Adopt Don't Shop!
Imagine the population of Chicago being killed annually entirely for the idea of population control-- that is how many animals enter shelters and are euthanized every year.
Approximately 2.7 million (1.3 million dogs and 1.4 million cats) are euthanized annually. Let that fact sink in for a little while we explain some other harrowing statistics.
Of the dogs entering shelters, approximately 35% are adopted, 31% are euthanized and 26% of dogs who came in as strays are returned to their owner; furthermore, of the cats entering shelters, approximately 37% are adopted, 41% are euthanized, and less than 5% of cats who came in as strays are returned to their owners.
If you are planning to adopt a furry buddy, make sure you are prepared to take care of that animal for it’s lifetime. Too many animals are given up because of mounting vet bills or other external factors, a solution that should of ended when the pet was adopted. You are all your pet has in its life- it is important to uphold that responsibility for the welfare of your fur-ever friend.
When you adopt a pet, you are saving a life-- but when you buy a pet, you not only deny a homeless pet a home, you are supporting an industry who’s foundation is harming the welfare of animals. The puppy and kitten mills that sell to pet stores are in business to make a large profit, so they breed animals as quickly as they can. According to Best Friends, these animals are often in ill health, have problems such as poor socialization skills due to lack of human companionship, and genetic defects due to inbreeding.
However, if you don’t find your ideal companion at your local shelter or breed rescue group, you may choose to purchase a puppy or kitten instead of adopting one. In this case, it is important to be certain you are buying from a responsible breeder that breeds and sells only healthy well-socialized animals. According to American Humane, responsible breeders typically do not sell their puppies or kitten to the terrible pet stores. These breeders actually will want to meet and screen prospective owners to ensure that their puppies are going to good homes.
How can you help other than adopting? If you do have an fur-ever friend, it is important to get him or her spayed or neutered, as this ends the threat of unwanted litters. Especially with outdoor cats who roam freely, it is imperative that you get your fur friend fixed at the proper age.
To conclude our plea to consider pet adoption rather than shopping, we give you positive news that 2.7 million dogs and cats are also saved from euthanization each year due to people opening their hearts and homes for a furry friend. It is important as to stay on the path of emptying the animal shelters before reaching into our wallets to shell out the big bucks for a pure bread.
Posted below are shelters that are not only near and dear to our animal-loving hearts, but that we have actually helped in the past. Due to the public’s interest in the welfare of these fur-babies, these shelters continue to thrive today: