When deciding to add a new pet to your family, you face a significant choice: adopting a rescue pet or purchasing a pedigree from a breeder. Each option has its own set of advantages and drawbacks, and it’s important to weigh them carefully to make the best decision for your household and lifestyle. Let’s delve into the differences between rescue and pedigree pets, highlighting the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed choice.
The Difference Between Rescue and Pedigree Pets
Rescue pets come from shelters or rescue organisations, often having been abandoned, surrendered, or found as strays. These animals are typically mixed breeds, although purebreds can also be found. Pedigree pets, on the other hand, are bred for specific traits and come from breeders who can provide detailed information about the animal’s lineage and health history. Rescue pets often don’t come with records so for those looking at a specific breed, a pedigree is probably the best option.
Rescue Pets
Pros of Adoption
Adopting a rescue pet comes with numerous benefits:
- Saving Lives: By adopting, you save two lives—the pet you bring home and the one that takes its place in the shelter. This contributes to reducing overpopulation and unnecessary euthanasia.
- Completed Vetting: Most rescue pets come with their veterinary needs addressed, such as microchipping and spaying/neutering. This reduces initial costs and ensures your pet is healthy.
- Pre-Visit Play: You can usually visit and interact with the pet before bringing it home to ensure it’s a good fit.
- Known Personalities: Rescue groups often provide detailed information about a pet’s personality, making it easier to find a good match for your home.
- Training: Many rescue pets are already trained, including being potty-trained, which saves you time and effort.
- Return Policies: Reputable rescue groups will often take back pets if the adoption doesn’t work out, ensuring the animal’s welfare.
- Cost-Effective: Adoption fees are generally much lower than purchasing from a breeder, saving you significant money.
- Emotional Rewards: The love and gratitude from a rescued pet are immense, providing a deep sense of fulfilment.
- Second Chances: Adopting gives animals a chance at a new, happy life, counteracting the tragic statistics of millions of euthanised pets annually.
- Support and Information: Shelters offer extensive support and information on pet care and temperament, often knowing the animals well from their time in the facility.
- Contributing to Animal Welfare: Adoption supports the ethical management of stray animals and the broader welfare system.
- Addressing Overpopulation: Adopting helps reduce the number of homeless pets which is a critical issue, with around 40,000 dogs abandoned annually in Australia.
- Complete Care Packages: Many rescue groups ensure that pets are fully vaccinated, desexed, wormed, and microchipped, all of which are included in the adoption fee.
- Health Benefits: Studies show that owning a pet, especially one you’ve rescued can provide mental and physical health benefits.
- Breaking the Cycle: Adoption plays a crucial role in addressing pet overpopulation by providing homes for animals that might otherwise be left without.
Cons of Adoption
While adopting has many advantages, there are also some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Behavioural Uncertainty: Rescue pets may behave differently at home compared to the shelter. It’s essential to consult with shelter staff to choose a pet that suits your lifestyle.
- Limited Breed Selection: If you have a specific breed in mind, it may not be immediately available for adoption. This might require patience and flexibility.
- Waiting Periods: Shelters often have waiting periods to ensure thoughtful adoption decisions and to allow for reclaiming lost pets. This can delay the process.
- Personal Questions and Paperwork: Adoption requires answering many personal questions and completing various forms, which some may find intrusive.
- Special Needs: Some rescue pets have special needs that require extra care and resources, which you must be prepared to handle.
- Adoption Rejections: Not all adoption applications are successful; you might be rejected if you don’t meet the organisation’s criteria.
Pedigree Pets
Pros of Buying from a Breeder
Choosing a pedigree pet from a reputable breeder also has its benefits:
- Pre-Visit Play: You can visit and interact with the pet before bringing it home to ensure it’s a good fit.
- Detailed Breed Information: Breeders provide extensive information about the breed, helping you understand if it suits your family and home environment.
- Predictability: Pedigree pets have predictable traits, including temperament, behaviour, and health risks, allowing you to choose a pet that matches your preferences.
- Known Lineage: Knowing the pet’s pedigree comes with health clearances and assurances, reducing the risk of unexpected health issues.
- Care Guidance: Breeders offer specific guidance on caring for the breed, making meeting your pet’s needs easier.
Cons of Buying from a Breeder
However, there are also cons to buying from a breeder:
- Puppy Challenges: Pedigree puppies require a lot of work, including training and dealing with typical puppy behaviours like chewing and accidents.
- Training Responsibility: You are fully responsible for training, and untrained puppies can grow into difficult pets.
- High Costs: Pedigree pets are expensive, often costing over $5000, with additional vet bills for necessary health checks.
- Waiting periods: Can often have delay/waiting periods for puppies due to popular demand.
What to Consider When Choosing to Adopt or Buy a New Pet
When deciding between adopting a rescue pet or buying a pedigree from a breeder, several important factors should be considered to ensure the best match for your family and lifestyle. First, assess your lifestyle and household needs. A rescue pet, who may already be trained, might fit better into a busy household or for those seeking an immediate companion. In contrast, a pedigree puppy, while predictable in terms of traits and health risks, requires significant time and effort for training and care, which might be more suitable for families prepared for this level of commitment.
Financial considerations are also crucial. Adoption fees are generally lower and include many initial veterinary costs, making it a more cost-effective option. On the other hand, purchasing from a breeder can be very expensive, with some breeds costing thousands of dollars, in addition to ongoing vet expenses. Reflecting on ethical aspects is important too, as adopting helps address pet overpopulation and supports animal welfare. Lastly, consider the support and resources available, with shelters often providing extensive care information and return policies and breeders offering specific breed guidance. By weighing these factors carefully, you can make an informed, responsible decision that benefits your family and the new pet.
Choosing whether to adopt a rescue pet or purchase a pedigree from a breeder is a significant decision that requires careful thought and consideration. Both options offer unique benefits and come with their own set of responsibilities. By understanding the differences, pros, and cons of each, you can make a decision that best suits your family and ensures a happy, healthy life for your new pet.
