Many of the animals sold at pet stores are the result of puppy mills, or dog-breeding facilities that focus on profit rather than the health and safety of the animals themselves. These animals live in poor conditions, without adequate care and food, with female dogs that are overbred and might have inbreeding issues. Puppy mills can cause several different health issues for puppies, and lead to behavioral problems or faulty personalities that are less than ideal for a family-friendly pet. When you buy from a pet store, you're supporting this cruel and inhumane process, allowing them to keep their doors open.

Although some might object to the slogan "Adopt, Don't Shop" because it distracts from legitimate breeders. "Canine Journal" can help people facing the challenge of where to get their pet from and they agree that, "There are hundreds of licensed breeders across the country who are committed to humane practices and take great care in placing their purebred puppies in ideal homes. Many breeders do what they do for their love of dogs and maintain supportive relationships with their local shelters and rescue organizations." NOT ALL BREEDERS ARE BAD, but it is important to research the practices of ones you might chose to adopt from beforehand!

Rescue groups and animals shelters follow the footsteps of the "Adopt, Don't Shop" campaign, which raises awareness about the benefits of adopting all pets. These shelters are in place to help organize ideas of ending animal cruelty and promote safe, comfortable areas that treat animals the way they deserve. Adopting from a shelter means you are giving love and a new home to an animal that deserves a happy life, while simultaneously opening up a new spot for another that might need a safe place. Theres also the opportunity to find an adult, well-trained dog that somebody else could no longer take care of or that was simply found without a home. Rescue groups and shelters are great places to find a wide variety of pets with different personalities, so that you can find a pet that will react well with you and the whole family.

Harmful myths and misperceptions about shelter dogs float around, but rescue shelters often have animals of all ages and genders, as well as many breeds that just need some extra attention and love. A lot of the dogs and cats saved by rescue groups were abandoned or lost and are in need of a new home-they might need some time to warm up to you and regain the trust of another person but this does not make them any less worthy of finding a new forever family. You might be saving the life of a dog or cat that needs it and as an added bonus, the cost of animals from adoption shelters are far more affordable than ones found at stores.

When you adopt, you are helping to fight puppy mills, where 90% of puppies that one might buy at the pet store come from. Animal shelters are invested in the well-being of their animals and are committed to matching animals to a home environment and owner temperament that is best for them. Moving an animal from vulnerability to safety is the key component and mission of rescue organizations worldwide. But with shelters getting crowded and stretched for resources, if you do not have the ability to adopt, consider donating to help.

You can help raise awareness to fight cruelty and end suffering by adopting your future furry companion yourself, and encouraging others who are looking for a new pet to do the same! Fostering an animal or volunteering at your local shelter will assist in you learning more about the adoption and rescue industry too. Below is a list of shelters and rescues in Arizona that are no-kill and non-profit to adopt from:

-HALO Animal Rescue (Phoenix)

-AAWL Adoption Center (Chandler)

-Friends For Life Animal Rescue (Gilbert)

-Hope Animal Shelter (Tucson)

-4 Paws Rescue Inc. (Peoria)

-Arizona Humane Society (Tucson, Phoenix)

-Safe Haven for Animals (Litchfield Park)

-Coopers Chance Animal Rescue (Chandler)

-Home Fur Good (Phoenix)

-Second Chance Center for Animals (Flagstaff)

-Lucky Dog Rescue (Scottsdale)