by Dana L. Brooks

Created on: November 01, 2008   Last Updated: March 28, 2010

The choice of a family pet is a very personal decision, one that should not be entered into lightly. This is a living being who relies on you to give it a happy life for decades. After you have considered factors like your lifestyle, temperament and family structure, it's time to consider adoption vs. purchase from a breeder.

Purchase from a breeder requires the same sort of research that would go into the purchase of a used car. In many cases the money outlay is the same. Contact the national breeders association for the specific breed of dog or cat you want. They can put you in contact with a reputable breeder in your area. If you are scrupulous in your research the purchase of a pet from a breeder can be very rewarding. You get the exact sort of animal you'd like. Bear in mind that there are breed-specific physical or temperament issues and that the purer the breeding the more likely these are to occur in your pet. Dalmatians, for example, are prone to hip dysplasia, and Himalayan cats often have breathing problems.

Adoption from an animal shelter or rescue is much less expensive, and shelters often have purebred animals. There are also breed-specific rescues, like for retired Greyhounds. There are even rescues specifically for parrots, or reptiles, or for more exotic pets such as chinchillas. The incidence of the purebreds' physical quirks is smaller with shelter pets, although some have psychological issues that need to be addressed. As is the case with a purebred, research is necessary to find out what sorts of baggage your new little friend is likely to carry.

Shelter pets are thoroughly screened to see if they get along well with people, but let's face it; some of them were brought in because they chew or spray or scratch the furniture. The shelter personnel want to see the animals go to a "forever" home. They'll tell you what problems they know about if you ask. A breeder may not for fear of losing the sale. You will not have the option of spaying or neutering your pet, though, as it will be done for you at the shelter.

Animals add so much to the quality of our lives. Whether you purchase from a breeder or choose to adopt, research and preparation can get you both started on the path to a beautiful friendship.

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