Why choosing to adopt over buying from a breeder is the smarter, kinder choice.

Short-coated Grey Cat

Although buying pets from breeders is often seen as the go-to choice for those seeking particular breeds or appearances, adopting a rescue can be an equally rewarding experience and helps reduce over-population and unwanted litters. By opening your heart and home to a rescue animal instead, you’re not only saving a life but also gaining a devoted companion with a one-of-a-kind personality… and all at a much lower cost..

Breeder vs Rescue: Costs

Adopting from an animal rescue sanctuary like ours often only requires a donation, meaning it’s more affordable than buying from breeders, whose prices can range from £400 to £3,000 for dogs and £150 to £1,500+ for cats. By choosing to adopt, you’re not only saving money but you’re giving a rescue a chance to thrive in a new home.



Percentage of pets bought from breeders.

Breeder vs Rescue: Health & transparency

Rescue centres like ours prioritise transparency in pet health, sharing each animal’s medical history, vaccinations, behaviours, and known conditions. Here at Happy Landings, our rescues receive comprehensive veterinary care and are carefully assessed for compatibility with different household environments, including homes with children or other pets. This honesty reduces surprises, promoting healthier, well-prepared companions for adoption. Ideally, breeders would offer the same level of transparency, but not all, do.

Breeder vs Rescue: animal welfare

Rescue shelters like ours often face capacity challenges; by adopting from a sanctuary, you’re not only saving a rescue animal’s life, you’re freeing up a space for a new rescue in need. Breeding and overpopulation persist without enough emphasis on animal Happy Landings have deserve a second chance in life: by adopting a pet, you’re becoming part of a powerful solution to animal welfare challenges.

Ready to Make a Difference?


Could you provide a rescue pet with a loving home? View our available animals and apply to rehome one of our available rescues online at happy-landings.org.uk. Prefer to support us in another way? From fundraising challenges and corporate days to volunteering, donating a month’s food for a dog, leaving a legacy or sponsoring a Rescue Retreat, find out how you can make a difference at happy-landings.org,uk/support.

Written by Lauren Bilton

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