Why is Rescuing a Dog is Better than Buying One?
There are countless reasons to adopt a rescue dog over purchasing one from the breeder. Rescuing is not only the right choice ethically, but it is also far cheaper and more sustainable than buying a breed dog. There are an estimated 100,000 dogs needing a home in the UK at any given time, and dogs in pounds in the UK are only given 7 days to find a space in a rescue shelter before they are put to sleep. And this is not to mention the number of street dogs and dogs in kill shelters abroad. In addition, an estimated 2 million puppies are bred in unethical puppy mills each year, meaning the choice to adopt, not shop, has never been more important.
With dog ownership in the UK being an estimated 10-13 million, there is no reason why together we cannot solve this problem entirely and ensure that every dog has a full stomach, a warm bed, and a loving home. The only way out of this inhumane crisis is together.
The Top 10 Reasons to Rescue
Saves two lives: Adopting a rescue dog helps reduce the number of stray dogs euthanised due to overcrowded shelters, giving a dog a second chance at a happy life. Each dog rescued from a rescue organisation also opens up a space for another dog off the street or from the pound and gives them a chance to find a home. Kill shelters operate around the world, including in the UK, due to the sheer number of animals in need of a home.
Reduces demand for puppy mills: Rescuing a dog helps reduce the demand for puppy mills, which often treat animals poorly to maximize profit. These mills keep dogs in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions with little medical care. By adopting from a shelter or rescue organisation, people weaken the market for puppies from these inhumane breeders, making it harder for them to operate. This can lead to fewer puppy mills and better treatment of animals overall. Often, sellers do not state that they source their puppies from mills, so can be impossible to know for sure that your breed dog was not born in such abusive circumstances. Additionally, adopting supports shelters that care for and protect animals, further helping to combat cruel breeding practices.
Lower initial cost: Rescue dogs do not come with the price tag of pure breed dogs, and for that reason, are also the economic choice when it comes to finding your next companion. Shelters will have already vaccinated all their dogs, reducing this cost and hassle for you. Costs of rescuing a dog from a shelter range from around £300 to £600, which includes the shelter donation, transport, and all vaccines and food to date. This is compared to the multiple thousands of pounds required to purchase a dog from a breeder!
Supports shelters and rescue organisations: Adoption fees, if applicable, directly support animal shelters and rescue organisations, enabling them to continue their essential work and continue to save as many dogs in need as possible. Some rescue organisations do not request adoption fees and just request that you pay for the dog’s care and food to date, allowing them to continue operating.
Mixed-breed dogs are healthier than pure breed ones: Most rescue dogs are mixed-breed dogs, and this is an additional advantage. Mixed breed dogs are often healthier than purebred dogs due to their genetic diversity, which reduces the likelihood of inheriting genetic disorders common in purebreds. This diversity lowers the risk of inbreeding and breed-specific health issues, as mixed breed dogs are less likely to suffer from hereditary conditions due to their varied ancestry. They often exhibit “hybrid vigor,” leading to a more robust immune system and fewer congenital defects. Additionally, mixed breed dogs tend to have balanced traits, avoiding the extremes that can cause health problems in purebreds. As a result, they typically incur lower veterinary costs and have a longer lifespan, benefiting from natural selection where only the fittest dogs reproduce.
Variety of choices: Rescue dogs come in all breeds, ages, and sizes, offering a wide array of options to find the perfect pet for your family. You can choose from puppies to older, trained dogs from many different breeds, including pedigree ones, which offers far more choice than when purchasing from a breeder, where you would normally get the dog at 8 weeks old.
Combats stray dog overpopulation: Rescuing a dog is better than buying one because it helps combat stray dog overpopulation. Shelters are often overcrowded with dogs in need of homes, and by adopting, you provide a loving home to a dog that might otherwise remain homeless. This reduces the number of stray dogs on the streets and decreases the burden on shelters. Additionally, adopting helps prevent further breeding and overpopulation, making a positive impact on the overall stray dog crisis.
Known temperaments and behaviours: Many rescue dogs have been in shelters for years and therefore have known temperaments and behaviours, making it easier to find a pet that fits well with your lifestyle. Are you afraid of behavioural issues, or a lack of knowledge of a dog’s past? Don’t be! Many rescue dogs will have been in the rescue organisation for a long time, meaning that their behaviour is completely known by the organisation, and believe me, the last thing the organisations want to do is to match you up with a dog that does not fit your lifestyle. If the above are concerns, then opt for a puppy that has been in the rescue its whole life, or an older dog that has never had a history of behavioural issues! While it is a shame that there are so many amazing dogs in need of a home, it does mean that there is an abundance of choice for you to find your perfect match. In addition, any dogs will have been tested with cats and children, and will have received varied levels of training. Do you not want to have to get up several times in the night with an 8-week old puppy? Then opt for a slightly older puppy from a rescue that has already been house-trained!
Support and resources from shelters: The adoption process often includes valuable support and resources from the shelter, including “rescue back-up packages,” aiding in a smooth transition for both you and your dog. These provide essential support services and resources to individuals or families who adopt rescue dogs, ensuring a smooth transition for both the dog and the rescuer. These packages typically include an initial health check, ensuring the pet is up-to-date on vaccinations, deworming, and flea treatments, as well as microchipping and sometimes spaying or neutering. They often offer behavioral assessment and support, training sessions, and a starter kit with essential supplies like food, a collar and leash, bedding, and toys. Some packages include a period of free or discounted pet insurance to cover unexpected health issues and provide adoption counselling with ongoing support from the rescue organisation. Follow-up visits ensure your dog is adjusting well, and educational resources offer guidance on dog care, training, and behavior management. Additionally, adopters gain access to a community network of other adopters, support groups, and events organised by the rescue organisation. In addition, many organisations will allow you to return the dog if you find you cannot cope. So if you are feeling overwhelmed by the idea of rescuing, don’t be! There is a lot of support on offer, far more than when bringing home a dog from the breeder.
Rewarding bond: Adopting gives a homeless dog, often born into a desperate situation with poor prospects for the future, a second chance at life, something they will be forever grateful for. The bond formed with a rescue dog can be incredibly strong and fulfilling, and you can always be proud that you did the right thing and literally saved your dog’s life!