By Megan Broome and Nash Gates
A key part in many children’s childhoods is owning and caring for an animal, whether that’s a hamster, a dog, a bird, a turtle, or a cat. Caring for an animal teaches kids responsibility, accountability, but most importantly gives them an unconditionally loving friend. The controversial question, however, is whether to adopt from a shelter or shop from a larger pet store.
It is important to consider that the animals in a shelter have been through traumatic experiences, most often suffering from abuse or neglect. However, the animals in pet stores have come from breeders, which can often be an inhumane cycle, and are forced to live in small glass boxes where they are picked up all day by customers and prodded out by children.
“I think that I made the right decision shopping for my dog, because if I hadn’t I wouldn’t have one of my best friends. We have adopted in the past and have gotten some amazing dogs doing so,” senior Kylee Haynes said. “The conditions of large pet shops are not always ideal, but the same can be said for many shelters. The question of whether to adopt or shop is complicated, but either way you’re giving an animal a loving home and getting a friend.”
Buying from a pet store can be very expensive for the owner, being as it typically costs anywhere from $400 to $4,000. On the other hand, adoption fees from a shelter average from $50 to $500. As a customer you have to make the decision of what is feasible for you because there will be additional long term expenses, such as grooming fees and prolific amounts of food.
When asked his opinion, freshman and cat owner Brady Merrill said, “I personally adopted my cat from a shelter, although I don’t remember what shelter as I was very young when we got her. The cats in a shelter and store both really need a home but I believe there are enough animal lovers for all the animals in the world to have a home,” Merrill said. “I think it is a personal choice whether to adopt or shop, taking into consideration that the animals from a store will likely already be stayed and neutered. If you’re that much of an empath toward animals, the shelter would be the most viable option.”
In conclusion, the choice of whether to adopt or shop really comes down to what you believe is best and has no definite, correct answer. Regardless of how you get your animal though, you’ll be giving them a much needed and deserved home, likely taking them out of a bad situation.
