Bringing a new furry friend into your life is a decision that comes with a world of excitement and responsibility. The age-old question arises: Should you adopt or shop for a pet? While pet stores offer tempting prospects, there’s something truly special about choosing to adopt a pet from a shelter.
Saving a Life
This might be the biggest reason of all. When you adopt a dog, a cat, a rabbit or any other small animals, you are giving them a fresh start at life. You’ll be providing them with a safe and loving home where they can thrive to become happy and healthy again.
In fact, you’ll be saving not one, but two lives. Whenever an animal is adopted, it also frees up a space in the shelter for another animal’s life to be saved.
Cost-saving
Adopting a pet definitely saves you money as compared to purchasing one. In Singapore, the adoption fee for a dog is estimated to be about $70 - $400 depending on breed and shelter policies, whereas the cost of purchasing a puppy can range between $6,000 - $15,000 depending on the breed.
Furthermore, adoption fees usually cover vaccinations and spaying/neutering procedures, all of which can add up to a significant amount of savings.
Pets at the shelter do not necessarily have behavioural problems or health issues
A common misconception of pets at the shelter is that they have behavioural or health problems. If not, why else would they end up there right?
However, there are other external factors that can land a pet in the shelter. Often, pets are surrendered due to their owners’ inability to care for them anymore. It could be due to financial constraints, or a need for relocation. Some pets have also been handed to local shelters to be cared for because they have been mistreated by previous owners.
Put a stop to unethical breeding
Purchasing a pet at the pet store can be a risk. You can never be certain where the pet was sourced from and if it was ethically bred. Unethical breeders prioritise profits over the welfare of animals, often placing these animals in cruel living conditions which can cause physical and mental distress. When you choose to adopt, you are also choosing to take a stand against these irresponsible breeding practices.
Wide array of choices
Our local shelters are the treasure troves of furry friends, each with a unique background story, personality and charm. You can expect to find pets of all ages, breeds (mixed or even purebred), sizes, temperaments and personalities. With enough patience and research, you can definitely seek out a furry companion that you’ll share an affinity with and one that will perfectly align with your lifestyle.
Gratitude and Bond
Nothing beats the feeling of knowing that you’ve given an animal a new lease of life. Your new furry friend will show immense gratitude for this new chance of happiness that you’ve given them. This will foster a strong bond between you and your new family member!
When it comes to getting a new pet, it is still important to note that extensive research and careful consideration needs to be done. Understand that having a pet is a long-term commitment that will require a lot of time and effort. It is best not to make rash decisions and to take your time in choosing a pet that is best suited for you.
Once you’re ready to add a new furry friend to your family, consider visiting some of our local shelters listed below.
For Dogs:
- Action for Singapore Dogs
- Animal Lovers League
- Voices For Animals
- Mdm Wong’s Shelter and Friends
- OSCAS
For Cats:
- Cat Welfare Society
- Lily Low’s Shelter
- Cats of Marine Terrace
- Kitten Sanctuary Singapore
- Project LUNI
For other small animals:
