When it comes to welcoming a new pet into your home, the decision is never one to be taken lightly. For many, the question isn’t just about choosing a cute animal, but about making a choice that aligns with values of compassion, responsibility, and sustainability. Increasingly, the movement toward “adopt, don’t shop” has gained traction and for good reason. Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization is not only a life-changing act for the animal, but it also has far-reaching benefits for society as a whole. Here’s why you should consider adopting, rather than shopping for your next furry companion.
Saving Lives and Reducing Overpopulation. One of the most impactful reasons people should adopt rather than shop is because of the overwhelming popularity of pets living in shelters or homeless. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), approximately 3.1 million dogs and 3.2 million cats enter U.S. animal shelters each year. Due to overcrowding and limited resources approximately 1.5 million animals are euthanized each year. When you adopt you are saving the life of an animal.
The Fight Against Puppy Mills. When looking for an animal to purchase from a pet store or unregulated breeder, most of the time the animals come from a puppy mill, which is a Large-scale commercial dog breeding operation. These mills usually focus on the profits rather than the well-being of the animal. Most of these mills have inhumane conditions. They use unsanitary cages and unproper veterinary care. There is also a lack of socialization and love. This can result in behavioral issues, poor health and less quality of life. By choosing to adopt, you are saying no to these unethical practices and sending a message to breeders and pet stores.
Lower costs and health benefits. Adopting a pet tends to be more affordable. Adoption fees typically cover the cost of vaccinations, spaying or neutering, microchipping, and sometimes even initial vet check-ups. Many rescue organizations screen animals for health issues before adoption, which can save you from further medical problems. Pets bought from breeders or pet stores may not have had proper medical care, leading to hidden health concerns.
Ashley Miller, employee of Hancock county animal shelter, said, “Many shelters in the area have adoption fees ranging from $100-350. For example, Hancock County has $50 adoption fees for cats and $100 adoption fees for dogs. That includes the animal being spayed/neutered, microchipped, up-to-date rabies vaccination and the annual vaccination.”
Making a lasting impact. Adopting is not just about the immediate gratification of bringing a new pet into your life. It’s a long-term investment in your community and in the health of the animal population. By adopting, you are participating in a broader movement to reduce shelter overcrowding, fight against animal cruelty, and support responsible pet ownership.
Freshman, Ciara Greathouse said, “I adopted a boxer mastiff mix puppy who had been born into the shelter from a dog that was dumped there. My dog had a problem with her stomach and had to be kept for an extra 3 weeks to receive treatment. She was 11 weeks old when we adopted her and was full of energy. She is so loving and loves to cuddle but her only con is because she’s a mastiff boxer mix she’s big, and doesn’t know her size so she just lays on you and doesn’t care.”
Some people may argue they prefer to shop because of their known medical history, socialization and training, avoiding behavioral issues, and purebred needs. While these are all valid reasons, they should not stray you away from still looking at shelters. Animal shelters always tell new adopters the 3-3-3 rule for dogs. Miller also said, “It takes 3 days to decompress, 3 weeks to learn your routine and 3 months to start to feel at home.”
Hancock county has one animal shelter which is located at 715 Gas Valley Rd, New Cumberland, WV 26062. This shelters as many animals to choose from and has a simple application process. There are also several other animal shelters to choose from all over the Ohio Valley.
Aside from adopting a pets there are many other things you can do to help support shelters like donating money and goods (pet food, blankets, toys, leashes, cleaning products, etc.), volunteer your time, foster an animal, or sponsor an animal. Even just the smallest action can change the life of an animal in need that doesn’t include adopting.
