Do you know where puppies come from?

There's only one reason you'll ever need to adopt, rather than buy companion animals. And this video is it.

Forget asking, "How much is that doggy in the window?" You should be asking, "Where did that doggy in the window come from?" Because in many cases, the dogs you see in pet stores or for sale online have come from puppy farms.

There, the mother is locked in an empty cell, continually made pregnant, and never given the care, exercise and love that she needs. Her puppies are taken from her to be sold to pet shops or online to unsuspecting families. No animal deserves to be treated like that.

Puppy farms are also contributing to the shocking overpopulation of dogs in Australia, which is leading to tens of thousands of dogs being killed in pounds every year. The decision to adopt rather than support the cycle of abuse, overbreeding and death really is a no-brainer!

If you or your family are thinking about adding a new furry member to your home, you'll need to think seriously about these questions

• Are you ready to make a long-term commitment? (Dogs can live to be 15 years old, cats even older!)
• Will you be able to afford food, health care, safety and toys?
• Do you have enough time to spend with your new best friend?
• Is your place big enough for a companion animal?

If you've thought through all that, and decide to go ahead with welcoming a beautiful animal into your home, then here's some tips to get you started

1. Always adopt! You've seen the video, show it to your family so they know why adopting rather than buying is the right thing to do. You can even take the personal pledge to adopt and not buy.
2. Head to petrescue.com.au to find the perfect companion for you. They've even got an app!
3. Consider adopting an older dog. They're usually a lot more chilled and may adapt quicker to new environments.

Have you already saved a life by adopting? Was it a cat or a dog? What's his or her name? Tell me your story in the comments below :)

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