Before we go any further, I am team adopt all the way. However, like with anything else, things aren’t always that clear-cut, and challenges and obstacles affect the argument for or against adoption. Don’t shop when it comes to bringing a dog into your home. Or any pet, for that matter.

Much like the raging debate over bottle vs. breastfeeding, the cries against buying puppies from breeders have intensified to the point where seemingly all breeders are villainized and tarred with the same brush.

Since covid and the rush for puppies, there is no denying that unscrupulous backyard breeders have popped up all over the country, and the recent panorama expose shows just how bad the situation really is. And while these people are abusing dogs purely for monetary gain, what happens to the discarded pups, the ones no one wants as they’re not fashionable enough or too old to be bred anymore?

They go to shelters, animal rescues, and the like and begin their search for a new, hopefully, more living home. But with animal rescues bursting at the seams – I follow many on Instagram, and Many Tears Rescue, for example, sees what looks like hundreds of new dogs coming through the doors each week; how do we choose between buying a puppy and adopting a dog from a rescue?

Can You Adopt?

But as I mentioned earlier, despite being team adopt, the mantra adopt, don’t shop isn’t suitable for everyone. Why, you ask? Many of the dogs in rescues are simply unable to be homed in the vast majority of families. These dogs may have come from breeders, both reputable or backyard; they may not be from a loving home and suffer from trauma stemming from past abuse or be a product of bad breeding leading to complex issues.

You see, and many people will concur, animal charities have stringent rules and processes and are very (rightly so) strict regarding who they will and won’t adopt to. This is for the benefit of the animals in question and to ensure they go to suitable homes, their forever homes, and are safe and loved for the rest of their lives. They also need to ensure that the whole family can live together, especially in the face of rising dog attacks in the UK and so many people sadly losing their lives.

This comes with restrictions that you may or not agree with but are in place for the safety of everyone involved. Some dogs can’t be homed with young children. Some need to be only pets; some have extreme health conditions, and so on and so on.

If you live in a small flat with no outside space, you are automatically eliminated from being able to adopt certain dogs. And if you are a parent with a young family, chances are you will be screened out for having children under a certain age. The rules go on and on. So where does that leave them? When people are shoving the “adopt, don’t shop” mantra into people’s faces?

Not Everyone Can Adopt, Not Shop

The reality is not everyone is in a position to be able to adopt. And maybe an older dog isn’t suitable for them? Allergies can also play a part. And not everyone who chooses to bring a puppy onto their home should be shamed or vilified for their choices. Should a puppy miss out on a loving home simply because the potential new owner feels terrible about not adopting? Absolutely not. But should a senior dog not be adopted because people have misconceptions about animal rescues and are disheartened about the process? Again no.

So where does that leave people? It’s a grey area for sure, and as someone who did indeed adopt, not shop, I feel like I should be advocating for those dogs in shelters who need to find a home, especially with the pressure on these charities to keep taking new dogs in but that’s a topic for a different post.

Adopt Don’t Shop, If You Can

My stance? If you can adopt, please do. It’s as simple as that. I 100% am converted that bringing a pet into your home is a positive thing regardless of how they arrive. But if you can and meet the criteria, please consider adopting over buying a new puppy. Don’t discount older, more seasoned dogs who may need a little bit more time and love. I promise you; they are 100% worth it!