Does the Source of the Pet Truly Matter?

One of the first questions a potential pet owner must consider is where they plan to adopt or purchase an animal—oftentimes a deceivingly simple question that lacks a correct answer. From animal breeders to puppy mills, pets can be sourced from a variety of locations. Most pet owners will say that there is no right source to adopt an animal from, but consequences regarding health and behavior can be associated with different sources.

Animal breeders generally consist of some of the most reputable sources for adoptable pets, most commonly dogs and cats. What makes someone a breeder is the controlled reproduction of a certain breed or species of animals to produce healthy offspring for sale. The options are not limited to cats and dogs—fish, snakes, birds, and rodents are quite commonly seen in the community. Most citizens have come across the page for dogs and cats up for adoption from breeders in their local newspapers, a method as to how breeders advertise their pets, but the internet offers an abundance of local options for the more exotic species.

While it is frequently safe to assume that breeding practices meet standards, it is important to verify that they have a reputable history is important. A good sign is if the breeder has registered with the American Kennel Club where they are expected to follow regulations established by the AKC, such as watching for health issues, temperament, genetic screening, and placing their animals in responsible homes. The benefits of breeders are that owners who do adopt from AKC registered breeders can rest assured that their dog will meet basic health expectations. They also get a glimpse as to how the animal they adopt will behave as it ages, since most breeders allow potential adoptees meet the parent pets, and understand the genetic lineage. According to the AKC, “breeding dogs must be done responsibly and with the purpose of preserving the breed’s characteristics.” Maintaining breeding standards not only serve to produce healthy results, but also keep a certain breed’s genetic lineage as preserved as possible. Any mixing with other breeds will create unwanted mixed breeds, according to the Humane Society of the United States.

Comparatively, shelters do not offer the same benefits as breeders. Unlike breeders, their lineage is virtually unknown and many are mixed breeds with the exact genetic makeup of breeds often uncertain, as well. Similarly, the behavior and temperament of the animal in the future would be difficult to predict.

However, shelters offer other advantages in adoption and the pet industry. Local shelters fight the overwhelming population of dogs and cats in the United States. The local Animal Humane Society shelters located in Minnesota states that “every animal adopted from AHS is sterilized, the only permanent and most effective way to stop unwanted animals from being born.” Thus, inhumane sources, such as puppy mills or irresponsible breeders, go unsupported. “These factory-like facilities will continue to operate until people stop supporting them. Choosing to adopt makes the world a more humane place for animals,” claims the AHS on their website.

The Animal Humane Society does support reputable breeders and the responsible breeding of companion animals. Since poor breeding facilities do exist, the Animal Humane Society encourages those looking to adopt to exercise caution when purchasing animals from breeders and to “diligently research potential breeders to ensure they’re not supporting inhumane and inadequate breeding practices,” says the AHS on their position of breeding and companion animals on their website. Though shelters may contribute more to the general welfare of pets in the United States, it all comes down to the preference of the potential owners where to adopt their animal.

Whether a shelter or a breeder is one’s choice for adoption, puppy mills are considered the poorest options. Not only do they breed dogs in large, uncontrolled quantities without genetic screening or veterinary check ups, they exhibit inhumane practices and further cause the population of unwanted dogs to rise. However, almost all states have regulations enacted to prevent puppy mills and inhumane treatment of pets, though many exist undercover. Organizations such as the Humane Society of the United States and the American Kennel Club advise against adopting at pet shops because most pet stores source their puppies from mills, not breeders. The Humane Society of the United States says that “truly responsible breeders do not sell their puppies to pet stores, they want to meet their puppy buyers in person and do not sell their puppies to the first person who shows up with cash in hand.”

Whether a family decides to adopt an animal from a shelter or a breeder, the long-term effects of the source of the animal do not seem to affect the overall happiness of the pet. The main responsibility of the owners, as many organizations claim, is to adopt from responsible and reputable sources that indicate a healthy breeding or adoption program. Pets remain an integral component of millions of American families and the source of the animal fails to define the future joy it brings home.