Whether to buy a puppy or kitten or to adopt and rehome?

Everyone’s circumstances are different when it comes to expanding the family, and while some prefer to adopt, others will visit a breeder. There’s no right or wrong, if it’s done properly, there’s pros and cons for both. Here are just some to consider before you visit a rescue centre or find a breeder.

Pros of adopting a cat or dog

Help save a life

By adopting a pet, not only are you providing a forever home for a cat or dog in need of one, but there will now be an extra space for another animal to be helped by the shelter. Win, win.

Might work out cheaper

When it comes to adopting a cat or dog, there will be a small fee to pay. This can vary between different centres, but your donation will allow the charity to carry on helping more cats and dogs that are in desperate need of help.

This fee also covers the cost of the care they’ve received at the shelter. Depending on the rescue centre this might include:

• Their vaccinations
• Spaying/Neutering
• Veterinary examination
• Microchip
• Flea and tick treatment
• Worm treatment
• Their collar and lead

Probably already trained

A lot of the older cats and dogs awaiting new homes are usually already trained. They might make some mistakes here and there, but it’ll let you spend more quality time together in the long run.

You’ll know a lot about them

When a cat or dog is at the rescue centre, they assess each animal and will be able to provide you with plenty of information about them. From what support they need, a temperament evaluation, to what type of home they need, and some other important stuff too.

Cons of adopting a cat or dog

You may not know their exact breed

The cats and dogs at the rescue centre are just as smart, capable and beautiful as pets you can buy from a breeder but sometimes you won’t know their breed, especially if they’re a mixed breed.

You won’t get the kitten and puppy stage

If you adopt an older pet, you won’t have been able to enjoy their kitten and puppy stage. Some people might see this as a pro as you get to skip past the house training and constant chewing, but others adore the first few months of a young pet’s life. Some rehoming centres do sometimes need to find homes for kittens and puppies, so don’t exclude rescues from your options completely.

You might be turned down

When you apply to adopt a pet, certain criteria need to be met based on the cat or dog’s needs. If you’re not the right match for the animal, the rescue centre might reject your application as they work to put the pet’s needs first.