“To the person who abandoned kittens here: They were all eaten by crows. They’re dead. You killed them. Abandonment is no different than murder.

-From, the person who saw it happen”

Christmas is approaching fast and perhaps you’re thinking of getting your child or loved one a kitten. Or maybe you’ve just moved into a new apartment that allows pets and you’ve decided to get a puppy.

But before you go to the pet store with cash in hand to purchase a furry new family member, we want you to stop and think for a moment.

While we can’t vouch for the situation overseas, here in Japan, pet adoption networks are having their internet message boards filled with more and more abandoned kitten and puppy adoption requests each day.

Moreover, since these animals are currently under the care of protection groups, many of them are relatively comfortable around people and will likely easily adjust to a new home.

Protection groups are obviously invested in the well-being of animals and are thus often more likely than pet shops to provide you with help and advice, even after you’ve take your kitten or puppy home and welcomed it as a new member of your family,

Below, we’ve put together 4 reasons why future pet-owners should consider adoption before purchasing from a store.

1. They can introduce you to good vets
When taking to their cat or dog to the hospital for the first time, new pet owners may feel uneasy about whether the veterinarian will provide adequate care or not. If you consult your adoption agency, however, they can quickly point you in the direction of a trusted vet.

2. It doesn’t cost much money
Buying a cat or dog from a pet shop can easily cost anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. On the other hand, when you adopt you only have to pay for vaccination, deworming and food.

Of course, owning a pet is a long-term investment: even if you can afford the upfront cost by opting for adoption, we can’t recommend taking on another mouth to feed until you’re financially secure. But why not use some of that money saved on pampering your newest family member?

3. They can help you determine if you’re really ready to be a pet owner
Some people may get carried away by all the cute and fluffy and bring a pet home without realizing how much work it can really be. Luckily, the staff at agencies and protection groups are there to share their experienced opinion with you before and after you’ve adopted.

Even people living alone or unmarried but living with their partner are able to pass screening depending on the situation. And even if you don’t pass, there’s a good chance it’s in the best interest of both you and the animal.

4. You’ll be saving an animal from a sometimes-cruel death
It’s common knowledge that many dogs and cats left in animal shelters end up euthanized. However, many puppies and kittens born into wild meet a much more gruesome end, such as being eaten by crows or starving to death. This is especially common in rural areas of Japan, where stray dogs and cats are more common.

We think these points make a pretty strong case for choosing adoption and we hope you consider them when deciding to get a new pet.

Having a dog or cat is a lot of work, but the joy you’ll get from spending time with them and watching them grow is far greater. If you’re ready to take on this responsibility, why not save a life while you’re at it?

Source：http://www.satoya-boshu.net/ (Japanese only)

Image：dotup.org