“Free Puppies Near Me”: 5 Reasons to Avoid This Listing
If you’re looking in the classifieds or searching on Craigslist for free puppies, stop! It’s important to be aware that there are potentially serious consequences to getting a puppy from an unknown source. For example, the pet may come with undisclosed health issues or behavioral problems due to mistreatment or lack of early socialization.
If you get a puppy from one of these listings, you might be inadvertently supporting a puppy mill or backyard breeder. Puppy mills are large-scale dog breeding operations that focus on profit, as opposed to the health and happiness of their dogs. And backyard breeders are unlicensed and untrained individuals who breed their animals without regard for genetic problems in the breed or negative health impacts on the mother.
So, what can you do instead of picking up a free puppy from a listing? Adopt! Many shelters and rescue groups have plenty of puppies that need loving homes. There are several advantages of adopting a puppy instead of picking up a free one from a classified ad. Let’s take a look at some of the most important benefits so you can make an informed decision.
1. Adopting Saves Lives
According to the ASPCA, 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized each year in the United States. By adopting one puppy, you’re also saving others. There’s simply not enough space in shelters to accommodate all the stray and abandoned animals. And with every puppy that’s adopted, a space opens up for another pet. What’s more, the adoption fee that’s donated to the shelter is put towards the welfare of other animals. This means that you’re not only saving the life of one pup, but you’re also contributing to the well-being of others in need.
2. It Condemns Irresponsible Breeding
Adopting a puppy from a shelter means that you’re consciously making an effort to move away from the cruel practice of irresponsible breeding. Breeding of pets is often carried out forcefully and in extremely uncomfortable environments. Mothers may also be separated from their offspring, resulting in stress and trauma.
When female dogs are no longer able to reproduce, they’re routinely euthanized. In addition, many breeders lack adequate knowledge of genetics. This can result in puppies with serious and often fatal health issues. As mentioned earlier, puppy mills and backyard breeders, in particular, are guilty of these reckless practices. By adopting from a shelter, you can do your part to stop these abuses from continuing.
3. It Saves You Time and Money
When you get a new puppy, there are lots of initial costs that you need to cover to keep them safe and healthy. These may include spaying or neutering costs, vaccination costs, and other expenses. When you adopt a puppy from a shelter, these costs are often included in a small adoption fee. But even if you do have to contribute more to healthcare costs, your new puppy will be examined, vaccinated, and dewormed before you take them home.
In some cases, you may even get a puppy that’s already housebroken and has been well socialized. This means you won’t have to go through the trouble of potty training. Whatever the case, you’ll have the peace of mind that your new pet has been checked by a veterinarian and is ready to settle in with you.
4. You’ll Get Lots of Support
When you adopt a pet, you’re not just getting a new companion to love – you’re getting an entire support network of people who are invested in your relationship. Shelters and rescue groups are full of dedicated staff and volunteers who are ready to answer any questions you have about your adopted pup.
This means that you’ll have a strong network of people to turn to for help with training, behavior issues, and health concerns. Many shelters also offer puppy training classes and other programs that can help you and your pup get off on the right foot.
5. You Can Be Proud of Your Choice
Adopting a puppy means that you’re saving a life and improving your world. It’s a win-win situation for everyone involved! You can also feel proud of your choice knowing that by choosing adoption, you’re doing your part to contribute to animal welfare.
Whether your puppy was abandoned, mistreated, or rescued from a life of neglect, you’re giving them the second chance they deserve. In many cases, shelter pups have endured hardships in their lives. But with a few weeks of love, care, and patience from you, your new friend can feel safe and secure in their new home.
Visit Your Local Shelter
We hope this article has convinced you of the benefits of adopting a puppy from a shelter or rescue group rather than getting one from a classified ad. Remember, while that “free puppies” listing may catch your attention, adopting from a shelter is a far more ethical and less risky choice.
There are plenty of puppies in shelters across the country that need a loving family to accept them into their homes. These pups have often been through a lot, but with your help, they can find their forever home and start on a new path. So, if you’re considering adding a puppy to your family, we encourage you to visit your local shelter or rescue group in search of your new best friend!