How to Adopt a Purebred Pet – with NO Breeder Fees!

Owning a pet is one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. Pets provide laughs, joy, snuggles, and benefits that you just can’t put a price on.

I’ve been fortunate to have many pets in my lifetime — from stray cats and dogs off of the street to purebred and pampered babies. Each of these furry family members has been as unique as their pedigree, and worth every penny spent to keep them happy and healthy.

Pet Rescues

Pet Rescues

Fortunately, you don’t have to spend a lot to adopt a purebred pet! While it’s a great idea to donate your time, money, and resources when you can, you should also know the ways to get free or discounted adoptions. Additionally, it helps to know resources that can save money on pet expenses.

 

How to Adopt a Purebred Pet

Through rescue adoption, help an animal in need and enjoy your time more fully with your new best friend(s).

 

Adoptions from Breed-specific Rescue Groups

Shirley is our rescued Bengal who advises to adopting from a rescue group

Shirley is our rescued Bengal who advises to adopting from a rescue group

My current cat holds a special place in my heart – Shirley is a rescued rosette glitter Bengal and beautiful both inside and out. I knew I had to have one from the very moment I learned about this breed (intelligent, talkative, energetic, and sweet). However, I had mixed feelings about purchasing one due to the hefty price tag and knowing that there are so many wonderful pets that need to be rescued.

After a couple of encouraging chats with friends who had rescued purebred dogs (see 2 of them pictured below), I started searching for a Bengal through rescue groups on Facebook. To my delight, I found breed-specific rescue groups all over the country! I ended up fostering, then adopting Shirley through Great Lakes Bengal Rescue. I am forever grateful to them for connecting our family with this wonderful cat.

The adoption fees from these groups are often on par with those of an animal shelter, but there may be different procedures and contract requirements to adopt. Breed-specific groups are more familiar with the animal’s needs and are generally more thorough when screening for good homes.

No matter what breed you have your heart set on, it’s wise to look for a purebred rescue group. Dogs, cats, birds, horses, and fish are just a handful of the breed-specific animal rescue groups that work to find forever homes for animals in need.

 

Pros of Adopting Pets Through Rescue Groups

  • The highest likelihood of finding a specific breed to adopt
  • Health screenings and many procedures are done before adoptions
  • Foster parents analyze the pet’s temperament for compatibility with other animals and small children
  • The cost of adopting is much lower than the cost of purchasing a purebred pet

 

Cons of Adopting Through Rescue Groups

  • Adoptable pets may not be local (location of available pets covers a wide area)
  • The availability of adoptable pets depends on how many pets are found that need to be rescued
  • Process of screening owners for suitable “furever homes” may involve personal questions about your family’s lifestyle
  • Some rescue groups prefer to adopt out to owners who already have experience with the breed

 

Other Considerations of Adopting Through Rescue Groups

As rescue groups are extremely concerned about animal welfare issues like controlling overpopulation and backyard breeders, your adopted pet will likely be spayed or neutered as part of the adoption. Each rescue has different adoption requirements, and there may also be specific rescue group rules to follow with your adopted pet (e.g., we agreed to keep our Bengal as an indoor pet only).

Everyone I know who has adopted a pet through a breed rescue adoption has been overjoyed with the rescue group, the process, and most importantly, their adopted pet. These rescue groups are incredibly passionate and knowledgeable about their breed and do fantastic work to find suitable homes for these furry friends!

This is Best Rewards Programs’ most recommended method for adopting a purebred pet.

 

Adoptions through Local Shelters and Animal Control Agencies

Rescued Yorkshire Terrier and Labradoodle dogs

Barron, the rescued Yorkshire Terrier and Teddy, the rescue Labradoodle, say “hello!”

While most people assume that you can’t get a purebred pet from an animal shelter, they occasionally have these pets available! The cuties in the photo above were both rescues – Barron is an adorable rescued Yorkshire Terrier from NC Yorkie Rescue, and Teddy is a gorgeous rescued black Labradoodle from FAPS.

Although it may take more patience to find a specific breed at an animal shelter, some places (like the Atlanta Humane Society) offer a “Pet Alert” that will send you an email when the breed of cat or dog you want is available for adoption! Check with your local shelter to see if a similar service is available in your area.

Adoption fees for a pet in a shelter can be as low as $0 (FREE) and can go up to a few hundred dollars (prices will vary based on the demand for the breed). Free adoptions usually happen in the summer when the shelters become crowded, like this recent adoption event in Georgia.

Rescuing from a shelter is a smart choice because, in addition to getting a great price on the adoption, your new friend will already be screened for illnesses, vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered.

 

Pros of Adopting Pets Through Local Shelters

  • You are contributing to and supporting animal welfare in your local community
  • Many pets are available to adopt right away
  • Health screenings, select vaccines, and microchipping are done before adoptions
  • The cost of adopting is much lower than the cost of purchasing a purebred pet
  • Shelter employees may have insight into the animal’s temperament and quirks
  • You are potentially saving an animal’s life if you adopt from a kill shelter

 

Cons of Adopting Through Local Shelters

  • It is not guaranteed that you will find the specific breed you want (or it may take a long time)
  • Specific breeds may have a waitlist of other people who want to adopt them
  • Pet breed identification may be a shelter’s best guess

 

Other Considerations of Adopting Through Local Shelters

Services at animal shelters can vary widely, so be sure to ask plenty of questions about what is included in your pet adoption.

 

Adoptions of Pets via Rehoming

Rehoming a Surrendered Pet Dog

Rehoming a Surrendered Pet

When I was a kid, our family’s first dog was an Airedale Terrier named Peanuts. He originally belonged to one of my Dad’s friends, but when the friend moved out of the country, he couldn’t take the dog with him. We gladly welcomed Peanuts into our home and had him for the rest of his life.

This rehoming style of adoption was not something that we had sought out, but sometimes life will present opportunities to provide a pet with a good home with no adoption costs to you. Plus, someone who needs to surrender their beloved pet due to allergies, illness, economic hardship, or work assignments will be comforted to know that their pet is going to a good home (especially if you are willing to share updates, photos, or visits with the pet).

When you are considering the adoption of a surrendered pet, be sure to ask the owner lots of questions about the animal’s habits, health, and temperament in order to ensure a good fit in your home.

 

Pros of Adopting Pets Through Rehoming

  • The pet’s original owner will often share a wealth of information about the animal’s temperament and history
  • Pets are often rehomed with things from their original home, including bowls, treats, and toys
  • You are likely helping someone with the tough challenge of rehoming their beloved pet

 

Cons of Adopting Through Rehoming

  • Finding rehoming opportunities is not an easy route for anyone set on a specific breed
  • Each rehoming scenario is unique, but often there is no prescreening for health issues

 

Other Considerations of Adopting Through Rehoming

There are many reasons people may need to rehome a pet, so be thorough when asking questions when you are considering this route of pet adoption.

 

Adoptions of Pets via Random Luck

After I originally posted this article, I thought we were finished with new pets for a while. We didn’t look for a pet to adopt, but a new pet decided to adopt us.

Nina - the husky who adopted us!

Nina – the husky who adopted us!

Late in 2019, as we were putting up holiday decorations, this adorable red husky walked into our backyard. We tried to find her owners, but she didn’t have tags or a microchip to help identify her. The sweet dog had proven to be great in our home when we were looking for her owners, but after a couple of vet checkups, it was determined that she had heartworms. Fortunately, it was treatable. Unfortunately, treating heartworms is pricey and a tough thing for dogs to go through.

I certainly wouldn’t recommend that someone who wants a specific breed of pet should wait for one to walk into their yard. In fact, be very careful about approaching unknown animals! However, this illustrates one additional way that people end up with purebred pets without going through a breeder!

 

Saving Money on Pet Expenses

Save on Pet Expenses like Bird Food

Save on Pet Expenses like Bird Food

Once you’ve found your new furry (or feathered, finned, etc.) family member, it will help save money on the food, toys, and vet visits they may need. Take advantage of these offers and save your cash for more treats!

  • Chewy – save on auto-ship orders and always have your pet’s favorites at home
  • PetFlow – get $10 off your first order and get $10 for yourself when you refer new customers
  • PetSmart – offers price matching (even against online prices), rewards points, and their “Treats” loyalty program will give your pet a birthday gift
  • Pet First Insurance – avoid surprise vet bills with insurance for your pet
  • Pet Plan Insurance – avoid surprise vet bills with insurance for your pet

 

Giving Back to Animal Rescue Groups

With all the outstanding work that these groups do, it’s great to be able to give back to them when you can. The fastest way to share with these organizations is to make a much-needed monetary donation — they usually accept cash, checks, credit cards, and some even accept bitcoins! Even if you can’t spend a lot out of pocket to help these organizations, there are plenty of other ways to contribute. Consider these alternate ways to support pet charities:

Volunteer for Pet Rescue Organizations

Volunteer for Pet Rescue Organizations

Volunteer Your Time

Shelter groups almost always need volunteers to help keep their operations running. Volunteer your time and offer to:

  • Take shelter dogs on a walk
  • Work a few hours at a fundraising event
  • Volunteer part-time in a shelter
  • Foster an animal in your home
Donate to Pet Charities

Donate to Pet Charities

Donate Money or Goods

There are also several ways to make donations to charities without additional spending:

  • Shop via AmazonSmile, and a percentage of purchases will be donated to the charity of your choice
    • Search and select a charity, then shop Amazon by starting from the smile.amazon.com URL
    • It costs you nothing to do this, and your favorite charities can receive thousands of dollars of donations each year!!!
  • Shop via GoodShop to earn cash back (you can either keep the cash or redeem it as a charitable donation)
    • Shop at popular stores including PetSmart, Target, DSW, Walgreens, Shutterfly, Apple, Sephora, & many more!
    • Note that you will earn even more when you share GoodShop with your friends and family
  • Surf the web using GoodSearch and earn your charity a penny each time you search
    • Note that you’ll need to create your GoodShop profile first in order to select a charity
  • Make a gift for a charity’s fundraising event from your business (or yourself)
    • Fundraising events often need items they can auction or raffle off, so consider donating free car washes, spa visits, gift cards, or discounts from whatever business you are in

Hopefully, these tips will help you find the perfect new companion animal and give a great new home to animals in need.

***

When you finally find the perfect purebred pet for your home, be sure to pick up the supplies you’ll need to get your pet settled in at your home.

 

84 Responses

  1. Danny says:

    Your Bengal cat Shirley looks beautiful!

    Adopting an animal from one of the many shelters in the UK (or Worldwide) is a really amazing idea. It gives an animal the chance to be a loved pet. You know that you are providing a loving home and a second (if not more in some cases) chance to a beautiful animal. And it’s cheaper than buying from a breeder. Win win I say. 

    We recently took in a French Bulldog and it has been a pleasure.

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Danny, so glad to hear that your French Bulldog is working out well! Pets can add so much richness and we were happy to rescue ours and provide them with a good home. 

  2. Ann says:

    Shirley is beautiful. Thanks for the picture. I also love rosette glitter Bengals. Their fur is amazing. I will head over to Great Lakes Bengal Rescue and see if I can emulate what you did. The high fees discourage us. But this option is better than even buying it from a breeder.

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Ann, that is fantastic news! I hope you find the purrfect Bengal cat to adopt for your family! Shirley has been a wonderful addition to our home and I am so thankful to Great Lakes Bengal Rescue for trusting us with her!

  3. Leahrae says:

    I have a dog that I rescued, and rescues are the sweetest dogs ever.  I saw the information in your post for pet insurance.  Do you know if there is any pet insurance that will accept a pet with a preexisting condition.  My dog just lost use of his rear legs and back surgery is around 4 to 6 thousand that I cannot afford.  I am now looking into a chiropractor, but then want to do an MRI which is almost as costly.  I love my dog, but financially it is hard to do what he needs.  Any suggestions?

    • Alyce says:

      Aww Leahrae, I am so sorry to hear about your ailing rescue dog. I have not inquired about getting pet insurance with preexisting conditions, but considering the expense that you are facing, I suggest that you contact a few pet insurance companies to see what they can do to help.

      If they are unable to help due to the preexisting condition, then another approach is to contact local veterinary schools. These schools often offer lower-cost procedures when they are performed at the vet school. 

      I’d also be up-front with your vet and the vet school when you talk to them and mention that you have concerns regarding the cost of the suggested treatments. They may know of additional options that they haven’t discussed with you yet. 

      Good luck to you – I hope you can find the help that you are looking for.

  4. Skuchmane says:

    Hello dear, thanks for sharing the fun animal photos and the helpful, organized information with us. This is some of the best research I have found online on the subject. I am planning on getting a dog for my daughter, so you really have helped me a lot, there are more options that I had previously considered and my daughter will love to know that her dog has been rescued as well. thanks for the info, I’ll surely do some recommendations, you truly are the best, thanks alot

    • Alyce says:

      Thank you so much! I was surprised when I first learned of how many ways there are to adopt a rescue pet too! Good luck as you start your search for your new, furry best friend.

  5. edahnewton1 says:

    Hey nice article you have there. Thanks for taking out your time to put such a concise article. How I wished this article can get to the reach of all pet lovers to enlighten them about the rescue group. Pets are animals that never betrayed their friendship, they remain loyal and humble to their owners till death and sometimes act as a companion, their impact has been felt in the security system.

    • Alyce says:

      Pets are such a wonderful part of life – great for love, laughs, snuggles, and sometimes they even provide security too! 🙂

  6. Cameron says:

    Hi, Alyce

    Thanks so much for a great article. 

    I’m very envious of you having Shirley as a companion. I also liked the other pet stories too.

    Rehoming a rescued pet is such a good idea and much better than buying one online. 

    There are so many horror stories about illegal pet breeding and it would be good if we could put an end to this. 

    Best wishes, 

    Cameron

    • Alyce says:

      These animal rescue groups do a lot to help out the animals that are victims of pet hoarding, crowding, and illegal breeding. They are fantastic causes to support — even if you aren’t interested in adopting (or fostering) a pet of your own.

  7. Michael says:

    Adopting an animal from one of the shelters that you mention is a really good idea. It gives an animal the chance to be a loved pet. It gives funding to other lost animals and gives them a chance. And it’s cheaper than buying from a breeder. Win win I say. Thanks for the sage advice.. 

    You Bengal cat looks beautiful BTW!

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Michael, rescuing a shelter animal is definitely win-win for both pets and people!
      Shirley (the Bengal cat) says thank you for the compliment!! 🙂

  8. Judith Ellen says:

    You’ve obviously put an enormous amount of work into your site and must have done a great deal of research. It would take sometime to read through all the deal categories.
    I have to say I was a little confused by the name of the webpage being ” Best Reward Programs” to then be introduced to an extensive list of all the gifts one could purchase for a 2020 graduate. Great gift ideas followed but left me asking about the reward programs. Your site seems to be part sales catalog and part information about reward programs however I found the sales catalog approach seemed to predominate.
    My take would be to deliver what was promised first and foremost: “Best Reward Programs” and build on that.

  9. Eric says:

    We already have a dog and are looking at getting another one, maybe a friend so our dog does not get lonely. I like the methods you have provided on how to get purebred pets. 

    My daughter is looking at volunteering at one of the local SPCA, and she is also in the market for a new pet.

    I will let her know about this. This way at least she will earn her pet through her own work. Great post.

  10. Selenity Jade says:

    Thank you so much for advocating for people to rescue purebred animals instead of buying them.  I have to admit, I was a little concerned based on your title but I’m glad to see it doesn’t advocate back yard breeders, but instead adoption! I volunteer my time and money to help get feral cats fixed, dumped kittens and cats fixed and adopted, friendly strays adjust to indoor life, socialize feral kittens, and even bottle feeding abandoned kittens, so I’ve seen a lot of suffering just because of animal overpopulation.  Thanks for the article!

    • Alyce says:

      There are so many beautiful pets out there that need to be rescued. As many purebred animals have specific needs, it’s great that there are organizations committed to helping them find forever homes that are suited to their individual needs. 

  11. Carmen says:

    Hi Alyce; a wonderful article; I have a site about cats. I try to make the world aware, that in the end to adopt a cat
    without a master. But I did’t know about the rescue groups on facebook, by races. Thanks for sharing. Shirley is gorgeous.

    best regards

    Carmen

    • Alyce says:

      Cats are a wonderful addition to a home. I’m happy to help spread awareness of the great rescue groups that can be found online!

  12. donnaker says:

    Thank you for this wonderful article, it will definitely help us to find the perfect new companion animal. We all know the animal is like our friends. In this world, there have many animal lovers like me, but most of them are having a problem to adopt a purebred pet for extra fees & expenses. This article gives a very beneficial step & option which help us effectively to adopt a purebred pet, without bear any expense.

    • Alyce says:

      There are so many wonderful pets that need good homes. I hope that this article helps to pair people with a great companion animal!

  13. ReviewsForThePeople says:

    Shirley is Gorgeous!  That bangle coat is something to be held! You normally don’t see cats of that caliber. I have 4 of my own and the are all different in personality and temperament but this picture makes me want to get another of this type of breed being there friendly and talkative. I always associated in pure bred’s to be hard to take care of, but I’m finding out more about them that’s changing my mind. It’s extremely true that pets provide laughs, joy, snuggles!

    Thank you for your blog!

    • Alyce says:

      Shirley says “thank you. purr…”. 🙂

      Many Bengals do need a lot of exercise, but Shirley seems to have the energy of any average cat. It helps to ask questions of the rescue group to learn more about the individual pet to discern whether or not the pet is a good fit for your own home. 

  14. Willy says:

    I Owe a really big thank you for this amazing and insightful post. I really love animals a lot and I like dogs most particularly and I have been trying to save a lot of money to get myself one and also save for their little expenses. This has not been an easy experience… Seeing this review was like an answered prayer. I never thought that there could be easy and helpful ways to get pets. Thanks for this great review. 

    • Alyce says:

      Aww, Willy, I’m so happy to hear that! I know you’ll find the perfect pet for your home. It took us a few months of following the shared posts online before we were able to find the right one, but where there’s a will, there’s always a way. Best of luck to you!!

  15. Nice Gal Nikki says:

    Very informative article you have shared here. I am an animal lover as well. I have 2 cats which are like my best pals and kids at the same time.:) I can tell how passionate you are toward animals just by the way you’re sharing this useful information on adoption. Thank you for informing people they do not need to spend a crazy amount of money on adopting a pure bred animal. I’m sure many of us didn’t know this at all.

    • Alyce says:

      I know I was overjoyed when I first learned about the breed-specific rescue groups, so I’m very happy to share the information with others too! The pets definitely become “kids” and “family” very quickly. 🙂

  16. Henderson says:

    I admire the way you talk about the animals, it just foes to show how much you love this animals and how you can do anything for them. Its true that we need to shower care to the animals who cannot talk and express themselves. You have given a simple and easy way to adopt pets that are inexpensive. Its a great idea. I love the pictures you have added too.

  17. Chloe says:

    My love for cats have been so high since I was a girl in my fathers house. After I bevane a woman I have always want to have another cat. Since the death of my first pet which was a really lovely cat, I’ve had problems with the breed to adopt and when I get the breed I want th adoption process and free pushes me away. But this time I am giving it all it takes, I’ll adopt one soon.

    • Alyce says:

      It definitely takes some time to get over the loss of a beloved pet, and only you will know when you are ready to open up to having a new one. Trust your instincts and you’ll know when you’ve found the right pet at the right time.

  18. Anusuya says:

    Your article reflects your passion for helping pets and your genuine love towards them.

    These animals become your friends unconditionally. 

    They relieve your stress when you hug them affectionately.

    They are wonderful gifts to mankind and they deserve everything.

    You have mentioned all possible ways for inexpensive adoption. It helps someone to become a proud owner.

    We should all be helping for the well being of these animals who can not talk out what they need. Depending on one’s situation everyone should pour in time, money and other stuff to help them

    Thank you for sharing such an excellent article.

  19. Riaz Shah says:

    Your Bengal looks beautiful Alyce!

    I’ve always wondered what it would be like to adopt a Bengal, and just like you, the price tag keeps warding me off. But man, breed-specific rescue groups, I never knew there’s such a thing! Now that you’ve mentioned it, I think there are a lot of societies which help rescue animals and it’s way better to save that way so that we can give more to our loved ones. I just found a Bengal rescue in Malaysia, it’s time I check it out 😀

  20. Charles says:

    Thank you for this article. I like how you talk about the animals in a very gentle and caring way. I like the photos. I agree that adopting a rescue dog or cat is a good thing to do. It helps them have a better life. If I got a dog or cat as a companion I would go with a rescue. I would want them to have a good life. Thanks for your suggestions and kind words. That was interesting about the adoption event in Georgia. Take care. 

  21. Kohl says:

    Thanks for the great information within this article! My family personally purchased a purebred German Shepard through a local breeder, and are super happy with the decision! However, I certainly see how beneficial adopting a purebred dog through other avenues can be after looking through the reasons you included in the article! People certainly need to be supporting such awesome causes such as humane societies!

    • Alyce says:

      Purchasing a pet at a reputable breeder can also be a great way to find the perfect pet — it’s often quite pricey but it’s great to hear that your family is very happy with the decision!!

  22. Jim says:

    Hi Alyce. What a fantastic article. I love animals and in particular dogs. I was brought up on a farm and we had well trained working dogs there. Our last much loved pet died about ten years ago. She was a beautiful little black and white fox terrier cross. We never did find out what she was crossed with. In any case she died of old age and we were to distraught to get another animal. Then about 8 months ago our granddaughter arrived with a pretty little dog named Willow. She had gotten her from a rescue center. She is another little fox terrier cross but this time with long hair, and she looks just like a border collie in miniature, and we love her heaps. Thanks goodness for those wonderful people within the various organisations that seek out new homes for our furry friends. Thank you for highlighting these organizations in your article. All the best. Jim 

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Jim, I very much understand how difficult it can be to figure out if / when you’re ready for a new pet after a cherished one passes on. It took me a year to think I might be ready for a new pet, and even then I was a bit nervous about it. However, I’m also very happy I finally decided to get another cat! Shirley (our bengal rescure) has been a fantastic cat and our whole family absolutes adores her!

  23. Linda says:

    Awww, Shirley’s Biography is so lovely. I wish I had that love for animals; rescuing them and all. I have learned that animals have the spiritual side just like humans; but I never complanate it.I live my days as if they were just there, doing nothing and useless for me. Like a fly passing by. It is really mean I know. 

    • Alyce says:

      Animals and pets can add a wonderful extra dimension to life, but it does require commitment that just isn’t for everyone. Hopefully this information can help to pair some pets in need of a good home with a great family.

  24. Shane Fegan says:

    Purebreds are an often sort after option for animal lovers.

    Personally I have owned pure-breeds and mixed-breed dogs, and I am not partial to either.

    There is something pretty cool about pup pure-breeds I must say though.

    For a relatively cheap price as well, getting one is quite easy and safe.

    This can apply to cats and dogs.

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Shane, pets of all shapes and sizes and breeds and types can be an amazing addition to a family. For those that do have their heart set on a specific breed, but also want to adopt a rescue pet, it’s good to know of these options. 

  25. Robert J Warneck says:

    I have been looking into having my home blessed again with a new dog, after Rachel my little chihuahua. passed away 6 months ago; she was 16!  I at first didn’t think I wanted another pet, because of the heartbreak, but two months after Rachel’s passing, I bought a cockatiel, and named him Moontail.  He is quite the character and livened up my home again.  Lately I have been really considering getting a new small dog, and wondering about ways I can do this,  Your post is very helpful with the different suggestions you offer.

    Thank you for writing this post and giving links to some options that I can look into.

    Robert

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Robert, It’s so hard to lose a beloved pet, but I’m happy to hear that you have invited another sweet pet into your home. I hope you and Moontail find just the right small dog for you when the time is right.

  26. RoDarrick says:

    I really like pets a lot especially cats even though they hate them in my family which led me to relinquish the cat I had earlier. Now that I moved out, I really want to adopt another beautiful cat again. By the way, your pet look very beautiful and with the skin, it creates a sense of pure beauty. Very interesting post this is for me. Thumbs up

    • Alyce says:

      Thank you so much. Our family feels very lucky to have found Shirley, our sweet and funny Bengal cat. 

  27. Ibrahim says:

    I currently have 7 pets in my house!  3 dogs and 4 cats.  I don’t know why, but whenever my wife’s friends find animals, they asked her if she wants them.  The last pet we got was a dog that had been abandoned by her owner.  I admit that I protested because we already have too many pets, but I was overseas and couldn’t put up much of a fight.  

    I understand her willingness, but I have to keep reminding her that we can’t save everyone, but we’ll do what we can,  Anyway, the dog’s name is chowder and she is the sweetest thing in the world!

  28. AmDetermined says:

    Hi, thank you very much your post brings awareness on how to adopt purebred pet without breeder fee, I love dogs and based on what you post I have learnt and I now have idea, I know there are a lot of people out there who need this information, I am always happy to share your information because it is always helpful and timely.

  29. Carol5162 says:

    I have always loved pets and my favorite are dogs. They are always stray dogs that have probably lost their way or just off from the streets. It is interesting how where I come from stray dogs are always available. It is also common to get surrendered pets. I love that adoption societies are lowering their costs.

    I love the two cuties from your pictures. Who wouldn’t want to adopt Baron and Teddy?

    Thank you for taking your time to give us this informative article.

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Carol, Baron and Teddy are definitely a couple of cuties with larger than life personalities! I’m happy to hear that you are thoughtful enough to take in stray pets that find their way to you — it sounds like they were the ones who chose you. 

      Warm Regards, Alyce

  30. Gomer says:

    I like the color and the spots in your pet’s skin. It resembles the skin of a leopard.

    I love pets and in fact have adopted several pets over the years. I want to have pet/s again, I miss having one as they are good stress relievers. However, most of the members in my family are against adopting. 

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Gomer, my cat, Shirley, is indeed part leopard, as the Bengal breed starts by breeding an Asian leopard cat with a domesticated cat. They are both beautiful cats and a joy to have around. They can definitely reduce stress levels too!

      It’s very wise to make sure that everyone in the household is on the same page before a pet is adopted. Owning a pet is a long-term committment and a big responsibility too. You may find that volunteering at a shelter of short-term pet fostering is a better solution to provide you with some time with pets in need.

      Warm Regards, Alyce

  31. Nuttanee says:

    Thank you for such an informative post. I have always wanted to adopt a dog after reading many horrible stories of the Christmas tradition of bringing a dog into a family and did not want them. Just plain sad.

    The Yorkshire and Labradoodle are so adorable! I have always wanted to adopt one because I do not have to groom the hair as much and it will nit be all over my clothes. Their character traits are so friendly as well, my friend has one. When I see them I just want to hug them 🙂 I will make sure to check FAPS out.

    Thanks again!

    • Alyce says:

      The poodle breeds are known for being hypoallergenic, and their hair can be groomed into some amazing styles. It’s a good idea to be acquainted with breed-specific qualities as some will fit better into your lifestyle. All dogs will require some grooming, but some will definitely shed much less than others. 

      It is sad to think of how many pets are given as gifts to people who are not ready for the responsiblity of pet ownership. Fortunately, there are many rescue organizations who help to find more suitable homes for the pets. 

      I hope you are able to find one that is perfect for you. FAPS is a great place to find a new pet!

      Warm Regards, Alyce

  32. Alex says:

    Wow, that’s an awesome article. That’s a really great way to save money AND provide a sweet and caring environment for breed-specific, rescued animals.  I think that this article would be helpful and enlightening for a lot of people out there. All of the options mentioned can give these beautiful animals a second chance. 

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Alex, I was definitely happy to find the bengal cat rescue group. Our family is so very thankful that we found Shirley — it’s great to know that we got a fantastic cat while also helping out one in need. 

      Warm Regards, Alyce

  33. Pentrental says:

    I would have thought that adopting a purebred pet would be very expensive, so I’m happily surprised to find out through your post that it can be inexpensive. Wow your cat is really beautiful! I see that Great Lakes Bengal Rescue is a great targeted group for Bengal cats. I’m definitely going to check out there website further. Also I’m glad to learn about places like NC Yorkie Rescue and FAPS. You’ve breading my horizons when it comes to purebred dog or cat adoption and I’ll for sure be saving your post here, thank you!

    • Alyce says:

      Aww, thank you for the sweet words about Shirley. She really is a wonderful, sweet cat and a great addition to our family. The rescue groups are doing important work and I’m so happy to help build awareness for all that they do!

      Warm Regards, Alyce

  34. Petar says:

    These are great ways to adopt pet. But for me, the biggest problem with adopting pets was lack of free time. I just don’t have enough time to take care of pet. One day, I hope, I will have a dog. I just adore them! 

    Thanks for great article, my girlfriend wants to adopt some pets I have to show this to her. 🙂

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Petar, I’m so glad you enjoyed the article. Adopting a pet definitely requires a significant time commitment, but there are ways you can get in some puppy time without adopting… For instance, you may enjoy spending an hour a week taking shelter dogs on a walk. It’s a great way to bond with the dogs while you both get a little outdoor time. 

      Thanks for sharing with your girlfriend – I hope that she finds the information helpful!

      Warm Regards, Alyce 

  35. Gaurav Gaur says:

    Hi, Alyce.
    Thanks for sharing the information on how to adopt a purebred pet.
    Pet always fill the gap of loneliness in the family, but I am too weak to handle the sudden demise of a lovely pet. It needs a lot of courage to adopt a new one after this loss.
    Your suggestion to donate through Good Shop and Amazon Smile is surely fine. I will use them in the memory of my cute dog.
    Warm Regards,
    Gaurav Gaur

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Guarav, I’m so sorry to hear about the sudden loss of your beloved dog. Pets enrich our lives so much, and it can be very hard to manage our grief and adapt to life without them. I definitely understand that it can take some time open yourself up to that type of relationship again. 

      Personally, I needed over a year after losing my sweet cat before I was ready to consider adopting another. I’m very grateful that I found Shirley (my current cat) when I did — the timing was perfect. It’s something that is different for everyone. 

      I wish you strength and a warm heart as you honor the memory of your cute dog. 

      Big hugs, Alyce

  36. Adyns68 says:

    I personally like the giving back to the causes. I donate my time to work with non profit organization when I can. And that’s how I got my dog, a German Shepherd, he was a companion of a retired soldier in a shelter where I donated my time.

    So, I agree with your list. These are proven methods which works and can help you get a pet at a very low cost.

    Thanks for sharing.

    • Alyce says:

      Oh, what a wonderful story! Thanks for volunteering at the non-profits – it’s great cause – plus how awesome that you got a German Shepherd through that connection!?!!

      Warm Regards, Alyce

  37. Kristin says:

    I love that you incorporated how to also give back to animals even if you don’t have the means to give directly by payment. You also reminded me to use my Amazon Smile account- I forget to use their specific URL sometimes. Any recommendations for animal charities to donate to? I think I picked a random one at the time of creating my account, but would love to donate to an animal charity. Thanks! 

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Kristin, These groups do such amazing work (and usually on a shoestring budget), so it’s great to help them where we can.

      As far as animal organizations, I’m personally a big fan of Great Lakes Bengal Rescue since they paired me with my cat Shirley, and I know it’s a very caring group. You could also search for humane societies and rescue groups in your own town if you’d prefer to know that your donations are being used in your community. I’ll bet that a quick Amazon Smile search will show you a number of qualified groups that you could choose from.

      Thanks so much for helping these sweet souls.

      Warm Regards, Alyce

  38. Sandy says:

    Thank you for this very interesting article about adopting a purebred pet. I really like your idea and advice about adopting a purebred pet, whether a cat or a dog. Why spend a lot of money for a pet when so many pets are looking for an owner?

    I didn’t know there were ways other than breeder purchases to get a purebred pet, but now thanks to your article people will learn about a few options for doing just that. Thank you for this. Well done!

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Sandy, I’m so glad that you found the article interesting and informative. Hopefully the information can be shared with people who are looking for a pet and help to find some needy animals their forever homes!

      Warm Regards, Alyce

  39. Jade says:

    This is a fantastic article that not only people looking to get a new family member should read but everyone else should too. I think it is really important to be aware of the business in pet buying and lead with your heart when looking for a new family member because there are so so so many animals at there that need a home and I love how you made adoption a huge part of this article. I desire so much to have more fur babies in the future and your article has drilled down into me that there are many aspects in pet adoption to consider. Thank you for your time in writing this article, it is appreciated 🙂

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Jade, As much as I appreciate and love seeing the annual Best in Show competition for beautiful dog breeds, I also recognize that with so many animals needing good homes, that rescuing is a great way to get the best of both worlds (a purebred pet and a rescued animal in need).

      I hope you find some very special new fur babies when the time is right!

      Warm Regards, Alyce

  40. Phil says:

    Hello Alyce,

    Thanks for the tips! 

    My mom is moving into a senior’s home that allows pets, in just about a month, and she’s talked about finally getting a cat after so many years.

    Our neighbors have an amazing cat of a rare breed, a Burmese cat of a special blue/ white/gray combination. So this gave me an idea to shop for one…

    But they can be really expensive, and your post made me think that adoption might be a really good way to go. Maybe it doesn’t have to be a fancy Burmese cat, she could be happy with many other breeds as long as they are friendly. Now I’d like to browse their pictures, but not quite finding them… help!

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Phil, 

      How fantastic that your mom is moving into a place that allows pets! An article at agingcare.com states that, “for elderly pet owners… pets can help reduce stress, lower blood pressure, increase social interaction and physical activity and help them learn.” 

      I did a quick search online and found an active Burmese rescue group for you on Facebook at: facebook.com/burmrserescue/

      If you are hoping to find a nice and friendly cat, these rescue groups are great resources as they have usually spent enough time with each animal to know if it’s friendly and social, or rather an animal that is skittish and shy. This should help ensure that your mom gets an animal that has the right temperament to fit in at it’s new home. 

      Wishing her success in the new home and in her search for a sweet kitty!

      Warm Regards, Alyce



  41. Zihad says:

    Hi!
     This is amazing. Having a pet is really good. First I would like to say that, this has blown my mind. I definitely agree that owning a pet is one of the most rewarding things you’ll ever do. Pets provide laughs, joy, snuggles, and benefits that you just can’t put a price on.. this is so true. Also very glad to know about your pet Shirley, how cool that it is rescued and specially it is bengal! 

    How much does it cost to adopt pet like Shirley from breed-specific rescue groups?

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Zihad,

      The Great Lakes Bengal Rescue group has 2 basic prices for their adoptions… it’s more expensive for a kitten (under 1 year old) but around $150 to rescue an adult over 1 year old. It’s a great deal because it includes the pet, a health checkup with treatments / vaccines as needed, and the spay or neuter operation. If you don’t want to own the pet long-term (or just want to test out how it will work in your household), then fostering is free… the rescue group even pays for vet visits when you foster!

      Warm Regards, Alyce

  42. Arwil says:

    Thank you so much for this information – I learned a lot and will also share with friends and relatives who might be in search for one. 

    Having a pet at home really makes a big difference whether you are having a good or bad day. Pets just simply put a smile on your face. Yes even our two little fish at home gracefully swimming in their fish bowl provides delight after coming home tired from all day work.

    All the best!

    • Alyce says:

      Hi Arwil, I agree that even the pets that you don’t get to cuddle are a wonderful addition to a household. I’ve seen some beautiful aquariums and watching fish swim around can be very enjoyable. 

      Warm Regards, Alyce

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