Do you think shelter animals get a bad rep?

Question

Do you feel that people are more or less likely to adopt animals from shelters or from a petstore?

Are shelter animals stereotyped against? Why or why not?

I'm just curious as to what people's opinons are on this.

Answer 1

I think it depends on a person's education on the matter. I will only adopt my animals from a shelter because I know so many animals need homes, and I know these are not bad animals, they just didn't fit perfectly in their first home, or they ended up with an irrisponsible person who didn't research the animal before they got it. And I would never buy an animal from a pet store because I know it is likely to come from a puppy mill. But I know people who think the other way around.

I know people who would not get an animal from a shelter because in their minds these are 'rejects' that someone already threw out, why would they want them. Also because shelter animals are not always clean. I used to volunteer at an animal shelter, and I would take my mom in to see the animals, she never liked the animals that were dirty or matted, even if they would be the most beautiful animal after getting groomed. But a puppy at the pet store that is perfectly clean in this cute little setting would catch her eye. Even though this puppy might have health problems later due to in breeding.

So I think you are correct when it comes to people who don't really know any better. But I think there are also a lot of people whose hearts go out to the abandoned animals, and know that these often make the best pets.

Answer 2

Esther, I am a dachshund freak. I purchased my first, Hero from a pet store. My second again from a Pet Store where he had been way too long, Sammy, My third was thrown out in my yard by ???? - I named her Molly. I loved her dearly, but she was a handful and I understood why some would have pitched her out the door. I lost her to a big dog's bite. I thought my heart would break. I went to Petfinder.com and put in dachshund and found a rescue in my area and drove 3 hours to get my current baby, Lil Bit, He is now 5 years old and I have really had to work with him. I was his 5th owner and he was just a little over a year when I got him. Shelter animals have a lot to overcome. They have lost their families and usually dont have a clue why, everything they ever knew just disappeared because of something they didnt even know was wrong--like not being housebroken. I have known shelter dogs and breeder pups. For the rest of my life I have decided to only adopt rescue animals. They come to you neutered, with all shots up to date and vet checked. The cost is minimal compared to purchase of a puppy and all the expenses involved. Most rescues will work on house training and other problems. Anyone interested in whatever breed of dog or cat should go to Petfinder.com and you will be amazed at all the homeless purebred animals awaiting a good home. Rescues charge a minimal fee to adopt, I paid $225 -- this dog as a pup from a breeder would have been a minimum of 800 to l,200. He is a tiny minature dachshund and is a joy. Good Luck -k-

Answer 3

Have you ever worked in an animal shelter. All is not as is seems. People do not seem to care one bit about where the animal is from, they just want an animal. If I stopped taking in the stray animals in the neighbourhood, I certainly would take an (mostly) unwanted animal from an animal shelter rather than a petsore. Petstore animals are still taking in breeders 2nd's. You pay lots of cash for these animals and you don't get papers, the reason is they are second best.

Answer 4

I think people tend to be more likely to adopt petstore pets, which in my opinion is a bad choice. Pet store pets are often ill and have fleas and such. Shelter pets often get stereotyped against, but some people have a soft spot for them and they can all be good pets, they just need to be given some love. I've always gotten my pets from breeders, but if I were given the choice between a petstore pet and a shelter animal I would choose the shelter animal in a second.

Answer 5

Actually I have found that most pet store animals are usually in not as good shape as shelter animals alot of the time. Most of the time shelters are volunteer and the people there really care about the animals and arent just trying to make money.

Answer 6

I think shelter dogs get a bad wrap because people are afraid that the dog was given up because it had some behaviour problem, or a health problem, maybe bit someone... People tend to want to start out with a puppy and train it themselves, rather than take on what they think might be someone else's problem. Turns out tho that lots of people that want a puppy to train themselves, don't actually do any training and their dog turns into a spoiled brat. They would have been better off with the shelter dog that had basic manners.

Answer 7

I have only and will only adopt my babies from shelters. I admit, one of the dogs I have now needs a serious dose of doggy ritalin. But other than that they have been both so wonderful and sweet that I wouldnt give them up for anything on this planet. I just cant imagine paying for a pet when there are so many out there that would love nothing more than your love and affection.

Answer 8

Actually, most of the time people go to animal shelters to adopt.
...and its really the opposite, pet stores get the bad reputation for selling usually sick and puppy mill kittens/puppies.

Answer 9

I love shelter pets because they always seem to be so much more thankful for the home they get and they are usually a lot more nice!

Answer 10

No , they are just pets that someone had to give up and need a new home ! there are alot of wonderful pets in a shelter !