Bringing a pet home can add immeasurable joy to our lives. However, misconceptions about pet adoption often deter potential pet parents. Here, we debunk five common myths to provide a clearer understanding and encourage more people to consider adopting their next furry friend.
Myth 1: Adoption is too expensive
Contrary to popular belief, adopting a pet from a shelter is often much more cost-effective than purchasing from a breeder or pet store. Most shelters and rescue organisations provide initial veterinary care, including vaccinations, microchipping, and spay/neuter surgery, included in the adoption fee. Moreover, by adopting, you’re helping to sustain the shelter, allowing them to rescue and rehome more animals.
Myth 2: Shelter pets have too many behavioural issues
The myth that shelter pets are there because of behavior issues is mostly unfounded. Pets end up in shelters for various reasons—changes in the owner’s living situation, allergies, financial difficulties, or the owner simply not having enough time. Many shelter pets are already house-trained and familiar with living in a family setting.
Myth 3: You can’t find purebred pets in shelters
Let’s start with the obvious – animal lovers shouldn’t care about silly details like whether the breed is pure. We’re in this for the love, not for the pedigree certificates, right? Still this is another misconception. Many dogs in shelters are purebreds. There are also breed-specific rescue organizations for almost every breed of dogs, cats, and other pets.
Myth 4: Shelter pets are unhealthy
Shelter pets receive thorough veterinary care when they arrive at the shelter, and most organisations have ongoing health monitoring protocols in place. Adopted pets often leave the shelter with a clean bill of health. Plus, shelter staff will inform you about any ongoing medical needs of the pets.
Myth 5: Pets are only for families or couples
Pets make great companions for everyone—families, couples, and singles alike. In fact, many pets at shelters are looking for their one special human. Regardless of your family size or status, there’s likely a pet that would be a perfect fit for your home.
By dispelling these myths, we hope to encourage more individuals and families to consider pet adoption. The act of adopting not only provides a loving home for a deserving animal, but it also creates space in the shelters for more rescues. So next time you’re thinking about adding a furry friend to your life, consider adoption—you can find more advice and information by calling the Commissioner for Animal Welfare on 79800046.
For other Sunday Circle magazine features about rescue pets, check out Dobby’s forever home, or Jimmy’s rescue, or how cats make great companions.
