Before you make the all-important decision on the type of pet you want to bring into your family, you’ll have to decide whether you’re going to buy from a breeder or adopt from a rescue shelter. No matter if you’re looking to introduce a dog, cat, rabbit, or other furry or scaly friend into your life, the choice between shopping and adopting is a substantial one.
Either way, welcoming a pet into your home can be expensive, so make sure you’ve considered all your options and realistically planned ahead before you start your search.
While buying from a breeder may feel safer and more cost-effective in the long run, you may be surprised. With puppy farming on the rise and kittens often reared in poor conditions, adopting from a rescue or shelter can often be a much better option. But what are the other benefits to adopting?
It will encourage you to get outside
Come rain or shine, a dog will need walking. While it’s amazing when the sun is shining, it’s important to remember that they’ll also need taking out when the weather is not so favourable too. But, if you’re an avid walker or just love being in the outdoors, it will encourage you to keep up with your hobby and get you outside even more!
Heading out on dog walks also has plenty of benefits if you have children – it will teach them the importance of caring for your new addition and encourage them to take on more responsibilities.
They can help to combat loneliness
If you’re single or have a parent who has maybe lost their partner, a furry friend can help to stop us from feeling so alone. Don’t forget, cats make just as good a companion as a dog too. Plus, if you’re looking to go down the adoption route, you can often find a lot of older animals, who may have been given away and are simply looking for someone to love.
Rescue animals, whether they’ve been given up through no fault of their own or not, often have so much love to give and want nothing more than companionship themselves. Why not give them a chance and feel less alone together?
Benefits to your mental health and relieve stress
Whether it’s a cat, dog, rabbit or hamster, a pet has so many benefits for your mental health. Getting out for walks is a great way to relieve stress and digest the events of the day, and why would you not want to take your dog along with you?
According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a dog or puppy may also protect children from anxiety. Results of the test found that, despite all the children having similar BMIs, screen time and physical activity, those with a dog at home had much lower levels of anxiousness.
Adopt, don’t shop
If you’ve decided you’re going to introduce a cat, dog, rabbit or other pet into your home, you may be at a crossroads as to whether or not to adopt or buy from a breeder. Don’t forget that rescue animals will have had full health checks from charities like the RSPCA or Cats Protection and will be happy and healthy enough to come straight into your home.
