Millions of strays

Dogs and cats around the world are homeless, we see them in our shelters, streets, and neighborhoods. They are everywhere.

In the United States there are an estimated 70 million homeless cats and dogs that are hungry and alone. Many fight for their lives to survive through the blistering cold and heat. Fighting for every meal and for a minute of safety.

Unfortunately, many humans would rather buy them instead of rescue them. Which involves buying from backyard breeders and puppy mills to have a desired breed, instead of saving a life. 

Ethical standpoint  

For a very long time humans have desired and bred certain traits and breeds of dogs and cats since they usually prefer them young and purebred. The rest end up dumped at shelters, euthanasia clinics and occasionally the streets. 

Breeders make money off of forcibly breeding animals in what are usually poor conditions. They are prioritizing the constant flow of puppies and kittens rather than the welfare of the animals. 

Adopting gives animals a second chance at life as many strays have been abused and abandoned or have just come off the streets. Rather than buying from breeders and pet shops that keep animals in terrible conditions you can save a life rather than bring another one into the world. It’s the best way for animals to receive all the love they deserve. 

6.5 million dogs and cats have entered  U.S. shelters in 2023, with nearly 700,000 euthanized. The Humane Society of the U.S. estimates at least 10,000 puppy mills are located only here in the U.S. 

These statistics show that the only way to minimize the deaths of domesticated pets on the street and kill shelters, is to adopt.  

Personal benefits 

Adopting from a shelter is significantly cheaper than buying from a breeder. Adoption fees are not only cheaper, but they usually include initial vaccines, spay/neuter services, and microschipping. All of those initial costs go for more than $500. Backyard breeders and puppy mills very rarely vaccinate or spay/neuter the animals.

Alongside strays, pets are surrendered at shelters as well. Many of those pets have been previously owned and trained. Adopting a pet who could have been surrendered means there’s a high chance they may have already been trained, saving lots of time and money. A much better alternative than buying a puppy or kitten with little to no training whatsoever. 

Although adopting is the more humane choice, it’s important to understand that many people buy pets for different reasons. It is not just for aesthetic purposes. Some individuals have specific allergies to certain coat types and buying a specific breed can prevent any health issues. Another reason people would rather adopt from a breeder is because it is easier to select breeds of certain activity levels, size, and grooming. Dog and cat breeds all vary and to many individuals it may be necessary to select a certain type of breed for their lifestyle. 

Backyard breeder abuse

To adopt and not shop means not just to save a life, but it also means taking money away from Backyard breeders. Puppy mills and backyard breeders are harmful because they prioritize profit over animal welfare leading to cruel, unsanitary conditions, overbreeding, lack of veterinary care, and inadequate socialization. This results in severe physical health issues (like parasites, infections, genetic defects) and behavioral problems (fear, aggression), perpetuating cycles of suffering and contributing to pet overpopulation. 

Backyard breeders are often inexperienced and they don’t understand genetics, health screening, or proper care, this as previously mentioned leads back to unhealthy puppies and kittens. They add to the shelter crisis by overproducing puppies without ensuring good homes, especially in contribution to the cycle of unsterilized animals.

Shelter care

The shelter’s goal is to find loving homes, not to mass-produce animals for profit. Animals receive adequate veterinary care to improve their health and make the chance of them being adopted even higher. 

Organizations

Known on social media for specializing in fostering and adoption, Dawgs Fight Back Inc. is an organization based in New Hampshire that prioritizes care for dogs, and opportunities for individuals to volunteer and understand the importance of adoption. Dawgs Fight Back Inc. is a non-profit organization that has successfully rescued dogs in need across the country since its founding in 2017. Dawgs Fight Back Inc. continuously helps dogs find their forever homes, and protects them from all forms of cruelty.