This alone can help decrease the pet overpopulation problem. Secondly, adopt your pet from an animal shelter or humane society. Every animal bought at a pet store is a death sentence for a shelter animal. Be a responsible pet owner. One of the biggest problems is that people underestimate how much time, money and attention a pet requires.
People see a cute puppy in the window and buy it on impulse.
Then a few months later it isn't the cute fuzz ball anymore. This is when shelters receive a lot of their unwanted animals. Another big time is right after Christmas. Be sure to ask. Lastly, get involved with your local Animal Shelter.