By Dr. Rebecca MacMillan BVetMed BSAVA PGCertSAM MRCVS
Getting a new furry family member is a big deal. It’s important to do your research before leaping in. One of the big questions for many future pet parents is ‘Should I adopt or buy?’. We’re going to help you work out which approach is right for you by posing some key questions.
Should I adopt or buy? 8 Questions to consider…
1. Do you want a puppy or an older dog?
This is a big one. Lots of people really want to experience the cute puppy phase. However, this comes with sleepless nights, toilet training, and lots of chewing! So, some would-be owners might be quite happy to give it a miss altogether. If you would like a puppy then buying a dog is probably the right answer for you. While puppies are occasionally put up for adoption, this is rare, and they are usually snapped up quickly. If you are happy to move straight to an older dog, then adoption is the right answer for you.
2. Do you have small children in the house?
Small children are less good at reading dog body language and more likely to get bitten than adults. This is just one of the many reasons that shelters are reluctant to rehome to families with small children, especially as many dogs have an unknown history. If you do have a young family and are keen to complete it with a dog, then buying a puppy is usually the best approach. Just remember, it is still essential that you always supervise your children. This will keep both your child and your puppy safe.
3. Have you got your heart set on a specific breed?
If you have a per chant for Poodles or fancy a French bulldog, then adopting is probably not for you. While these breeds do sometimes need rehoming, the chances of the right pedigree dog coming up to order are slim. You could always try a breed specific rescue charity who might be able to find the dog for you, however purchasing a puppy is usually more straightforward.
4. Do you intend to show your dog?
If you plan on showing your pet then you will need a dog that is Kennel Club registered. This means they have a family tree that can be traced back and a proven pedigree. You won’t get this from a rescue center. Similarly, if you plan on breeding from your dog for pedigree pups one day, it will be tricky to register them if your pet has no paperwork.
5. Are health concerns a worry for you?
Any dog can get sick, and it’s always important to budget for this eventuality. However, adoption can sometimes throw up a few surprises. While dogs are health checked when they enter a shelter, it’s not to say that they won’t develop problems. Without knowing their parentage, it can be hard to know what inherited problems might show up. When purchasing a pedigree pup, you can check out the parents and find out what health screens the breeder has performed. A reputable breeder will only mate healthy dogs to increase the chance of healthy puppies. Purchasing your puppy can also allow you to do some research into the sorts of conditions that they may be more likely to suffer from. This may even determine which breed you ultimately go for.
6. Is initial purchase cost a consideration?
Purchasing a puppy is more expensive than adopting. The exact cost will vary depending on your chosen breed and puppy availability, as well as the status of your breeder. A puppy that comes from a reputable breeder who health screens their animals and only has a few litters from their dogs, will usually be more expensive than adoption. Rescue shelters will charge a nominal fee to cover their costs, but this often also includes neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping. This gives new owners further cost savings. However, remember that dogs are a financial commitment and you must have the funds in place for their ongoing care and future veterinary bills.
7. Do you worry about the ethical debate?
Adoption is clearly the most ethical path to dog ownership. Not only will you be giving a dog a second chance, but you will be relieving the pressure from overfull rescue centers and charities. Also, unless you do your research and find a quality breeder, you could inadvertently support puppy mills and backyard breeders when buying a puppy. These outfits produce litter after litter, with no health screens, poor puppy socialization, and a general lack of knowledge. They prioritize financial gain over animal welfare. Sadly, these people are getting more and more clever about the way they operate too. Well-meaning owners can easily fall foul of this. Beware of breeders that want to meet in random places like car lots, that can’t introduce you to the puppy’s mother, or that make excuses about your puppy’s paperwork.
8. Do you have the extra patience required for a rescue dog?
There is often a reason why a dog has ended up in a shelter, though it is often through no fault of their own. These dogs may require additional training and socialization, and some could have behavioral issues. Rescued animals may also have encountered abuse or abandonment which leaves emotional issues. Adopted dogs can still make lovely family members but they may need a bit more time and effort to unleash their true potential. This requires patience and some new owners may also need to invest in professional trainers or pet behaviorists.
There is not necessarily a right or wrong answer when it comes to adoption vs buying a dog. It will all depend on your personal circumstances and your home setup. Whichever route you go down, owning a dog can be extremely rewarding. Hopefully our questions have helped focus your thoughts and we hope that you find the right dog for you.
