OPINION: Why Should You Adopt from the Shelter?
Words by Fabliha Hussain
Edited and Graphics by Sarah Logan
Many of us are waiting for the day when we can finally have a furry friend at home, whether it be a dog or a cat. Some people opt to spend thousands of dollars on a purebred animal when there are so many amazing animals waiting to be adopted in shelters. Some shelters are “kill shelters,” meaning that if the animal does not get adopted within a certain window of time, then the animal is euthanized. More than 8 million animals are euthanized per year because there just aren’t enough homes for the influx of animals. It seems cruel that people are spending thousands of dollars on animals when there are perfectly amazing, sweet animals waiting for a home. Shelter pets are often healthier than purebreds because they aren’t prone to problems that are common to their breed. This makes it easier when it comes to getting pet insurance, too. Sometimes shelters end up having that purebred you want so much, and you won’t have to dish out thousands!
By adopting, you’re supporting shelters which take in unwanted and abandoned dogs and cats. Shelters put in a lot of money to give these animals the medical care and socialization that they need. On the other hand, puppy and kitten mills breed puppies and kittens to sell to pet stores. They only care about profit and do not consider the health of the animals they churn out. Moreover, these pets have poor socialization skills and genetic defects from inbreeding. Often, there are stories about breeders who discard pets who have health issues for those who they can sell for profit. Of course, there are some reputable breeders, but in the long run, supporting shelters supports so many more animals. You also save more while adopting the animal you fell in love with.
People, however, can be cruel when it comes to animals. During the month of October, many shelters end up stopping adoption for black cats. Halloween becomes a time when people may end up adopting black cats with nefarious purposes. Some shelters say that they fear people will use the black cats in sacrificial rituals while others say that they are afraid people will merely adopt a black cat to use as a costume accessory. Black cats normally have one of the lowest adoption rates given their reputation for being bad luck. Some shelters have specials to try to get more people to adopt their black cats instead of discriminating against them. With Halloween coming up soon, we have to keep in mind that animals deserve to be well-cared for by humans that love them. “Adopt, don’t shop” is a statement that we should all adhere to when it comes to finding our future furry friend.
