These days there are many different options when it comes to getting a new pet, whether it’s a dog or a cat or a smaller animal such as a rabbit or guinea pig. The most obvious choice for many include adopting from a shelter or going the breeder route.
However, over the last decade or so the internet has had a huge impact on how we live our lives. From changing how we communicate with one another, shop, or research pretty much everything, technology has a hand in it all. Not only does the Internet make getting to our end goal faster and easier, but it also helps us make more educated decisions.
Does that mean We Should Buy Any New Pet Online?
Right off the bat, this method of finding new pets may seem a little strange to some, as it takes away the personal aspect of meeting a dog, cat or pocket pet and seeing if he or she feels like yours. However, a new website recently launched that aims to connect potential owners with pets based on personality. Sounds like the Match.com for pets, don’t you think?
This concept once again raises the question of whether or not it is a good idea to buy pets online. The Internet is undoubtedly a wonderful resource when it comes to researching different breeds, allowing you to determine whether or not the pup you are thinking about bringing into your home will actually fit in well with your lifestyle.
But should the use of the Internet stop at pet research, or is it a good idea to go full throttle and purchase your pet online, just like you would a book or new sweater? Below we will go over some of the pros and cons of buying a pet online in an effort to help you decide if this is, in fact, a good idea or not.
Pros of Buying a Pet Online
With new websites like PawsLikeMe.com, it is becoming increasingly attractive to buy a pet online. By using a series of important questions about your personality, lifestyle, hobbies and dislikes, the website aims to help you find the perfect dog from adoption listings throughout the nation.
Sounds pretty slick, right? In addition to sites like this one matching you perfectly with the dog of your dreams, let’s take a look at some of the other pros of buying a pet online:
- Convenience. Let’s face it, buying anything online is convenient, and this is no different when it comes to a pet.
- Less Pressure. When you buy a new pet online, there isn’t as much pressure. You can peruse the different options at your leisure and take your time in making a decision that is right for your family and for the animal, instead of rushing into a decision you aren’t quite comfortable with.
- Broader Selection. Buying a pet online gives you the opportunity to look for animals all across the nation, not just in the shelter nearest you. This is one of the main benefits of buying a pet online, especially if you have a particular breed in mind that is not in your geographical area.
Cons of Buying a Pet Online
Now that we’ve looked at some of the positives of buying a pet online, let’s take a look at a few of the disadvantages:
- Fraud. This is perhaps the number one red flag of buying a pet online. Unfortunately, many people make false advertisements regarding animals with the intention of taking people’s money. Fraud is extremely prevalent online in general, which is why it is imperative that you are absolutely sure you are going through a reliable source when purchasing anything over the internet, including a dog.
- Puppy Mills. If you are buying through a breeder online, it can be difficult to know what the facilities actually look like. This is why we encourage you to visit the breeder, even if you are buying online. Puppy mills are a serious problem that we do not want to perpetuate by making rash decisions and buying a pet online.
- No Local Support. Another con of buying a pet online is that this option does not enable you to support your local community, nor does it help the pets in need of a new home right in your own neighborhood.
Buying a pet is both exciting and daunting, which is why you need to make sure you are one hundred percent committed before moving forward. If you’re still debating over the way to go about new pet ownership, feel free to talk to one of our veterinary experts at Sykesville Veterinary Clinic today.
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