Dog breeders are not all good. The conditions in which these dogs are raised are more often than not abysmal. There is a only a small portion of the breeder population that is genuinely passionate about breeding healthy dogs while giving them a loving home. 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized every year.
Even though caring breeders exist, chances are very slim that you’ll find one. Even breeders who have had a certified inspection by the American Kennel Club cannot promise humane practices.
In addition to the problem of animal cruelty, one thing that many people don’t think about is pet overpopulation. Approximately 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters in the U.S. every year according to the ASPCA. That’s almost as many dogs as people who live in LA. Only half each year are adopted, leaving 1.8 million dogs in shelters to either spend another year in the shelter or to be euthanized. A third of dog-owners bought their pup from a breeder, but if they all chose to adopt from a shelter instead, it could decrease the number of dogs in shelters by 34%.
Having a life depend on you is a huge responsibility — one that you have to make sure that you’re ready for. It’s true that often times, shelter dogs can be unhealthier and more erratically behaved than a dog from a responsible breeder who knows the dog’s bloodline and can predict behavioral and health issues. But even then, there is no guarantee how a dog will end up, and a common mistake that new dog-owners make is adopting a dog under the impression that they will be perfect forever. Dogs are breathing beings, and they need the same care as a child does. And if you can’t handle that responsibility, getting a dog may not be the best option for you in the first place.
After all, purebred dogs do not exist solely within the walls of breeding environments. If you’re looking for a specific type of dog, about a fourth of dogs in shelters are purebred. That’s over 800,000 purebred pups in need of a forever home.
When you adopt a dog, you save their life, and you also open up a new shelter space for another homeless dog.
If you have any questions, or want to bring your new puppy in to see us for all of the shots and check up, please come on in to Parkgate Animal Hospital! We’re located in the Deep Cove/Seymour area of North Vancouver, BC, and you can reach us by phone at 604-929-1863.
