Adoption Shouldn't Be This Hard
Let's begin with a letter—a piece of feedback our association received in February. The letter highlights the complicated and frustrating process of animal adoption. On the surface, it may appear to be an isolated complaint. But, viewed more deeply, it also reflects a broader public perception of animal welfare—one that deserves our attention.
Subject: Is it really this difficult just to adopt?
Hello, I live alone in another city and sometimes it gets lonely. I wanted to adopt a rabbit to keep me company, maybe even sleep beside me. At first, I thought about buying one, but a friend said, "If you love animals, wouldn't adoption be better?" That made so much sense to me, so I looked into it and found your organization.
But…I soon discovered how complicated the adoption process is. The questionnaire was tough—some questions I really couldn't answer, like "Aside from our association, which Facebook pages or websites about rabbits do you know?" Honestly, I don't know any! I just want to care for a bunny, but I feel like I'm being tested. =.=
Why can't I ever find a stray rabbit on the street? After reading through the questionnaire, I decided to give up on adopting online. I wonder if other people feel the same way—discouraged before they even start. In the end, visiting a night market or pet shop seems so much easier.
This letter speaks to a truth often overlooked: while strict adoption procedures aim to protect animals, excessive complexity can alienate potential adopters. The emotional sincerity in this message reminds us that behind every application is someone who genuinely wants to give an animal a home. The challenge, then, is to balance compassion with practicality—to ensure that love for animals is encouraged, not stifled, by bureaucracy.
Adopting or Simply Owning a Pet?
Do you want a pet, or do you want to care for an animal? In recent years, the slogan "Adopt, Don't Shop" has gradually taken root in public awareness. Yet, as reflected in many letters and discussions, what most people truly understand about adoption still seems limited to the idea of "saving money." In other words, many see adoption merely as a cheaper alternative to buying a pet.
It's no wonder that people often compare the "process" of adoption with the "result" of purchase — weighing everything from price, convenience, privacy, emotions, to even customer service. When the desire is only to "have a pet" rather than to "take care of an animal," this mindset inevitably leads some potential adopters to complain, "It would be faster if I just bought one!"
Because in essence, what they wish to replace isn't just the act of buying — it's the cost, not the responsibility. True adoption is not a shortcut to ownership; it's a commitment to the life of another being.
Adoption Should Be About Compassion, Not Convenience
People often want everything to be fast, cheap, and even delivered to their doorstep for free. When it comes to adopting animals, the most convenient and principle-aligned way—especially for urgent rescue cases—is to go directly to public animal shelters in each city or county. There, adoption is quick and straightforward: just fill out a simple form to take an animal home, while also helping reduce the shelter's workload.
However, many people still refuse to adopt from shelters. They worry the shelters might be unclean, unsafe, uncertain about the animals' origins, or they just don't want to leave personal information with a government agency. Some even complain that shelters are too far away. As a result, animals from rabbit associations or individual foster homes tend to be more popular—people believe they are better cared for, friendlier, and sometimes even already neutered.
In short, people want fast, cheap, guaranteed, and home-delivered adoptions, as if there should be a "trial period" and a "health warranty" included. But true compassion for animals isn't about convenience—it's about taking real, responsible action. If you want things to be simple and quick, go directly to your local animal shelter. You'll not only find your new companion but also make a meaningful difference for the animals in need.
The True Value Behind "Free" Adoptions
"Free is always the most expensive." It's precious—but in reality, responsibility and accountability always come together. Most responsible foster homes or animal welfare organizations don't operate on a "you want it, you get it" basis. Basic reviews and interviews are essential steps that cannot be skipped.
Take the Rabbit Lovers Association as an example. Every rabbit available for adoption has been rescued by volunteers, given medical examinations and treatment, and provided with time to recover. Only after being spayed or neutered and having a microchip registered will the rabbit be ready for adoption. When you look at the entire process—the care, effort, and emotional investment volunteers pour in—it makes the adopter's application and interview seem like a very small task in comparison.
For someone who simply "wants" a pet, the focus may just be on cost or convenience. But for the volunteers, the heart of adoption advocacy isn't about saving money or getting something for free. It's about recognizing the true worth of a life. Free is always the most expensive—because it's invaluable.
Adoption Is More Than a Simple Exchange
Adoption is not as simple as "you want one, so I give one." As the idea of "adopt instead of buy" gradually shifts from a slogan to a real practice, adoption has come to represent much more than just the supply and demand of pets.
For volunteers, every adoption process is an opportunity for social education. They patiently record each case, write stories, and even produce documentaries to document these journeys. Their goal is to use each successful adoption story to start a conversation with society—to show that adoption is not only a replacement for monetary transactions, but also a powerful act that creates lasting social value.
Through storytelling and public engagement, these volunteers remind us that adoption carries meaning far beyond the act itself. It symbolizes compassion, responsibility, and a shared hope for a more humane society.
The True Meaning of Adoption
Choosing to adopt rather than buy a pet can reduce the profits of live animal sellers, thereby discouraging the sale of animals as commodities. With fewer animals being sold, adoption becomes a powerful act that promotes compassion and responsibility within society.
Adoption also eases the burden on shelters and rescue centers, allowing them to provide better care for the animals they house. Each adoption opens up space, giving shelters more capacity to help the next animal in need. This creates a continuous chain of kindness and support.
For the animals, adoption marks the end of a life filled with uncertainty and wandering. It gives them a warm home and a loving family—a second chance at happiness and trust.
Through the adoption process, people are encouraged to reflect deeply on whether they are truly ready to care for an animal. It's a mindful decision that goes beyond impulse, reminding us that love and responsibility must go hand in hand.
Adoption is not just saving a life—it's transforming two lives, yours and theirs.
Adoption Over Purchase: A Matter of Value, Not Price
The phrase "Adopt, Don't Shop" carries a message far deeper than it first appears. What it seeks to replace is not the price tag of buying a pet, but the very idea of assigning a monetary value to life itself. When we choose adoption, we choose compassion, respect, and responsibility over consumerism.
Every stray animal has its own story and a heart that can love just as deeply as any pedigreed pet. None of them should ever be treated as commodities to be compared and priced. By embracing adoption, we affirm that every life—no matter where it comes from—deserves dignity, care, and a home.
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