January 11, 2024 By Celeste Goodhope There are several reasons to adopt instead of buying a dog.  1. You’re Saving a Life - while no-kill shelters are becoming more common, there are still many shelters that euthanize animals if they don’t get adopted in a set period of time.  2. Medical Care - before animals are put up for adoption they are often given a physical by a vet and medical issues are addressed, vaccinations are given, and the animal is spayed or neutered. These costs are often covered prior to adoption which saves you the cost.  3. Population Control - Because dogs are fixed prior to being adopted there is zero risk of accidental or intentional pregnancy which helps to control the population of unwanted animals. 4. Supporting Animal Related Community Initiatives - Many shelters and rescues have community initiatives to prevent animal cruelty, provide education, training, stray animal housing, being a safe haven for lost animals until their family is found, providing a place for animals to be surrendered if their families can no longer keep them, and (NTR) neuter-trap-return projects. NTR programs are more specifically geared towards stray cats that are feral who would not do well a domesticated cat. Shelters will trap them, spay/neuter them and then return them to the community. These initiatives help prevent stray and feral cats from adding to overpopulation by breeding. Some shelters set up community feeding stations that provide food, water and shelter for these cats to be safe and warm in winter.  5. Cost - the cost of adoption is much more economical than buying from a breeder. 6. Adoption Doesn’t Support Breeders - while there are many great and reputable breeders there are also puppy mills that can be inhumane and may lead to unhealthy and/or unsafe dogs. Breeders also contribute to overpopulation whether they are a reputable breeder or not.  In another article, I will talk about the option of adopting an older dog which is a topic that is very near and dear to my heart. Please stay tuned for this article and when you read it please have your kleenex box ready.  Miley also supports adopting dogs as she was adopted from the BCSPCA.