Pet Ownership Is a Privilege and Requires a Committed Owner.
“Free to a good home” ads encourage casual pet owners who dont take it seriously. Free pets can also end up abandoned, surrendered to animal shelters, neglected and ignored, re-sold to anyone who happens to walk by with a few bucks, or used for breeding if they havent already been spayed or neutered. There are many people who dont value what they get for free.
Sometimes youll hear outcry that adoption fees discriminate against poor families who dont have the money to pay the adoption fee, but who will do whatever is necessary to make sure their new pet is happy and healthy, including bringing the pet in for medical care whenever its needed. Its true, a family from any economic background can be completely devoted to its pets and may care for them properly and with love.
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Adopted pets often require less training
Many pets at shelters and rescues are lost or surrendered. Consequently, they’re often already housetrained and typically cost less to train than an animal from a breeder.
Training costs vary based on your location and the type of training your pet needs. At PetSmart, a one-hour private lesson costs $89, while their six-week group classes can cost as little as $119. However, if you bring home a puppy from your neighborhood pet store, you may need a more extensive course. Obedience school can cost $200-$600 each week, and, if you don’t have time to train your pet, board and train options can cost as much as $1,250 per week.
Although Vira was already housetrained and understood basic commands like “sit” and “down,” I took her to a four-week course at our local shelter to boost her confidence and help us bond. The course cost $75, and I later spent $50 on a private, one-hour session with a trainer and her three dogs to help Vira overcome some social anxiety.
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When I decided to adopt my first dog, I spent a month searching for her — browsing through pictures from local animal shelters, even some that were hours away. Eventually, I found Vira. The morning after I met her, my husband and I left town for a backpacking trip, and I filled out the adoption paperwork on my phone as we weaved in and out of service.
It may have taken weeks for me to find the right dog, but I knew early on I wanted a rescue. Adopting a pet from your local shelter versus buying from a breeder or pet store can be beneficial in a number of ways. You’ll save an abandoned, abused, or surrendered animal. You’ll support nonprofit organizations caring for neglected pets. But, did you know you’ll also save money?
If you’ve considered adding a furry companion to your family, here are five financial benefits of adopting versus buying your pet.