The term “adoption” carries significant ethical and emotional weight, traditionally associated with providing a home to animals in need, typically from shelters or rescue organizations. However, some animal breeders have begun using the term “adoption” to describe the sale or transfer of animals. It has become increasingly difficult to navigate the pet market when breeders co-opt a term that should signify giving a home to a pet in need. Breeders started to use this language after the rise in popularity of the phrase "adopt, don't shop," and their use of the word dilutes the message and misleads consumers.

Breeders should not be allowed to use the word “adoption” when selling animals, to preserve the integrity of the term and promote transparency in the pet acquisition process.

In 2024, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues across the United States, all desperately seeking loving homes. Only 4.2 million of these animals in need were adopted and approximately 607,000 were euthanized.  These are animals who were abandoned, abused, or given up for various reasons, and are in need of a second chance at life. The "adopt, don't shop" initiative has been vital in ensuring these animals find homes, but when breeders misuse the term "adoption," it undermines this essential cause.

A study conducted by Forbes to find how dog owners acquired their pets showed that 36% purchased from a breeder, 23% adopted from a shelter and 10% rescued and kept a stray animal. I do believe that an individual has a right to choose whether they want to purchase or adopt a pet, but it is deceptive for breeders to use misleading language.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

The advertising strategies of breeders, emphasizing adoptions, deceive consumers, leading them to believe they are participating in a charitable action, when in reality they are purchasing animals at often exorbitant prices. This misleading terminology can result in fewer homes being available for shelter animals, ultimately increasing the pressure on animal shelters and euthanasia rates.

It's imperative that legislation is put in place to restrict the use of the term "adoption" in the animal industry. Adoption implies a commitment to providing a home to an animal that might otherwise face euthanasia or prolonged homelessness. Breeders selling animals for profit do not align with this ethical framework This will preserve the integrity of the adoption concept and prevent consumers from being misled.

Many jurisdictions have specific definitions and regulations around adoption processes. Allowing breeders to use the term inconsistently can create legal ambiguities and complicate enforcement of animal welfare laws. Restricting breeders from using the term “adoption” is essential to maintain transparency, uphold ethical standards, and support animal welfare initiatives. Clear language helps consumers make informed choices and preserves the integrity of adoption as a compassionate act of rescuing animals in need.

Join me in petitioning legislative bodies to establish clear guidelines that define “adoption” as the placement of animals from shelters, rescues, or similar organizations, not commercial breeders. These regulatory bodies must also require breeders to use terms such as “purchase” or “sale”, not "rehoming fee" or "adoption fee". 

I'm just getting so sick of seeing "cat adoption process" on a breeders website when the price is $3,000. 

I have a national and local petition for this cause to increase the odds of this issue reaching a Representative, so please support both.