Pound vs. Pet Shop

Opting to expand the family is always a big decision. When it's time to welcome a new dog into the household, animal lovers generally go with one of two options: the pet shop or the pound. Both have their advantages, but it's important to understand the differences between the two.

Selection

Those who want to adopt a particular breed of dog may look to pet shops first. Shops sell a wide selection of purebred puppies. Adopting from a pet shop is in many ways like purchasing a new off-the-rack handbag, albeit one who wags and woofs. The animals are largely identical within their breeds: almost exclusively young, energetic and highly appealing. Like handbags, pet stock moves into and out of the shop quickly. This high turnover rate means that pet shop workers may not get to know individual animals well.

The local RSPCA also deals with pure breeds. Both the RSPCA and Lort Smith Animal Hospital also feature a number of purebred crosses. They may never appear in dog shows, but crosses can make wonderful pets. The RSPCA features a lifestyle colour code to describe each animal's unique needs, while Lort Smith describes each pet's personality. Adopting from a shelter is more akin to shopping for vintage clothing; while the selection is smaller, that rare find can mean true love.

Health

A pet shop puppy usually comes with a money-back guarantee of good health. While these young animals are full of vigour, few adoptive households have reason to make use of such a guarantee. However, the demand for certain breeds is so high that some breeders over-produce them, leading to potential genetic weaknesses that appear only with age.

Shelters typically paint a more realistic picture of the animal's state of health. Older dogs and those with health problems bear clear labels on their charts. It takes an exceptionally big heart to adopt an animal with special medical needs or one who has little time left, but shelters are unflinchingly honest about informing adoptive households of any known health concerns.

Cost

Pet shops' prices vary by breed; shelter adoptions generally have flat fees. Part of a pet shop's cost is in papers, and for those who require a purebred pet, that pedigree is worth the price. Many shelter animals have more dubious lineage. However, many families find that having a dog who simply looks like a chihuahua is just as good as having one with paperwork to prove it.

Time

Many shelters have a waiting period, background check or interview before releasing a dog for adoption. Pet shops typically sell that day, which is a plus for anyone who wants to surprise the family with a new companion. The interview process that pounds and shelters require may help find a better fit between household and pet if time is not of the essence.