15 Reasons Why ‘Adopt, Don’t Shop’ Might Not Always Be Ideal

The slogan “Adopt, Don’t Shop” has gained significant popularity in the animal community for supporting the adoption of animals from shelters to loving homes. Although this movement has saved many lives and increased public awareness, one must look at the bigger picture. Here are 15 reasons why “Adopt, Don’t Shop” may not always be the best course of action for bringing a new pet into your home.
Shelters Vary in Quality

Animal shelters differ significantly in the kind of care they give, maintenance, and support they provide after an adoption. Overcrowding and stress caused by a lack of resources can harm the behavior and health of animals at some shelters. Even if the recommendation to “adopt” is thoughtful, it might cause new pet owners to face unforeseen challenges.
Shelter Specialized Breeds’ History/Function is Unclear

Adopting a dog from a breeder is more about getting a pet with a clear history. Pets in shelters may not be able to meet the needs of families with special requirements, such as those looking for hypoallergenic dogs or dogs with certain temperaments. These families can get a better fit from responsible breeders knowledgeable about their pets’ traits and genetics.
The Unknown History of Shelter Animals

Not knowing a shelter’s background is a significant concern when adopting an animal. Many pets found in shelters are wonderful companions. However, some may develop unpleasant behavioral patterns that are tough for the typical pet owner to handle. This might be because of trauma, neglect, or lack of socialization. Unfortunately, this often leads to the sad outcome of having to return the adopted pet to the shelter.
Early Socialization Might Be A Problem in Shelters

Puppies and kittens who receive early and regular socialization have a higher chance of growing up to be healthy, happy adults. Since many older animals in shelters come from less-than-ideal homes, training and socialization after maturity can be challenging. The issue becomes even more significant if the shelter is understaffed with personnel who can offer early socialization training, especially for younger animals.
Adopting Limits Your Choice of Breed-Specific Characteristics

Some people have particular demands that only certain breeds can fulfill. Breed-specific traits can be vital in selecting a guard dog, hunting buddy, therapy canine, or one with a specific energy level. In such cases, a breeder-acquired pup may be better than a rescue one. A shelter may not always have the dog you want in their stock.
Health Concerns in Shelter Animals

Due to the stressful nature of the shelter environment or a lack of veterinary facilities, some animals who come into the shelter may have undetected health issues. Despite the greatest efforts of shelter staff, some animals may go undiagnosed until after adoption, causing both financial and emotional hardship for the adopting household.
The Challenge of Older Animals

While adopting an older pet can be very fulfilling, it can also come with challenges. Elderly animals may have health difficulties or behaviors that require special attention. Although this is not a reason to altogether refuse adoption, it is essential to be honest about the potential challenges that may arise and to choose whether you are prepared to face them.
Adopting May Present Unpredictability in Size and Behavior

It might be challenging to anticipate a mixed-breed puppy’s mature size, temperament, and activity level when you adopt one from a shelter. Due to this unpredictability, the owner’s lifestyle may not always meet their pet’s demands. In contrast, purchasing a dog with a clear genetic history provides more assurance in these respects.
Shelters Might Not be the Best to Meet Specific Training Goals

Certain breeds are especially suited for tasks like guarding, retrieving, or herding. A purpose-bred dog from a breeder with experience in these fields can be ideal if your training objectives include working duties or agility contests. A shelter is mostly there to house the animals, feed them, treat any ailment they might have, not train them for competitions and therapy.
Adopting Might Force You To Customize Your Lifestyle and Environment

Specific breeds will require varied activity, grooming, and space. A low-energy dog may flourish in a tiny apartment, whereas a high-energy breed may suffer. If you buy a dog that matches your lifestyle, you are okay. You’ll have to adjust when you adopt a breed that doesn’t. Sure, you can select the exact breed, but what if the shelter doesn’t have that?
Breed-Specific Health Concerns

When adopting from a shelter, it can be challenging to know the exact breed mix of a pet, which may lead to unforeseen health issues down the line. Certain breeds are predisposed to specific health problems, and without knowing a pet’s genetic background, owners might be unprepared for potential medical needs. Responsible breeders often conduct health screenings and can provide a breed’s detailed health information.
Limited Availability of Puppies and Kittens

Shelters often have more adult animals than young ones, so shelter options might be limited for families or individuals specifically looking to raise a puppy or kitten from a young age. While adopting an adult pet can be rewarding, some people prefer the experience of bonding with and training a young animal, which may lead them to seek out breeders instead.
Potential for Mismatched Energy Levels

Shelter animals may not always accurately display their true energy levels due to the stress of their environment. A dog that seems calm in a shelter might become highly energetic once settled into a home, potentially leading to a mismatch with the owner’s lifestyle or living situation. Breeders are in a better position to provide more accurate information about a puppy’s expected energy level based on its breed and lineage.
Adopting Outside Your Jurisdiction Presents A few Hurdles

Let’s say you live in California, but during your visit to New Orleans, you meet a pup at a shelter and want to take her home. Despite being noble, it will present some extra work and expenses. You’ll need to cater for the transport, neutering, and vaccination fees. If you are taking a flight, there are additional costs. This is just the tip of the iceberg!
You Can Promote Rescue Efforts in Different Ways

Supporting animal rescue doesn’t mean you have to get a pet. Contributions such as volunteering, offering training services, or even fostering animals may make a big difference. Some people might be better off with these options than adopting because they can still help the cause without caring for a pet full-time.