Finding the right pet for your family is a matter of careful consideration. Whether you choose to get your next pet from an animal shelter, pet store, or a breeder, make sure you understand what kind of pet you're getting and what kind of background that pet has.
Age
Animal pounds and shelters tend to have older animals in abundance, but very few young animals. This is because people surrender their animals to the shelter when they are older. Pet stores, on the other hand, tend to only carry young animals.
Background
An animal in a shelter or pound could come from anywhere and have any type of health concern or behavioral issue. The same is true for a pet store, where animals often come from "mills" where they are bred in large groups for profit.
Variety
An animal shelter will likely have a large variety of cats and dogs, but little to no other types of pets. A pet store will probably carry other types of animals as well, including reptiles and rodents.
Cost
Animal pounds and shelters charge an adoption fee for their animals, which often includes a fee for spaying or neutering the pet. Pet stores charge large purchase fees for dogs because they have to make a profit over what they paid the breeder or puppy mill.
Requirements
Pet stores will sell an animal to anyone, in most cases. Animal pounds or shelters may require a background check or interview before allowing you to adopt a pet from their organization.
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