Pet adoption or should I buy a cat or dog? There are few things as exciting as making the decision to own a cat or a dog.
Pet Adoption vs Buying A Cat Or Dog
Deciding to open up your home to a new member of the family is a joyful occasion. It is not something to rush into. There are hundreds of different breeds of dogs, and they all have their own unique personalities and requirements. There are many different breeds of cats that are also unique.
The Best Pet For You
The type of living arrangement you have, the types of people in your family, and the amount of time you have to spend with the pet are all things that will affect your final decision. There is a huge difference between owning a Chihuahua and a Bullmastiff and not just in the size of the pet. They have very different traits and needs.
Where to Get Your New Pet
Once you have done your research and decided on the type of pet you want, the decision on where to get that pet is just as important. There are several ways to go get the dog or cat. There will probably be several breeders in your area, but they may be of very different quality. Some will be established, honest breeders who take great pride in their work, but there will also be people who are not so scrupulous in how they do things.
Buying
You could also try a pet store, but they have received poor press in the past for the way they obtain their animals. That is not to say they all get their dogs from puppy mills, but there is a chance that they do. There are also several companies that offer pure breed dogs online. You can see the breeder and contact them, and they will often show pictures and videos of the dog. All of these options can be very expensive. Pure breed dogs and cats can be thousands of dollars.
Adoption
Another option is to adopt a dog or cat. There are adoption centers in most towns, and there are often several adoption events held at local pet stores. Dogs and cats that are up for adoption will be neutered or spayed, and they should be up-to-date with all of their vaccines. There is normally just a processing fee that can be in the hundreds or even less rather than the thousands you would have to pay to buy a dog or cat.
Almost all dogs and cats up for adoption will be mixed breeds, but the volunteers that work at the facility or go to the adoption events will be very knowledgeable about what type of mix the animals are. These dogs and cats are often looking for a second chance, and while it might sound like the best idea to get a brand new, pure breed puppy or kitten, adopting can also be a great choice.
Congratulations
Whatever the decision, make sure you are aware of how much time and effort goes in to owning a cat or a dog, but once you have committed to it, know how much joy and happiness you will have for years.