Every time an animal is adopted, a space opens up in the shelter. When you adopt a cat or dog, you aren’t just saving that animal’s life but opening up a spot for another animal’s life to be saved. Shelters are nonprofit organizations that open with the intent of helping animals.

Puppy mills, on the other hand, view animals as a way to make money. They breed animals in inhumane ways and force them to live in less-than-ideal living conditions. Pets from mills also don’t receive proper veterinary care meaning they’re more likely to develop health issues as newborns.

Considering buying from a breeder? They aren’t as humane as you might think. Breeding is still a business. No matter how compassionate a breeder may seem- even when recommended by a friend- puppies and kittens are still their products, and the breeder is focused on making a profit, not the welfare of animals.

There are tons of sweet and worthy animals in shelters waiting for their forever home. Be that home for them! They deserve it!