Adopting vs buying a pet

Success Criteria
Aim
To discuss the arguments for adopting or buying a pet.
To recognise some of the common reasons why animals end up in rescue centres.
To discuss the safe and proper way to adopt or buy a pet.
To debate the pros and cons of either adopting or buying a new pet.

Is It Better to Adopt or Buy a Pet?
How many pets do you think there are in the UK?
In 2020, it was estimated that 12m (41%) UK households had pets. The pet population is approximately 51 million!
It is a difficult decision whether to buy or adopt a pet, and there are pros and cons for both.

Animals In Rescue Centres
All around the UK, there are thousands of animals in rescue centres. Many of these will be rehomed, however, some may never find a forever home and are kept in animal shelters for many years.
Many animals end up in rescue centres every year. What reasons for this can you think of?

Why Do Animals End Up in Rescue Centres?
Unfortunately, many animals end up in rescue centres for a variety of reasons, which can include:
People not considering the needs of a new pet before agreeing to take them into their household.
Some animals not receiving the training they require and then their owners cannot control them.
Some people sometimes discover that they have an allergy to a new pet.

Why Do Animals End Up in Rescue Centres?
People may find they do not have enough time to look after their pet. Some pets are more time-consuming than others, and in reality, new pet owners find that they can’t commit enough time to an animal.
The cost of owning a pet can be too much for some people. A new pet owner needs to consider vets fees, food, toys, bedding, housing, grooming and vaccinations.

Why Do Animals End Up in Rescue Centres?
Lifestyle changes sometimes occur in people's lives that alter their circumstances. For example, an owner becomes ill or elderly and can no longer look after their pet.
Moving house sometimes means that an owner cannot take their pet with them. Maybe, pets are not allowed in their new home or it is too small to house their pet comfortably.

Why Do Animals End Up in Rescue Centres?
Unfortunately, in some cases, pets are intentionally badly treated. These owners may have their pets taken away from them and can be prosecuted
by law. This might include both physical or emotional cruelty, and often, animals this
has happened to suffer even after the
cruelty is stopped. They may become very
nervous or even aggressive due to being
treated badly.
Sadly, some pets are never rehomed and in some cases, they may have to be put to sleep.

Adopting a Pet
Sometimes, people worry about adopting a pet from a rescue centre.
Some people may be worried or nervous about adopting a dog from a rescue centre. What reasons can you think of for this?
The pet might be aggressive.
They might be unwell.
The pet might be nervous or unsociable.
They may have behavioural issues.

What Are the Pros of Adopting a Pet?
Discuss this question with your partner. What can you come up with?
The staff at the rescue centre can tell you all about the animal’s personality and needs, so you can decide whether they are the right pet for you. You should still speak to a vet about the pet you are adopting, to make sure you are fully informed.
You are saving two lives – the pet
you adopt, and by adopting, you open
up a space for another pet who needs to be in a rescue centre looking for a
new home.

What Are the Pros of Adopting a Pet?
At most rescue centres, the staff will make sure animals have all the injections they need and they will be checked over by a vet.
Some rescue groups may take the pet back if they are not
the right match once you get them home. Even though this
is not ideal, the rescue centres want what is best for the
animals and their new owners.
The love and thanks you receive from an
adopted pet can be amazing as many of the
animals are not used to living in a happy, safe home.
Some animals, such as horses, might be
rehomed under supervision for a while, to
make sure they have the right home.

What Are the Cons of Adopting a Pet?
Discuss this question with your partner. What can you come up with?
If an animal has been badly treated, they might be
nervous around people or other animals. It might take
them a while to get used to a new home and family.
How might you be able to help a rescue pet get
used to their new environment?
Spend time with them, letting them get used to you.
Be patient.
Don't leave them alone for too long if they are a pet who needs company.
Get advice from a vet or other professional.
If they need a quiet place, find somewhere comfortable for them.

What Are the Cons of Adopting a Pet?
If a pet has been ill or in difficult circumstances, they may need more of your time and may need to visit the vets more often. This could cost
more money.
They may have specific needs or behaviours, for example, a dog may need to stay on a lead when out for walks due to potentially running off or being scared of other dogs. It is really important you learn all about your adopted pet from the rescue centre staff before you take them home.

Buying a Pet
When buying a pet, it is really important that you buy from the correct place so that you know the
animals have been properly cared for.
Buy your pet from a place that looks after the animals in their care properly and one that uses responsible breeders.
You should make sure you see the pet
and get all their documentation
from the breeder, such as
information about the parents of
the pet and their health history.

Buying a Pet
In some cases, breeders will also offer some form of guarantee to take an animal back if not suitable. Unfortunately, the same cannot always be said for new pets sold in pet shops.
Buying from unknown places or online means you do not know how the animals and their parents have been cared for.
The RSPCA suggest that a good breeder will spend time talking to you about the pet you want to buy. They will let you visit the pet and see them in their environment. They will also know about any genetic issues an animal might have.

What Are the Pros of Buying a Pet?
In most cases, you will be able to see your pet's
parents and see the environment they were raised in.
A responsible and reputable breeder will
provide genetic health testing to look for
any genetic health problems which may occur.
You know exactly what you are getting in terms of breed and type of pet - make sure you find the right pet for your family, by researching their needs and lifestyle to make sure that this fits with you.
This means you can give them the best
home possible.

What Are the Cons of Buying a Pet?
There are thousands of pets in rescue
centres, who need re-homing, so why go
out and buy a pet?
Pets from breeders or pet shops
will cost more than a rescue pet.
If you a buy a pet, you are responsible for
making sure that they are microchipped. At a
rescue centre, they make sure animals have all
been microchipped prior to adoption.

Debate 1
Your teacher is going to tell you which side of the following debate you are on. You need to decide what your main points will be and write down arguments to support your opinions.
It is better to buy a pet from a reputable breeder than to adopt a pet from a rescue centre.

Debate 2
Your teacher is going to tell you which side of the following debate you are on. You need to decide what your main points will be and write down arguments to support your opinions.
It is irresponsible to buy a pet that has been mistreated because they will always have behavioural problems.

Debate 3
Your teacher is going to tell you which side of the following debate you are on. You need to decide what your main points will be and write down arguments to support your opinions.
People who are finding it hard to look after a pet should give them up.

Useful Websites
There are many websites that offer advice about adopting and buying pets and the right pet for you and your family. It is really important to get as much advice from professionals as possible and to make sure you can commit to looking after the pet you decide to get.
www.rspca.org.uk
www.bluecross.org.uk
www.pdsa.org.uk
www.redwings.org.uk