Is Red Tape For Dog Adoptions Necessary?

California is the first state to ban the sale of non-rescued dogs from pet stores. According to Assembly Bill No. 485, pet stores are only allowed to sell dogs that have been obtained from a public animal control agency or shelter, a Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals shelter, a humane society shelter, or a rescue group.

California is the first state to ban the sale of non-rescued dogs from pet stores.

Any pet stores that do not comply will face a whopping $500 penalty per animal. Although California is the only state with this law currently, New York, New Jersey, and Washington are considering or drafting similar measures.

Puppy Mills

The Pet Rescue and Adoption Act was put into effect because of the commercial-breeding facilities known as puppy mills. Puppy mills mass-produce puppies with the sole purpose of selling them to pet stores to make a profit. In many cases, these puppy mills are overcrowded and unsanitary. Many puppies are left with inadequate food, water, veterinary care, and socialization. This results in the puppies having health issues (including communicable diseases), behavioral problems, and genetic disorders.

Adoption Is the Best Option

By adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue group, Californians can help save the lives of dogs in real need of a home. According to the Humane Society, between six to eight million animals end up in shelters every year, and half of them will probably not be adopted. It’s important for some dog owners to have purebreds, but know that 25% of the animals in shelters are.

According to the Humane Society, between six to eight million animals end up in shelters every year, and half of them will probably not be adopted.

Adopters Need To Jump through Hoops

Adopted dogs can greatly benefit from a human’s love, care, and compassion, and a person will no doubt benefit from a dog’s unconditional love and affection. It’s a win-win for everyone, but the new adoption criteria have some people thinking twice before adopting.

For starters, all people living in the household are encouraged to visit the dog in the shelter first, and any children under 12 are required to do so. If there are any other dogs in the home, the adopter is required to bring them in to meet the potential adopted dog as well.

The new adoption criteria have some people thinking twice before adopting a dog.

People are not given a choice of whether they want to have their adopted dog spayed or neutered either, as it is a requirement before the dog can go home with them. Another big requirement is having a home inspection before they bring their adopted dog home. The main reasons for inspecting the home are to ensure that the dog will be in a safe environment with no potential hazards or escape routes and belong to a loving and caring family.

Conclusion

Legislature putting a stop to puppy mill sales is a big step in the right direction. There are many dogs in need of a loving family to adopt them, and many people are more than ready to adopt. However, if California wants more people to choose adoption, they shouldn’t make the process such a hassle for them.

If California wants more people to choose adoption, they shouldn’t make the process such a hassle for them.

Understandably so, shelters want to make sure the dog being adopted is going to a caring and nurturing home where they will live out the rest of their days. In most cases, the home is exactly that. Although the many regulations put in place for adopting a pet can be a nuisance, it’s important to remember that it’s all to ensure that the dog will have a happy life - and that is something all parties involved want. So is it worth the hassle? You’re dog-gone right!