I am currently working on a chart that details the relative advantages of getting a dog from a responsible breeder, a pet store, a "backyard" (irresponsible) breeder, a shelter, or a rescue. It's hard, because I don't know how to use HTML, and I'm trying to do the best possible research, which takes time.
In the meantime, I have some links that are hard to look at, but tell a very important truth about the real meaning of "USDA licensed". Pet stores are fond of telling people that their puppies come from "state licensed" or "USDA licensed" breeders. This is designed to make you think that their puppies came from a private home, where someone with a few beloved dogs chose to breed them and home-raise the puppies. In truth, only large-scale breeding operations can even become USDA-certified. Beyond that, USDA standards are extremely lax--a dog can live her entire life, and raise dozens of puppies, in a space barely big enough for her to turn around in. Additionally, the very minimal standards are rarely enforced, or we would be seeing puppy mill busts all the time--Missouri has over 1,000 large-scale dog breeding operations, and many with ongoing violations are never punished in any way, much less shut down.
What does "USDA licensed" mean?
Frequently asked questions about pet stores and puppy mills
Save Money, Save Lives does not yet have a Facebook group, but there are some related-interest groups that you may want to become a member of:
Pro-Spaying and Neutering
Against the sale of puppies in Columbia
Against Animal Cruelty
Friday, October 9, 2009
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Why is adoption the best option?
I will definitely be going into more detail in a future post, but in short, adoption is both morally and economically sound.
When you adopt a dog, cat, or other animal from a shelter or rescue, you are saving the life of an animal who may otherwise be killed, or left without a home.
Moreover, you will pay much less than you would at other places. For example: Shelter puppies at the Central Missouri Humane Society cost $120 to adopt, and have already been spayed or neutered, given vaccinations, dewormed, and given a microchip. In addition, you will receive assistance in choosing and caring for your dog. Your adoption donation may even be tax-deductible, as the CMHS is a non-profit organization.
By supporting your local shelter, you make it possible for them to continue programs in your community that benefit animals and people, like spay/neuter services, low-cost veterinary care, and humane education.
When you adopt a dog, cat, or other animal from a shelter or rescue, you are saving the life of an animal who may otherwise be killed, or left without a home.
Moreover, you will pay much less than you would at other places. For example: Shelter puppies at the Central Missouri Humane Society cost $120 to adopt, and have already been spayed or neutered, given vaccinations, dewormed, and given a microchip. In addition, you will receive assistance in choosing and caring for your dog. Your adoption donation may even be tax-deductible, as the CMHS is a non-profit organization.
By supporting your local shelter, you make it possible for them to continue programs in your community that benefit animals and people, like spay/neuter services, low-cost veterinary care, and humane education.
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Big plans!
Help us encourage Columbia residents and visitors to adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue!
Pro-pet-adoption demonstrations will be held each Saturday and Sunday from noon until 4, outside the Columbia Mall, as close to the intersection of Stadium Blvd. and Bernadette Dr. as allowed. You do not need to stay the entire time, or be present both days each weekend--any time you can donate is greatly appreciated!
Please feel free to bring friendly leashed dogs, other leashed pets, pro-adoption signs, and signs or banners advertising a rescue, shelter, or adoption-related website.
Suggestions for signs and banners:
--web addresses of Central Missouri Humane Society (cmhspets.org), Second Chance (columbia2ndchance.org), or Petfinder.com
--"Save money, save lives: Adopt a pet!"
--"Adopt a shelter dog/cat/pet today!"
--"Shelter pets need homes"
Pro-pet-adoption demonstrations will be held each Saturday and Sunday from noon until 4, outside the Columbia Mall, as close to the intersection of Stadium Blvd. and Bernadette Dr. as allowed. You do not need to stay the entire time, or be present both days each weekend--any time you can donate is greatly appreciated!
Please feel free to bring friendly leashed dogs, other leashed pets, pro-adoption signs, and signs or banners advertising a rescue, shelter, or adoption-related website.
Suggestions for signs and banners:
--web addresses of Central Missouri Humane Society (cmhspets.org), Second Chance (columbia2ndchance.org), or Petfinder.com
--"Save money, save lives: Adopt a pet!"
--"Adopt a shelter dog/cat/pet today!"
--"Shelter pets need homes"
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