The Adoption Option: A Great Way to Find a Friend for Life
Congratulations! You've made up your mind to include a companion animal in your life. Or perhaps you've decided to add another pet to the fold. Either way, you now have another choice to make: Where will you get your new friend?
There are several options, each with its own pros and cons. The Shelter advocates adopting a companion animal from an animal shelter for many good reasons. But don't just take our word for it. Compare the choices yourself. The chart that follows breaks down the choices and points out some of the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you have further questions about the adoption option after you've read through the chart, stop by the Shelter or give us a call at (319) 356-5295. We'll be happy to help you in any way we can.
Sources of Adoptable Pets and Issues/Costs Involved
| Pet Store | Breeder | Ads & Give-Aways | Animal Shelter | |
| How much is the animal likely to cost? | moderate for mixed breeds to high for purebreds | high | free for many mixed breeds and high for purebreds | moderate for both mixed and purebreds |
| Are any extras included in the price? | usually none | usually none | usually none | many (spay/neuter, veterinary exam, I.D. tag, for example) |
| What extras will I need to purchase? (spay/neuter, veterinary exam, vaccinations, I.D. tag, collar, leash, litter box, etc.) | many | many | many | few |
| What quality of advice can I expect? | low (emphasis on selling) | honest, expert advice about one breed | low (emphasis usually on getting rid of animal) | honest, expert advice about a wide range of animals and behavior issues |
| Is responsible pet ownership encouraged? | no (encourages spur-of-the-moment decision) | yes, though does support breeding | no (encourages spur-of-the-moment decision) | yes (encourages careful decision and commitment) |
| What effect does each choice have on pet overpopulation? | adds to the problem of overpopulation | adds to the problem of overpopulation | adds to the problem of overpopulation | helps solve overpopulation |
| What does the price of the animal support? | a retail business | breeding | perhaps repeated breeding | shelter for lost and unwanted animals, spay/neuter, humane education, emergency and community service |