Adopting companion animals from rescue organisations rather than purchasing from breeders has significant welfare benefits for individual animals and the broader companion animal population.
Adoption from reputable rescue organisations addresses two welfare problems simultaneously: it provides a home to an animal that would otherwise remain in temporary accommodation, and it removes one unit of demand from the commercial production system that causes ongoing welfare harm. Rescue animals bring full veterinary workups and behaviour assessments that informed adopters can use to match pet to lifestyle. The myth that rescue animals are problem animals is contradicted by outcome studies showing equivalent or better long-term relationships between adopters and rescue animals compared with purchased animals.