Expert: Laura Holmes - 3/8/2007

Question
Hi Melissa. I've been thinking about this lately, and I'm not so sure I have all the facts to make this moral dicision: Is it 'right' to have pets? I know they make us healthier and us them, but is it right? I have three pets right now, and the oldest (an old male betta with birth defects cause by inbreeding FOR the pet trade) is close to death. I've been considering stopping having pets after they've moved on (a cycle which, thankfully, shouldn't come full circle for at least another year).

What can you tell me about this? Thanks.

Answer
I would suggest that if you have pets they should not be bought from a pet store, as this contributes to the pet trade, which as you demonstrated in your question can often be neglectable of the welfare of animals. There is nothing wrong with keeping pets as they are so far along the road to domestication at this point. I would suggest that you buy pets from a rescue centre, as there are many animals there in need of homes, and this adoption will not contribute towards the pet trade. By adopting from a rescue centre you are helping animals which would otherwise be unloved, and in some cases are put to sleep. I know that my 2 rabbits are both from rescue organisations, and they make the perfect pets.