Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Adopting vs Buying A Dog: Pros, Cons & What To Choose

I don’t see how someone can feel good about buying or selling furry family members when so many out there need good homes.

Written by: Dogster Team

Last Updated on February 21, 2024 by Dogster Team

African-American family adopting dog from animal shelter

Adopting vs Buying A Dog: Pros, Cons & What To Choose

If there’s one thing I have a passion for, it’s animals (and Ben Affleck — he is a god), and with the recent hurricane that has displaced many of them, they are on my mind. It might be concern that I’m feeling, but it quickly turns to anger.

It starts innocently enough. I scroll through my Facebook updates to see what my friends are up to, I see a photo of an adorable puppy, read the description, “Just picked up this cutie from the breeder” — and then it happens. My face gets hot, my stomach drops, and the rage begins. I am judging that person for buying the dog.

While my love for animals guides my opinions on several topics (eating meat, wearing fur), I am generally pretty calm about other people’s beliefs. But it’s the willful ignorance toward dog breeding that sends me over the edge.

Conversations with others usually start in agreement when someone says, “Puppy mills are the worst. It’s pure torture, and you’re a monster if you buy from them.” But inevitably, it follows: “I mean, it’s only OK if you’re buying from a legit breeder who is nice to the dogs.” No. No, no, no, no, no. NO!

Large and small dogs in daycare or boarding facility
Image Credit: Jayme Burrows, Shutterstock

To me, the only acceptable form of becoming a dog or cat owner is through adoption (or divine intervention). It’s not that I believe all breeders are out to hurt dogs (although most purebreds come with a list of health problems), I just don’t see how someone can feel good about buying or selling furry family members when there are so many out there who need good homes. Here are some of the reasons I have heard for buying pets:

1. I grew up with a [specific breed of dog], and I really want one now

Fantastic! Go adopt one! Even a quick trip to PetSmart on Saturday will show you that every once in a while a purebred will come through. Another option is to find a rescue group for a particular breed you’re looking for. Puppy mills continue to be shut down, and as a result, those purebred pups need homes.


2. I want a puppy who I can start training from a young age

Puppies are adorable. But for similar reasons listed above, this doesn’t mean you can’t use a shelter in your quest for the perfect pup.


3. I want to know what kind of personality I will get

Well, friend, that’s just not going to happen. Sure, you can get a sense of what a particular breed has historically been known for, but it doesn’t always work out that way. Furthermore, most shelters want you to love your dog and are willing to let you have a trial run with a dog before fully committing.

woman kissing dog
Image Credit: Julian Hochgesang, Unplash

4. My friend once adopted a dog, and it was aggressive

It’s true that some dogs who come through shelters have been abused or put in situations that have turned them aggressive. But isn’t that sad? Not only have they had bad lives, but now it keeps people from bringing them into their homes. I’m grateful to organizations like Pets Alive and Best Friends Animal Society that rehabilitate aggressive animals.


5. I want to breed my dog with another, so I can sell the puppies for money

Well then, you are a creep, and I have no use for you.

Part of the reason I feel so passionately about pet adoptions has to do with the sad stories I come across. I once passed a shelter that had a 13-year-old Beagle up for adoption. I asked the adoption counselor what his story was.

“His family gave him up. They had him his whole life but his old age started affecting his bladder, so they decided to get a puppy.”

It’s in moments like this that I wish bodily harm on others.

As a bona fide cat lady (I have three cats, which equates to 20 when you live in a New York City apartment), I can tell you from experience that adopted pets are some of the most loyal family members you will ever come across. My cat Supertramp (named for Chris McCandless, NOT the band) has become my protector. Even when my husband and I are joking around, if he so much as raises his voice to me, she will run over and start climbing up my body to get my attention until I tell her it’s OK.

So, if you or anyone you know are looking to add to your family, think of adopting. And if you’re in the New York area, please help these animals who are in urgent need.


Featured Image Credit: kali9/ Getty Images

Get Dogster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Dogster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.