Is it unethical for a vegan to buy a dog from a breeder rather than adopt one? I have volunteered with rescues and shelters in the past and am very aware that animals are put down all of the time. I have been looking for a rescue for a long time and am frustrated. I am living in an area of the US that does not have a lot of adoptable dogs so rescues transport from the south. These rescues either don’t get back to me or won’t adopt to me for reasons such as not having a fenced in yard. The shelters in my area have few dogs listed and none are what I am looking for. When I look at shelters in bigger cities nearby, I can’t even get a response. COVID restrictions prohibit visiting shelters right now. I also would prefer a purebred puppy of my favorite breed, but feel it is ethically questionable. Just wondering if any other vegans have struggled with this. I used to privately judge people who bought a dog, but I am starting to feel like it would be much easier. Plus my breed of choice is like eye candy to me and the breed’s mannerisms make me laugh. I am a vegan because of my love for animals and am aware that rescuing or adopting is more in line with my beliefs. Would it be wrong to buy a dog through a reputable breeder? Reputable is subjective I realize, but breed clubs do have breeders that sign a code of ethics.