I believe people should adopt dogs rather than buying them from pet shops. Owning dogs has been popular for a very long time, but as the number of pet dogs increases, the number of rescued dogs also increases. Surprising number of people attempt to abandon their dogs for various reasons, and some organizations often rescue them. The reasons are often unreasonable and very irresponsible. Knowing such a terrible fact, many people are starting to adopt these rescued dogs from animal shelters rather than buying dogs from pet shops and breeders. However, such environment is not yet set up in Japan, and there are three steps that must be taken to create an ideal environment for dogs to find rightful owners and people to find rightful dogs.
First, we must understand about the current situation in Japan, regarding rescued dogs. Most of these rescued dogs are not “puppies” you often see in pet shops; they are usually adult dogs. Therefore, you would not be able to spend time with it when it is a puppy if you decide to adopt a rescued dog. Though you may want to do so, the amount of time you would be able to spend with a puppy is very short. Furthermore, if you choose to adopt one, you would know the size of the dog for the rest of its life at the moment of adoption because it is already an adult.
Some dogs grow up to be very large despite the size of the puppy, and that is very troublesome.
Second, people need to realize that creating the most ideal environment is essential upon adoption. In order to ensure dogs’ happiness, animal shelters and organizations have certain standards that have to be met by adopters. In fact, one would need to send an entry sheet and often have interview with the organization. He/she would be checked the family background, financial status, and lifestyle. Adopters have to be reminded that they have to prepare to adopt dogs.
Lastly, it must be accessible for those who wish to adopt dogs. There are four main ways to find dogs that are waiting to be adopted. Firstly, one could look into local public animal shelters. Local governments often hold meetings and lectures for people who are looking for adoptions. Secondly, one could look for private organizations. These organizations often have very well made websites, and one could look for ideal dogs. Thirdly, one can directly go to “adoption meetings,” where people can actually meet the dogs waiting to be adopted. Finally, one can even look for adoptable dogs in pet shops and veterinarians.
As explained above, it is not easy for one to adopt a dog. On the other hand, purchasing a dog from a shop is much easier. This is one of the reasons why the number of rescued dog are increasing. I believe dogs should never suffer because of selfish owners. I hope dog adoptions get popularized in Japan.