Hello pet parents! You know those moments that changed your life forever? Mine happened on a quiet evening in the town, involving two little souls who would become my entire world. But before I introduce you to Coco and Leo, I have to be honest—I was actually planning to get a purebred puppy.

It was just another Wednesday evening. I was walking home from the beach in my hometown. That’s when I heard it—a tiny whimper that made me stop in my tracks. Under an old, broken cart, huddled together like two little balls of fur were Coco and Leo.

They couldn’t have been more than two months old. There was no mom in sight, just two pairs of terrified eyes looking up at me. You know that feeling when your heart just breaks and melts at the same time? Yeah, that.

I stood there, getting drenched, having a full-on internal debate:

"But what about your plans?"

"You’re not ready for two puppies!"

"What will your mom say?"

But sometimes, your heart just knows. At that moment, I decided to take them, and everything changed from there.

At Supertails, we understand the heartfelt dilemma of choosing between adoption and buying a pet. And you know what? That’s completely normal. Bringing your future best friend home is not just a matter of logistics; it’s about discovering that special connection that truly resonates with you.

We've all experienced it – endlessly scrolling through heartwarming photos of cute puppies online, fantasising about welcoming the ideal furry companion into our lives. But before you take that significant step, let’s explore the decision between adopting or buying a pet, and why one might be more fulfilling than the other.

Every shelter dog has a unique story, and many of these tales begin with sadness. They might have been found lost on a chilly night, or their previous owners may have faced tough situations that led them to surrender their beloved pet. Regardless of their past, these dogs are not just waiting for a home but for someone to be their hero.

What many people overlook is that shelters are brimming with amazing dogs of all ages, sizes, and personalities. You’ll discover:

Perfect Family Dogs

Numerous shelter dogs have previously lived with families and already grasp the essentials of home life. They might be house-trained, understand basic commands, and have experience with kids. These dogs often adapt effortlessly to their new homes, bringing their well-mannered nature along.

Young Puppies

Indeed, shelters often have puppies! If you’re eager to raise a dog from a young age, many shelters regularly receive litter of puppies, especially during certain times of the year.

Unique Mixed Breeds

Mixed-breed dogs frequently blend the best characteristics of different breeds.

Mixed-breed dogs

Mixed-breed dogs often bring together the best characteristics of various breeds, resulting in unique and delightful personalities. Additionally, they usually experience fewer genetic health problems compared to purebred dogs, which can help you avoid heartache and costly vet bills in the future.

Let’s discuss a practical matter: money. Adopting a pet is generally much more affordable than buying one from a breeder. Adoption fees usually fall between ₹4000 and ₹25000, which often covers:

- Spaying or neutering

- Initial vaccinations

- Microchipping

- Basic health screening

- Occasionally, a starter kit with food and supplies

In contrast, purchasing from a breeder can cost anywhere to several thousand rupees, not including any medical treatments or preventive care.

Adopting a dog can be done using several popular ways, which are listed below:

• Municipal Shelters: Local government dog shelters typically have numerous dogs in need of homes. This is a wonderful place to consider.

• Private Rescue Organizations: Most of these nonprofit groups operate with foster families for animals to live in until they get adopted. In this case, dogs have a caring home before adoption.

• Breed-Specific Rescues: There are people who always prefer a certain dog breed and for them, these rescue centres can be quite useful in locating the right dog as they deal in set breeds.

• Foster-Based Organizations: Through foster based organizations a group of dog breeds wait in people's houses before they get officially adopted. So you get to meet dogs where they are comfortable.

Adopting a dog takes some time and involves a bit of paperwork. Here’s a breakdown:

• Application Procedures: You’ll need to complete an application that outlines your home environment, family dynamics, and lifestyle.

• Home Visits: Some shelters might require a home visit to ensure your space is safe and suitable for a dog.

• Meeting Potential Dogs: You get to meet dogs in person to see if there is one you click with.

• Adoption Fees and What They Cover: Most places charge between ₹3,500 to ₹21,000 and often include vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and occasionally microchipping.

• Required Documentation: Sometimes, you are asked to produce identification and proof of address, as well as a couple of references.

Getting a breeder puppy can be a better option for some people who want a specific job-related breed of dog or for those who have allergies and need allergy-free dogs. There are some significant details that one must consider while choosing a responsible breeder if you are purchasing a puppy from the breeder. If you decide to buy, below are some things to consider.

The process of buying from a breeder includes the following:

• Finding Reputable Breeders: Research, read reviews, and ask for recommendations. Reputable breeders should be transparent and answer all your questions.

• Waiting Lists and Deposits: Many breeders have waiting lists for puppies, especially for specific breeds.

• Health Certifications: A good breeder will provide health certifications for the puppy's vaccinations and health screenings.

• Contracts and Guarantees: Always insist on a written contract that clearly specifies health guarantees and what support is offered after the sale.

• Typical Costs: Purebred puppies are quite costly and can range between ₹25,000 to ₹1,00,000 and more based on the breed.

• A person can never show or take you to the puppies’ parents or the environment where they are kept

• Asking the customer to buy the dog without providing proper paperwork

• A person cannot show the health clearance that the puppies have

• A person is selling several litters at once

• Puppies are always for sale.

The below-mentioned exam is carried out on the parent dogs:

• Thorough health evaluations were carried out on the parent dogs

• Hygiene: Their living environment is clean and spacious

• The No. Principle: The dogs are selective in their breeding by reducing the number of breeding dogs.

• Buyer Screening: Buyers are thoroughly screened.

• Always there for you: They don’t care if you already have a dog, as they are ready to take it back.

• Initial Purchase/Adoption Fees: Adopting a dog is usually much less expensive; adopters can expect to pay between ₹3,500 and ₹21,000 in adoption fees, while when buying from a breeder, one can spend upwards of ₹25,000 to as much as ₹1,00,000 and beyond.

• Medical Costs and Procedures Included: Adoption fees are usually inclusive of vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and microchipping, while these things may be extra in purchased dogs.

• Long-Term Health Concerns : Generally speaking, adopted or breeder dogs might show long-term health risks. The best bet for a dog is purebred since there are more breed-specific illnesses.

• Insurance premiums: In pet insurance, the former is thriftier, whereas the latter is very expensive in some parts. 

• Genetic Testing and Health Screening: Breeders use thoroughbred testing to find dogs with inherited illnesses and general health screening, whereas dogs should be adopted from shelters mainly receiving basic tests.

• Inherent Breed Issues: Purebreds are prone to diseases more than mixed breeds, but they can also be healthy sometimes due to mixed genetics.

• Vaccination and Medical History: Shelters vaccinate their dogs, but the medical history from the breeder should of verified. 

• Puppy vs Adult Dog Considerations: People purchasing or adopting puppies are buying a time-consuming companion unless young dogs are to be crated. It's usually easier to adopt an adult dog who someone else has already housetrained.

• Pre-existing Training and Behaviors: Dogs tend not to be housetrained when bought, and some breeders bestow minimal training or make obstinate dogs.

• Socialization Differences: Puppies from breeders, on the other hand, tend to be much more hyper than those adopted, which are generally less stable.

• Environment: Purebreds can tell you exactly how your dog will look like when it grows up. Shelter dogs can surprise you with their mixed genetics.

• Disposition: Breeders can assist you in determining more about temperament-related differences based on the dog's parents, while shelter dogs might astonish one with their loving and adaptable nature.

• Size at Adulthood: If size matters a lot to you, in this situation, you know what you are buying, and from a breeder, you are assured of how large that dog will be. In simple terms, it can be difficult to predict the final size when talking about adopted dogs.

• Living Space: Apartment or house? Do you have a yard? These factors will help determine which type of dog is most suited to your home.

• Time Availability : Do you have enough time for a puppy, or would an adult dog with less energy work better in your lifestyle?

• Dog Experience: First-timers might find an easy-to-train adult dog more appealing, while experienced ones may decide to go with a more challenging puppy.

• Family Description: Your family’s ages and current lifestyles count for a lot. Some dogs are perfect for families with kids, while others are far from it.

• Allergies: Do you or anyone in your household have allergies to pet dander? Hypoallergenic breeds might be more suited.

• Specific Breed Characteristics : If your choice is dog-specific, opt for a breeder.

• Limitations to Size: Also think if this matches a size requirement that your building or community may have.

• Level of Activity Matching: Match the energy of your dog to your own, as some dogs require more exercise than others, and others would be content with a quiet household.

• Satisfaction to Rescue: Adopting a dog is considered very fulfilling to rescue animals.

• Attachment to Specific Breed: Some love breeds immensely, and they specifically choose to buy from a breeder.

• Experience with Previous Dogs: Previous dog experiences may also help one with their choice.

• Family Preferences: At times, it might have been the particular expectations and previous experiences that have influenced the family.

Visit both shelters and breeders. Spend time with different dogs. Don't rush the decision. Whether you choose to adopt or buy, what matters most is making an informed choice that fits your lifestyle and being ready for a long-term commitment.

Whether you end up adopting or buying, remember that every dog deserves a loving home. The most important thing isn't where your dog comes from, but where they're going – into a family that will love and care for them for life.