Animal Shelter Research Paper

When adopting a domestic animal, the decision of whether to adopt or buy a pet often comes up. Many people want to feel as if they have saved a life when getting a pet. Others want to fight against the puppy mills and pet stores that are spread across the country. Breaking the cycle of pet overpopulation is another concern for some. One of the greatest factors that come up when wanting to acquire an animal is the price. After looking at the aspects of each side, it is obvious which the clear choice is. Adopting a pet from an animal shelter can save the lives of many while being cost effective. Adopting from an animal shelter saves lives in different ways. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that four million pets lose their homes each year. Out of the four million, 2.7 million animals are euthanized in shelters across the country. Others end up spending the majority of their time in cages, which is not considered a great life. When adopting a pet, you end up saving the life of that animal. This in return frees up space for another animal in need to find a home through adoption, saving their life as well. Along with saving an animal, many people feel a sense of pride or accomplishment after adopting. …show more content…
The ASPCA defines puppy mills as an establishment that breeds puppies for sale, typically on an intensive basis, with conditions that are regarded as inhumane. The profit is given priority over well-being of the dogs. Dogs that are sold in pet stores generally come from puppy mills. Although this does not have an effect on other animals, puppy mills cause many to choose adoption as a form of protest. With money being more important to those who run puppy mills, adopting a shelter animal is also a way of ensuring that the pet you are getting is