Nothing brings as much joy and happiness as adopting an animal into your family. Whether you’re adopting a dog or cat, these animals give us years of companionship, laughter, joy, and love. At the same time, we also give them the same by taking care of them, showering them with attention, and loving them wholeheartedly. Most people would agree that pets are just as much part of the family as our human relatives.
So if you’re thinking about enriching your life with a furry friend, what are your options? One of the best ways to go about bringing a pet into your family is adopting from a shelter. Here’s why:
You’re Saving a Life
We’ve all seen the commercials on TV with the sad-looking dogs and cats waiting to be adopted. In some of these commercials, they also show images of animals living in terrible conditions to show the dire need for people to help out and adopt. In reality, most shelters are run by compassionate animal lovers who want the best for the animals, but there’s no doubt that living in a home with a loving family is better for a cat or dog than living in a shelter. By adopting from a shelter, you will be rescuing an animal in need and giving them a high-quality life.
And when you consider that every year 2.7 million adoptable cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters, the need to rescue animals is even more urgent.
You’re Also Helping the Shelter
Many shelters in the US are also working at capacity. Not only are they completely full, but also their funding is stretched so thin that taking care of all the animals is sometimes difficult. By adopting a rescue cat or dog, you’re taking some of the pressure off the shelter so they can focus on helping other animals in need.
The Cost
Shelter animals are typically less expensive to adopt over pet stores or animals direct from a breeder. Also, in the adoption fees, expenses such as spaying or neutering, the first round of vaccinations, and micro chipping is often included. Adopting an older cat or dog will also save you time and money on things like training and housebreaking.
You’re Getting a Wonderful New Friend
Nothing feels better than knowing you are helping an animal in need. And when you adopt from a shelter, you are completely changing an animal’s life for the best. The love and companionship you get will only be further highlighted by the fact that you are doing a good deed.
Rescue pets are also among the sweetest animals around, and they have unlimited love to give you and your family.
You Are Making a Statement Against Animal Cruelty and Puppy Mills
There are still people in the world who have little regard for the well being of animals. By supporting shelters and adopting rescue animals, you are sending a message to animal abusers and puppy mills that their practices and behavior are unacceptable. Puppy mills, specifically, are only able to operate because they make money. By not supporting this industry, you’re helping the money dry up.
Adopting a pet is a fabulous idea for families, single people, retirees, and more. Animals bring us joy, cure loneliness, and have been proven to enrich our lives and help us live longer. The best way to adopt a pet is through a shelter, hands down. To learn more about adopting rescue pets, contact your local animal shelter today and find your new best friend.