When it comes to adding a new furry member to your family, many people believe in the saying "Adopt. Don't Shop." We asked renowned vet Dr. Rebecca Greenstein for her thoughts on the matter. She told Bored Panda that while it really depends on the situation, adopting an animal is a great idea.
"Adopting a pet is a big-hearted and ethical decision because you are hopefully giving a deserving animal a forever home and a chance to live their best life! Most shelter animals are cared for by competent staff, but it’s a far cry from the stability, security, and love of an adoptive pet parent," Greenstein said. "Unfortunately, due to overcrowding and illness, some unwanted pets can even be euthanized if they can’t be adopted out."
The expert added that many people believe dogs that come from breeders are more predictable in terms of certain traits, but this is not always the case. "Just like in people, offspring may have completely different coat colors, appearances, sizes, health concerns, and temperaments from their parents," she explained. "And remember, not all breeders are equally trustworthy or reputable."
Greenstein says either way, it's super important to get a thorough history of the pet you’re about to adopt or buy. So that you know if it's the right fit for your family and home life.
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One reason animals end up in shelters is that people aren't prepared for the huge responsibility of owning a pet. They underestimate the time, work, and love that goes into adding a furry member to their family. Others don't do their research and end up buying or adopting a pet that's not a good fit for their lifestyle.
According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), around 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of those, approximately 3.1 million are dogs, and 3.2 million are cats. Around 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted each year. And about 920,000 are euthanized.
"I would encourage prospective pet parents to take honest stock of their home situation and lifestyle before adopting a pet," Greenstein advises. "If you have young children, not every animal will cope well with the noise and intrusiveness. If you work long hours away from home, some athletic or anxious pets will act out without the proper amount of physical exercise or mental stimulation. If you adopt a pet with a history of trauma, be prepared that there may be ongoing medical or behavioral therapy, and perhaps other adjustment challenges, associated with that."
The expert says before committing to a pet adoption, you should be sure to get as thorough a medical history as possible from shelter staff. And ask for any and all current and past paperwork they have for the pet. "Ideally, the pet should be vaccinated, dewormed, and even spayed/neutered and microchipped prior to adoption. You should be informed if there is any history of illness or injury that might crop up again in the future and could require ongoing veterinary medical care."
She adds that while many pets are understandably nervous or shy in a shelter setting, you need to evaluate an animal’s temperament closely before bringing them home. And this is especially relevant if you already have other pets or children in the house.
"A reputable shelter should be honest with you about a pet’s tendency to be anxious, destructive, or aggressive – qualities which may limit their suitability for certain pet owners," says Greenstein.
