I think that adopting animals is a good and positive thing-- honestly even if you are only meeting a basic standard of care and are not an over-the-top amazing owner. It's a good idea to try to adopt pets who are likely to be happy in the conditions you're able to provide (like aim for cats or 'couch potato' dog breeds if you don't have a lot of space/energy), but like, I think odds are good that whatever you're providing is better than the shelter, even if they're doing their best. Is your yard fenced in? Cause even if it's small, free access to the outdoors outside of walks is pretty dope enrichment for a dog. You might be underestimating yourself!

Even with that aside: when you adopt an animal, not only are you giving that animal a nicer life, you're clearing a spot in said shelter for another animal who now doesn't have to be put down for lack of space. You're saving two lives! This is also why I think it's almost always immoralto buy animals(exceptions for stuff like service dogs obv), no matter who the breeder is. It's failing to help the animals already here, while also actively funding people who are making the problem of 'too many animals too few homes' worse.