by Dee Shaffer

Created on: November 02, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

So now there is consensus in the family to adopt a new pet. Should you adopt from the local shelter or go through a breeder? At face value, it's a difficult choice, but it's really a no-brainer if you break it down just a little.

Of course breeders generally have multiple selections of purebred animals, which make it a tempting route to go. However, chances are that your local animal shelter has a purebred because sadly, many puppy mills get raided and the seized animals are then taken to shelters for care. Call or visit your shelter first if looking for a purebred. If they don't have one, ask to be called when they take in the breed you are looking for.

If you adopt from a breeder, know up front that you will walk out with a new pet after having spent the equivalent of two car payments. Adopting from your local shelter will cost you a little to cover veterinary expenses and provide a much needed donation for their non-profit efforts. However, the fees will pale in comparison to what you would generally spend at a breeder.

Perhaps now is the time to think about the overpopulation. Maybe you have been desensitized to all the "spay and neuter your pet" hype you have heard over the years; however, the real stories behind this problem come in the form of animal abuse, abandonment, and cruelty. When there are too many animals, the sad consequence is that many don't get proper care and suffer as a result. Animal shelters are there to provide temporary refuge and protection for these unwanted animals. Adopting from a shelter reduces the problem of overpopulation. Adopting from breeders contributes to it.

Finally, if behavior problems from a shelter animal scare you off, it might be wise to reconsider this perception as well. Animals that come from breeders are generally less socialized and many bear the scars of emotional neglect, or worse. Although your local animal shelter may not have an abundance of staff, chances are they have plenty of volunteers to play with and care for the animals. This, in turn, diminishes those naughty tendencies that you fear.

Now take your family to the animal shelter and start looking for your new pet. Your personal rewards will be endless and you will be supporting an essential service to all animals in your community.

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