why do people spend so much money on a pet? when their are so many homeless that need a caring home?

Question

realy shouldent we consider adopting first?

Answer 1

A lot of it has to do with preconcieved notions. Some people believe that a purebred dog is the only way to go, and they'll pay top dollar for show quality. Unfortunately, sometimes they'll pay top quality for what they THINK is show quality but really isn't.

Some people really want to newer poodle mixes. They think they are hypoallergenic, require less care, and are smarter than other dogs (granted, poodles are pretty smart). They'll pay top dollar for a poodle mutt because they think its a dream dog.

Some people think that all shelter dogs were abused and came from bad homes (usually true) and they suffer a host of physical, mental, and behavioral problems (sometimes true). They'd rather not spend the time rehabillitating the dog, so they don't bother with shelters.

And some breeders charge top dollar for a dog that they advertise will be fully trained. They think that a 10 week old puppy will be fully trained to obey their new master's commands the second they get the dog. A friend of mine paid $2,000 for a purebred yellow lab that was "fully trained." Its housebroken, but that's about it. And it eats the walls. Seriously.

But yes, I agree that we should consider adopting first, unless you plan to show your dog. Then, you have to go purebred.

Answer 2

I isn't at all that simple. My last two dogs were adopted, but it took a lot of searching on the net and local shelters and rescues for them. About three months full time. I don't know if I would do that again, as you have to basically plead your case for every single animal as to why you would be a good sponsor. You hope and hope and most people never even return your messages and calls, or respond to your applications, so you are inquiring about two to four dozen animals at once and that whole situation is rediculous. But after three months I had two dogs that are six and nine years old already.

Shelters not only screen you to the bone, but then if they were to pick you, it might be expensive. They also are not honest about what they have available. So a sweet corgi ends up being a tempermental mixed breed that is not good with kids or other dogs and has special needs as well, and looks like a hyena mixed with toy poodle, that needs five star accomodations and is a liability. The emergency going to die rabbit or animal that needs a home, you cannot even adopt by paying more for there than at a store, because your home won't be good enough for it. I probably will anyway, but I don't plan on ever going to a shelter again.

At a breeder, you get what you are looking for and it still takes you a while to find one with the animals you like, but it is worth it. Once you find a good breeder, you get on the list and wait for something available, young or otherwise. They screen you as well, but not like at the shelter like you are a criminal. It costs a lot more, but it is worth it just in the time you save. You end up with a corgi pup that will live a full life, not a pitbull poodle mix within its last years.

And then once you have an animal you spend money to keep it healthy as best you can. Big bucks sometimes, but whatever it takes as long as the treatment may work.

Answer 3

All my pets are rescues and I still spend plenty. Between premium quality food and regular vet care for 5 animals it adds up. I do agree with adopt a pet. What many people don't realize is roughly 25% of shelter dogs are purebred. Also mutts tend to have less health problems.

Answer 4

Because pets can be potty trained..=)

Just kidding. Homeless people are homeless for a reason. They have the ability to change their situation if they want regardless of what you or anybody else says. There are many homeless people (including some members of this site) who were able to overcome their situation.

So you ask why people spend so much money on a pet.. Well then I ask you: Why do you spend so much of your money on anything materialistic? If you spent just enough money to sustain yourself, what would you do with the extra money? Would you go out and buy a new car with it so you would not have to walk to work? Would you donate it to the first homeless person you met?

There are many charities that can make good use of your money. Examine your own spending habits before you ask us to examine ours. =)

edit..omg lol you meant homeless pets! I thought you were referring to homeless people! Sorry! I've never purchased a pet in my life; I totally agree with taking care of a stray if you can or adopting one from animal control.

Answer 5

I agree with you, because I've heard of these outrageous "spa" prices for dogs, and some other luxuries that pets don't really need. Indeed, pets are valuable to a family, but when faced with the question of feeding homeless people for a week over pampering pets, the most philanthropic decision would be taking care of a human being, not throwing away dollars for unnecessary items.

Answer 6

well it depends because some dogs that u adopt are scared and freaked out I mean some ppl want a animal that wont b frightened went hey try to play with it or touch it but I mean I'm all for adopting that all I have I got muh dog from the side of the interstate and muh cat from under a bench

Answer 7

easy shelters and human society and pounds change so much for pets now days and there so strict and have all these rules and stuff it becomes so much hassle ppl don't wanna mess with it

like hear to get adopt a dog is 800 dollars and up you have to own your own place they can come to your place whenever they feel like it ppl just don't want all that say you and your family and friends are having dinner then they show up to see the dog that's not a good time and is also rude so buying or getting a dog from a person is easier so you don't have all that hassle

Answer 8

I think that it is just an ego thing with some people. They might feel that the more they spend on an animal the better the animal. Over the years I've found that the regular mixed breed dogs can just be as wonderful and loving as the purebred. Sometimes even more so.

Answer 9

I ask myself that same question a lot. I have three rescue/shelter dogs and volunteer at the local shelter. You couldn't ask for better pets. Those purebred dogs have been inbred so much they're physco! I think that shelter dogs have had it rough and they really appreciate a good home.

Answer 10

I would like to know this myself, I took in a stray, poor thing was scraggly, and not the best site, but i got her fed, cleaned, fixed up, and she was beautiful.. Most people are just to damn dumb, and plus isnt today about who can spend the most money.. pitiful