Pet Search: Why Adopt from Shelters?

Pet Search: Why Adopt from Shelters?

Are you on a pet search? Deciding to add a furry member to your family is an important decision. It can be difficult, especially if it’s your first time having a pet. There are many things to consider, you will spend a considerable amount of money, and your lifestyle will definitely change. Nevertheless, any pet parent will tell you that the rewards of adopting a fur baby outweigh the fears and challenges.

If you are considering adopting a dog, a cat, or another furry baby, the first place to look is in the adoption shelters. Recently and thanks to the “Adopt Don’t Shop” movement, more and more people, 65% according to a study by PetSmart Charities, are turning to their local shelters and rescue groups rather than breeders.

Looking for a dog or cat? Here are the top reasons you should join the movement and adopt your fur baby from a shelter.

Pet Search: Top Reasons to Adopt from Shelter

1. Save two for the price of one. Every year, millions of animals are put to sleep because there are too many animals and not enough spaces in shelters. If people stopped buying animals and rescue a pet instead, they could save one animal from being put to sleep and open a space for animal in the shelter. Essentially, you are saving two lives by rescuing one animal. Rescue two and you save four lives, and so on. Do the math.

2. You’ll get unconditional love. A dog is said to be the only creature on the planet who loves you more than it loves itself. A cat can pretend to be aloof and distant all they want, but they are incredibly loyal to their humans. Shelters are filled to capacity, sometimes more, with loving, happy, and healthy pets waiting for a forever home.

3. You’ll save money. Getting a pet is not all fun and games for your wallet. There costs associated with spay and neuter, vaccinations, microchip, house training, etc. Adopting a pet from the shelter will save you money because all these costs are included in the small adoption fee.

4. Join the bandwagon. 65% of people are turning to their local shelters and rescue groups rather than breeders. It’s time to join the movement.

5. Fight for-profit puppy mills. Puppy mills are horrible places that breed animals for sale. Here, animals are treated cruelly and housed in poor conditions and receive improper or no medical care. Animals from puppy mills grow up physically and mentally compromised. When you buy from a pet store or other places, chances are you are getting a pet from puppy mills and you are helping fuel this inhumane practice of putting profit over the welfare of living beings. Adopting is the best way to avoid supporting puppy mills.

6. You’ll live happier and longer. Studies have shown that companion pets are good for your health. Besides the unconditional love they offer, they also contribute to the physical, mental, and psychological well-being of their humans. People who have pets are less stressed, happier, and live longer according to multiple studies.

7. You’ll finally have a social life. Let’s face it; life is busy. Most people are so busy, they forego their social interactions. When you rescue a pet, you meet incredible animal advocates at your local shelter or local rescue. You can also meet other pet parents and attend animal playdates. You can have an animal BFF and make new human friends as well.

8. You help break the overpopulation cycle. If the sight of a skinny, abandoned, needy dog or cat on the street is enough to break your heart; then you should really adopt from the shelter. When you adopt, you break the overpopulation cycle by opening up spaces in the shelter where they can take in an animal in need and spay or neuter them. This makes a huge impact in decreasing animal overpopulation and homelessness.

9. You get a support system. People who work in shelters are a great source of information for your pet. Shelter staff can answer any questions you might have about our dog or cat, direct you to the right department depending on what you need, and can help you with the everyday nuances of having a companion animal. Plus, if they are advocating for animals, which they are, they are almost certainly really cool people.

10. You support a worthy cause. Adopting from a shelter supports the shelter’s operating costs. You also become a living endorser for the shelter, inspiring others to adopt, as well.

Dogs and cats are a lot of work but the benefits they bring to your life is more than worth it. If you are on a pet search, make adoption from a shelter your first option. You will not regret it.