When deciding to adopt a dog, rescuing instead of choosing to buy one from a breeder may actually be more rewarding. If you are in the process of deciding to bring a best friend into your life, here are 5 reasons to adopt a dog from the animal shelter, rather than purchased one from a puppy mill or breeder.

1. When you rescue a dog from a shelter or pound, you save not just one life, but two.

Every year millions of animals are euthanized because there is not enough shelter space for every homeless animal. But when you adopt an animal you save it’s life and give time for another animal in that shelter to get adopted.

2. Pet stores get their puppies from the puppy mills, and they are not always healthy.

Dogs from pet stores are usually from puppy mills that only want to make money, so the puppies are not in the safest conditions and are not guaranteed to be healthy. The mills try to send out as many puppies as they can which often results in inbreeding. Sheltered dogs are given their shots, are neutered, and sometimes even microchipped.

3. Getting a pet from the shelter is a lot cheaper than buying a dog from a breeder.

Adoption costs range from $50 to $200, depending on whether the pet comes from the city shelter or a rescue group that has spent money on boarding, vets and grooming. However, buying a pet from a breeder is usually much more.

4. At the animal shelter, you can choose the dog that’s best for you based on the age, personality, and breed.

Breeders and pet stores usually only sell just puppies, and puppies are often too young to show off their personalities and they are not house trained. This may be challenging for many owners, who may be a better fit for an older dog. At the shelter, if you want an older dog, that is usually an option. You have more of a selection to find the right dog for you.

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