Adopt, Don't Shop

The phrase 'adopt, don't shop' can be traced all the way back to the mid 1980s when a non-profit organization, Last Chance for Animals, began the campaign to stop animal exploitation.
According to thehungrypuppy.com, LCA created the slogan under the belief that when people are searching for a pet, they should adopt from shelters or rescues as opposed to pet stores, online websites, or unethical breeders. 'Adopt, don't shop' encourages giving animals in shelters or rescues a second chance at a happy life and loving family.
Similarly, the phrase discourages unethical practices of inhumane and unlicensed breeders. Breeders often referred to as 'puppy mills' force a female dog to reproduce at unhealthy rates, often not giving her enough time to recover in between litters. These dogs are usually kept in horrid living conditions with little to no access to adequate food, water, socialization and veterinary care. Animals that are products of these mills often end up with a number of health issues due to these conditions, specifically the female dogs used for breeding. There are also equivalents to puppy mills for a number of other animals people commonly adopt as pets. However, ethical and licensed breeders that treat their animals properly exist, and are prevalent in the adoption market today.
Adopting promotes potential owners to do proper research and not fuel these cruel puppy mills due to ignorance. It also motivates others to choose animals from a shelter or rescue, giving them a second chance at life. Many animals in shelters and rescues have been neglected, abused, or had to fend for themselves in the past. Adopting these animals provides them with a safe and loving environment that teaches them how to be happy and healthy. A number of shelters, specifically in recent years, have a large overpopulation issue. Certain shelters will even euthanize animals if overpopulation becomes too severe. Adopting an animal rather than obtaining one from other means alleviates some of that overpopulation and possibly saves a life. Animals in a shelter or rescue range from all ages, breeds, sizes and personalities. This means having a number of options to find the perfect fit for your situation.
Wichita does its part to encourage adoption in a number of ways. Organizations such as the Kansas Humane Society and Beauties and Beasts work to take in animals and adopt them out to loving homes. Organizations like these as well as other businesses that work to ensure the safety and wellbeing of animals come together to participate in an annual event known as Woofstock in early October. According to kshumane.org, Woofstock includes a variety of activities, live music, vendors, contests and more. Woofstock is an important fundraising event for many shelters, including the Kansas Humane Society. In my work throughout the years at an animal hospital and a pet resort as well as volunteer work at adoption events such as this one, I've witnessed first hand the fact that adopting a pet can truly change not only the life of a deserving animal but the life of an owner as well. Adopt, don't shop.