When Promoting Pet Adoption Gets Criticized as "Buying Is Faster": Values and Communication Lessons for Animal Advocates

Starting from the Complaints

Let's begin with the complaints. The Bunny Lovers Association regularly receives letters of complaint, phone protests, online criticism, and even public shaming posts on social media. These messages tend to share a common theme: people feel that the adoption process is overly complicated.

Many complain about being asked too many questions or required to fill out lengthy forms. Some even conclude that it would simply be faster to buy a rabbit than to go through all the procedures required for adoption.

Such reactions highlight a deeper challenge faced by animal welfare groups—how to balance strict screening with encouraging more adoptions. While cumbersome procedures may deter potential adopters, they exist to ensure that every bunny finds a safe and committed home.

Adoption vs. Purchase: Understanding the True Meaning of Compassion

In recent years, the slogan "Adopt, don't shop" has gradually taken root in people's hearts. Yet the process of adoption is often unfairly compared with the result of purchasing—from price and speed to selection and even customer service.

Let's admit it: some people simply want a pet, not to adopt an animal. With that mindset, it's no surprise that when an adoption application is declined, some respond with frustration, saying, "It's faster just to buy one!"

But adoption is not about fulfilling what we want—it's about responding to what animals need. It's an act of empathy, not convenience, and a reminder that compassion should guide our choices, not impatience.

The Adoption Process: More Than Just "You Want, I Give"

Most responsible animal rescuers or adoption organizations do not operate under a simple "you want it, I'll give it to you" model. Basic screening and interviews are almost always part of the process. This ensures that each animal finds a safe, loving, and suitable home rather than being treated like an item to be handed over.

Take the Love Rabbit Association as an example. Every rescued pet rabbit undergoes medical treatment and recovery before being made available for adoption. Only after spaying or neutering and microchip registration are they ready to meet their future families. Compared to the immense effort and care invested by the rescue team throughout this process, the adopter's interview visit is truly a small step in return.

The True Meaning of Adoption

The core value of adopting an animal is not about saving money or getting one for free. The true meaning of "adoption instead of purchase" lies in the participation, reflection, and growth that come through the process of interviews and even through rejection.

The essence of adoption is simple yet profound: "Helping animals in need, not satisfying what we want." Once we understand this, we realize that many arguments in articles or online discussions—about speed, convenience, or how tiring the reporting process is—are actually meaningless.

People who constantly say, "Buying is faster," only care about whether they can get the animal they want. In reality, they pay no attention to the suffering faced by other animals.

Helping animals in need, not satisfying what we want.

Adoption Is Not a Simple Exchange

Adoption is not a trade for the items you want. It is far more meaningful than a shallow exchange of possessions. Volunteers see every adoption process as a form of social education. With patience and care, they repeatedly explain the animal's background, story, special notes, and health reminders.

When people start to feel irritated by what seems like tedious paperwork or long procedures, they often forget that the volunteer has probably gone through the same steps dozens of times—for the sake of that one rabbit or pet. True caretakers who are ready to offer a lifetime of love don't mind these small inconveniences.

A responsible person who gives an animal up for adoption often works even harder than those who wish to adopt. Yet, it is usually the adopters who complain. Adoption is not a mere exchange of goods—it is a commitment of compassion and responsibility.

What Online Shaming After Failed Adoptions Doesn't Tell You

In recent years, a troubling trend has appeared in the world of pet adoption: people who are rejected after applying to adopt sometimes take to the internet to vent their frustration. They post emotional stories, seeking sympathy from others. On one hand, they look for comfort; on the other, they subtly encourage others to shame or criticize the organization or individual who declined their application.

However, most of these online posts represent only one side of the story—and often leave out critical facts. Some applicants are turned down because they were applying on behalf of someone else, sharing unstable custody of pets with a partner, living in unclean environments, arriving late for interviews, refusing to follow guidelines, showing little knowledge of animal care, having someone else answer questions during interviews, or exhibiting poor communication in person despite sounding eloquent online.

Other rejections may come from technical or attitude issues—using unsuitable equipment, applying for the wrong match and insisting unreasonably, or simply behaving disrespectfully during the process. These details rarely appear in the emotional "sympathy posts" circulating online, leaving the public unaware of the full picture.

To protect both sides and maintain transparency, the Rabbit Lovers Association records all adoption interviews through video and audio, and archives every conversation and document. This careful documentation ensures that no party can manipulate the narrative after the fact or weaponize the internet for one-sided public shaming.

The Educational Value of Pet Adoption Interviews

The process of interviewing prospective adopters is, in itself, a form of education. Through these conversations and questions, the public gains a clearer understanding of the challenges animals face in Taiwan and the issues within the breeding industry.

Even when an adoption request is turned down, the experience offers an opportunity for reflection and growth. By examining the reasons behind the rejection, thinking about how to improve, and identifying what can be changed, individuals engage in a meaningful learning process.

Whether one later applies again, chooses to adopt through another channel, or decides not to keep pets at all, the process fosters more than personal fulfillment. It represents a step forward in building a society that treats animals with greater kindness and respect.

Adoption Can Reduce Pet Stores' Willingness to Sell Live Animals

In recent years, animal adoption has gained increasing attention as a humane and sustainable way to care for stray or abandoned animals. Instead of purchasing pets from stores that sell live animals, more people are choosing to adopt from shelters or rescue organizations.

Reducing Market Demand

When more individuals adopt rather than buy, the demand for live animal sales naturally decreases. This shift discourages pet stores from sourcing animals from breeders or unregulated suppliers, which often contribute to inhumane breeding conditions.

Promoting Responsible Pet Ownership

Adoption programs also help prospective pet owners make informed and long-term commitments. Shelters typically ensure that adopted pets are healthy, vaccinated, and neutered, minimizing future cases of neglect and abandonment.

Encouraging Ethical Business Practices

As society becomes more aware of the ethical issues surrounding live animal sales, businesses are beginning to adapt. Many stores now partner with shelters to promote adoption events rather than selling animals directly.

Through collective awareness and action, adoption not only saves lives but also transforms the pet industry into one driven by compassion instead of profit.

Adoption Eases the Burden on Animal Shelters

Animal shelters play a vital role in rescuing and caring for abandoned or stray animals. However, many shelters face overcrowding, limited resources, and the emotional strain that comes from trying to care for too many animals at once.

By choosing adoption, the public can help relieve this pressure. Every animal adopted from a shelter opens up space for another in need, while also giving that animal a loving, permanent home. Adoption transforms lives — both for the pet and the person welcoming them.

In addition to easing shelter workloads, adoption encourages community compassion and responsibility. It raises awareness about animal welfare and inspires others to consider giving a second chance to a shelter animal.

When you adopt, you don't just gain a loyal companion — you contribute to a kinder, more sustainable approach to animal care. Each adoption is a small but powerful act of kindness that helps shelters continue their important work.

The Power of Adoption

Adoption is more than bringing a new companion into your home—it's an act of compassion that ripples far beyond one life. Each time an animal is adopted, a shelter gains precious space and energy to save another in need.

"The space freed up through adoption allows the shelter to have the capacity to help the next case."

Behind every adoption stands a team of dedicated caretakers working around the clock to provide food, medical care, and comfort. When an animal finds a forever home, that small victory creates room for another story to begin—another chance for healing, trust, and hope.

So when you choose to adopt, you're not only saving one life—you're opening the door for the next rescue, the next miracle waiting just beyond the shelter walls.

Adoption Gives Stray Animals the Love of a Complete Family

Every stray animal deserves more than just survival — it deserves belonging, warmth, and love. Adoption transforms that possibility into reality.

Across cities and shelters, countless dogs and cats wait patiently for someone to look their way. Many of them have lived through hunger, fear, and loneliness. Yet, behind every pair of hopeful eyes is a loyal companion ready to offer unconditional love.

When you choose to adopt, you do more than take an animal home. You give it a second chance at life — a chance to be part of a family that cherishes and cares for it. And, in return, your family receives affection that's pure, constant, and healing.

Adoption also eases the burden on animal shelters, allowing them to help more animals in need. It's an act of compassion that ripples outward, building a more caring community where humans and animals coexist harmoniously.

So, the next time you consider bringing a pet into your life, remember: through adoption, you can change a stray animal's world — and perhaps discover a new kind of love yourself.

Give a home. Gain a friend. Adopt today.

The True Meaning of Pet Adoption

Many people dream of having a pet, imagining the warmth and joy that a furry friend can bring into their lives. However, adopting a pet is more than just an emotional decision—it is a lifelong responsibility.

The adoption process encourages people to reflect on whether they are truly ready to care for an animal, rather than acting on impulse.

This period of reflection is essential. It helps potential owners think deeply about their lifestyle, time, and resources. Are they able to provide consistent care, proper training, and affection? These questions ensure that each adoption leads to a lasting and loving relationship, rather than an impulsive act followed by regret.

By understanding adoption as a thoughtful process, society can reduce the number of abandoned pets and foster more responsible ownership. In the end, what matters most is not simply giving an animal a home—but giving it a home filled with understanding and commitment.

Adoption Over Purchase: The True Value of Life

Finally, the slogan "Adoption instead of purchase" is not about replacing the price of buying, but about embracing the value of respecting life. The goal is not to compare costs, but to highlight compassion and moral responsibility.

When one is rejected during the adoption process, it should be a time for reflection — to think about how to improve, correct, or adjust oneself. It is not an excuse to blame all animal rescuers with remarks like "No wonder adoption campaigns don't work" or to justify one's own flawed sense of morality by saying "It's better to just buy."

True adoption is built on empathy, patience, and understanding. Only by recognizing the intrinsic worth of every living being can we truly replace "buying" with "caring."

The Power of Words in Animal Protection

Did you enjoy this article? Words have the power to shape understanding and spread the right ideas about animal welfare. Through reading and reflection, we gain deeper insight into the bond between humans and animals.

Your support fuels our animal protection team to continue creating meaningful stories that promote adoption and compassion. Every contribution—big or small—helps sustain our mission to speak up for those without voices.