As a veterinary technician for nearly a decade, I have seen firsthand the best and worst in animal care. While new technologies and modern treatments offer potential, the unfortunate reality is that the system we rely on has become more about profit than about truly supporting the health of our dogs. It is a system built on quick solutions and temporary fixes, where profit margins are prioritized over the well-being of the animals themselves. This is not just an issue of care—it’s an issue of values. And it is time for us to choose the kind of future we want for our pets.

The crisis we face today with pet adoption and breeding is emblematic of this larger problem. It is not simply a matter of whether we should adopt or shop—it is a question of how we approach the very care and protection of these animals. Responsible breeders, those dedicated to the health, well-being, and long-term happiness of their dogs, are being conflated with backyard breeders and commercial operations whose primary goal is profit, not care. This dangerous conflation leads to the very crisis we are now confronting.

The truth is, responsible breeders are not the problem. They are, in fact, part of the solution. They approach breeding with care, knowledge, and a deep respect for the animals in their charge. Their goal is not to produce as many puppies as possible, but to raise healthy, balanced dogs who will thrive for their entire lives. These breeders invest in their animals’ health from the very beginning—focusing on balanced nutrition, minimizing toxins, and creating environments that promote both physical and emotional well-being.

But the rise of backyard breeders and large-scale commercial operations has poisoned the well. These breeders, driven by profit, cut corners at the expense of the animals. They breed for quantity, not quality, often neglecting the health and genetic soundness of their dogs. Puppies from these operations are often born into poor conditions, fed low-quality food, over-vaccinated, and exposed to harmful chemicals. The result? Animals that are predisposed to chronic health issues, emotional distress, and shorter lifespans.

Much like our human healthcare system, this is a system that treats the symptoms rather than addressing the root cause. We are quick to prescribe medications, perform surgeries, and administer vaccinations without first asking, “Why is this animal sick in the first place?” True health, whether for humans or animals, begins with prevention. It begins with addressing the root causes—nutrition, environment, emotional well-being—rather than simply masking the symptoms. This is the philosophy of Natural Rearing, a holistic approach to pet care that seeks to support the animal’s entire being.

Natural Rearing emphasizes species-appropriate diets, free of the processed, chemical-laden foods that have become so common in the pet industry. It focuses on reducing exposure to toxins—whether from over-vaccination, harmful chemicals, or environmental stressors—and instead creating an environment that mirrors what nature intended. By supporting the whole animal, rather than just treating their ailments, we can prevent many of the chronic conditions that have become so pervasive among our pets.

And yet, despite the clear benefits of this approach, the current system continues to promote quick fixes and profit-driven solutions. Just as our healthcare system often favors temporary relief over lasting wellness, the pet industry is dominated by products and practices that offer immediate convenience but long-term harm. Backyard breeders and large-scale operations are the embodiment of this mindset—they seek to produce as many puppies as possible, as cheaply as possible, without regard for the animal’s health or future.

This is where responsible breeders come in. They are not part of the problem; they are the key to the solution. These breeders understand that true health begins from within and that the choices made in the early stages of a dog’s life—what they eat, how they are raised, the care they receive—set the foundation for their entire future. These breeders are dedicated to producing dogs that are not only healthy in the present but are built to thrive for years to come.

The choice before us is clear. We can continue down the path of convenience, supporting breeders who prioritize profit over the well-being of the animals. Or we can stand with those who are committed to the long-term health of their dogs, who breed with care, knowledge, and compassion. We must recognize the difference between responsible breeders and those who cut corners, and we must support the breeders who are working to raise healthy, balanced animals.

Just as we demand better from our healthcare system, we must demand better for our pets. We must shift our focus from treating symptoms to addressing the root cause, from quick fixes to long-term wellness. This is not a decision between adopting or shopping—it is a decision about the future of pet care. Will we continue to allow backyard breeders and commercial operations to dominate, or will we choose a path that prioritizes the health and happiness of our animals?

We are at a crossroads, and the choice we make today will shape the future of our pets for years to come. We can choose a system that values profit, or we can choose one that values life. We can continue to mask the symptoms, or we can address the root cause. We can allow our pets to merely survive, or we can give them the opportunity to thrive. The decision is ours. Let us choose wisely.