Why adopting a pet is one of the best things you can do.
- You save a life. All animals at a shelter have been lost, abandoned or given up. You are giving them a second chance for a new life in a loving home.
- You get a healthy pet. When you adopt, you receive a pet who has had good medical care. Animals are given vaccinations and are evaluated for different temperaments and behaviors to ensure each pet is matched with the right family.
- You can choose from a variety of animals. You can choose from specific breeds or lovable mutts at any age or size. Adult pets are great and you can even get a puppy.
- You can help stop pet overpopulation. Every year millions of animals are euthanized because of pet overpopulation. When you adopt a pet, you help weaken the cycle and help free up shelter space for another pet in need.
- You can help stop puppy mills. If you adopt from a shelter you are not supporting the cruel practices of puppy mills and they will go out of business.
- You always have support. Shelter employees and volunteers are always there to help with information and resources on a variety of issues. Many animal shelters offer positive reinforcement training classes. A minimum donation is usually required and most offer a discounted price on group training. Every day dogs are surrendered to shelters due to behaviors that can be easily corrected.
- You pay less. Adoption fees are low and the cost of neutering and initial vaccines are usually covered.
- You support a valuable non-profit organization. Animal shelters provide many benefits to a community. In addition to reducing the number of unwanted, neglected, and abused animals, they provide education for all pet owners, improve communities by spaying and neutering all adopted animals, and improve the mental health of residents by providing them with a loving companion. You also send a message when asked where you got your adorable pet from and encourage others to do the same.
Most animals do not end up in shelters because they have been mistreated or with behavior issues. Most end up there through no fault of their own, but simply because their owner, for whatever reason, cannot properly care for them anymore. So if you are thinking about bringing home a lovable furry friend, save a life and make adoption the first option.
