

Choosing your new pet from an animal shelter comes with several other benefits to you and your family.  If you are a working professional, you might be able to save yourself the cost of a dog walker coming multiple times per day because some adult pets are often already housetrained.  If you just moved into a new home or bought new furniture, your adult pet will often be trained to not chew on loose items or chair legs.  Spend some time with your future pet at the shelter to try to understand her personality.

Once you adopt from a shelter, it's likely that employees of the shelter will remain a resource for you and your pet.  Not only do shelters give pets vaccinations upon arrival, but most screen for behavioral issues.  This saves you hundreds of dollars of veterinary costs and hours of time lost training your pet.

Finally… adoption fees are fractions of the cost of purebred pets.  You can save that money or spend it on higher quality food, toys or clothing (preferably stylish Soho Paws sweaters!) for your new furry friend. 

Think before you buy.

At Soho Paws we believe that no dog should be neglected the chance to have a forever home. With your support, we can make this happen.

If you would like to recommend a shelter, or if you are a shelter or rescue organization, please email us at info@sohopaws.com

by Rachel Gladstone