Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital 2009 / Shelter vs. Breeder: What's Right for your Family?

Shelter vs. Breeder:

What’s Right for your Family?

by Shannon Pecora, M.A.

Stream Valley Veterinary Hospital

Every day families make the decision to add a pet to their households. For some, that means buying a Beta fish or a hamster from the pet store. Others, however, decide that a dog or cat would be the right new family member.

So, where do you begin the search for a new pet? Sometimes, a neighbor’s cat has had kittens, or a puppy is given as a gift. But two of the most common ways to add a dog or cat to the family are purchase from a breeder or adoption from a local shelter or rescue group. Both have their pros and cons to consider, so you should weigh the options carefully. Here are just a few points to keep in mind:
Breeder pros Adoption pros

+ You can pick the breed and gender + Sometimes you’ll receive a

            you really want                                                           certificate for discounted services
                                                                                              at participating hospitals

+ You can adopt right at “puppyhood” + Adoption fees tend to be much less expensive

or “kittenhood” to get started than breeder fees

with training and adaptation

ASAP

+ You most often know “family” + You’ll save a pet in need!

history and medical/vaccination (sometimes from euthanasia
history from the day of birth in the shelter)

Breeder cons Adoption cons

- Many veterinarians cannot honor - You can’t always pick the gender

vaccines given by the breeder or exact breed that you’re

(instead of by an actual vet) looking for

- Breeder fees tend to be quite expensive - Sometimes the age of the pet is

unknown

- Sometimes “in-breeding” can create or - Sometimes inappropriate behaviors

pass down hereditary or training already developed

medical problems must be overcome

- Medical history may be unknown

We’ve all heard of puppy mills and bad breeding practices, and we may not know much about a rescue group we’d like to choose, so it’s vital to do your research. Ask for references and tours of facilities. Talk to friends and neighbors—even a veterinarian in your area—for recommendations. Use the internet to search for praise or complaints about the breeder or adoption group you’re considering. Also, note that if you’ve got your heart set on a pure-bred Pomeranian or Persian, but you’re wary of high breeder prices, rescue groups exist for specific breeds. Shelters will often have rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and other exotics available for adoption as well. And no matter where your new pet comes from, be sure to budget and prepare for food, toys, grooming, vet visits, and other such pet care expenses.

So, whether you’re looking for the prestige of the pure-bred Himalayan or the honor of the rescued mutt, take the time to do your homework and make the decision carefully. Then, enjoy the time you’ll spend with your new best friend!