Adopt don’t shop

By: Alexis Mitchell
Twitter: @alexismitch14
Email: mitchella2@findlay.edu

The saying “adopt don’t shop” is used a lot, but not many people know exactly what it means. Adopt Don’t Shop refers not to “shopping” for a pet, but adopting one from your local shelter. An example of shopping for a pet is buying a puppy from a breeder, puppy mill, or even shopping online.
Even though it can seem harmless, a lot of times these animals are being pushed into overbreeding. According to ASCPA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), 34% of dogs are purchased from a breeder and 21% are adopted from an animal shelter.
Kaitlynn Babb, a Junior at the University of Findlay is part of that 21%. This past year her family adopted their dog, Prop, from an animal shelter. She says it was the best decision they ever made.
“We really got lucky with Prop,” says Babb, “He is such a good boy and fits in really well with our family.”
It is easy to get caught up in the idea of a brand-new puppy or cat. However, there are millions of animals waiting to be put in a loving home. ASCPA reports that 6 million animals enter shelters nationwide every year.
“I’m glad that we made the choice to adopt a dog instead of shop because that’s one more dog out of a shelter and into a stable and loving environment,” says Babb, “every animal deserves that”.
If you are looking to adopt or volunteer at a local shelter, the Humane Society of Hancock County is always looking for future pet owners and volunteers. The Humane Society is also passionate about adopt don’t shop.
“To give an animal a chance to have a loving home again is I think one of the most wonderful things you can do,” says Paula Krugh, Director of Operations for the Hancock County Humane Society and SPCA of Hancock County.
Krugh also explains that a lot of their animals come in poorly treated or terrified; sometimes just dropped off at the Humane Society without any warning.
“We always check before we let the dogs out into the play yard,” says Krugh, “Because we never know what has been dropped over the fence”.
Krugh expresses that it’s not a bad thing to purchase your pet from a breeder, but it’s all about doing your research to make sure you are getting your pet from a reputable breeder.
If you are interested in adopting or volunteering your time visit http://www.hancockhumanesociety.com, or visit their Facebook page.