There are almost as many different kinds of cats and dogs as there are kinds of people—loud ones, quiet ones, energetic ones, lazy ones, hairy ones, clean-shaven ones, those that love kids, and those that want to be left alone. For someone looking for a pet, the big question often is, where exactly can I find what I’m looking for?
Pet shelters are sometimes seen as the only humane and conscionable choice, but professional breeders offer peace of mind that shelters can’t guarantee. Both options have benefits and detriments, and it’s up to individual pet owners to decide which one best meets their needs.
Be a Shelter Savior
The ASPCA estimates that about five to seven million animals enter shelters every year, and more than half are eventually euthanized because there’s no one to adopt them. The most important thing to remember is this—the pets relinquished at shelters aren’t bad cats and dogs. Many animals are given up because the previous owner wasn’t aware of the needs and challenges of a pet, or couldn’t handle the barking or separation anxiety that arose from the pet being left alone all day. Most often, the previous owner chose the animal because it was cute, and didn’t think about whether it was compatible with his or her lifestyle. Getting a pet from a shelter is a humane way to save the life of these perfectly lovable dogs and cats.
The good news is that most shelter pets already have some housetraining and know basic commands. That makes training them immensely easier than training a pet from puppy- or kitten-hood. Shelters also routinely spay and neuter animals, bring them up-to-date on their shots and vaccinations, and do basic health tests. Some even include microchipping, in case the pet ever gets lost. The great thing about shelters is that they charge only a nominal fee for providing all these services, usually around $100.
Shelters may do their best to be sure that dogs and cats are healthy and ready to be adopted, but unfortunately, there’s no way for them to tell what may have happened in an animal’s past. Although the majority of shelter animals are healthy and friendly, some have suffered diseases or injuries, mistreatment at the hands of their owners, or have serious intractable behavior problems that may be too much for the average pet owner to handle. For some pets, being in the shelter is traumatic, and they’re more likely to end up being clingy, skittish, territorial, or fearful.
