Are you thinking of adopting a pet?
You may be asking yourself whether you should adopt from an animal shelter or purchase a puppy from a breeder. If this feels like a big decision to make, it’s because it is. There are millions of dogs waiting in shelters for a forever home, and adopting a rescue goes beyond saving a life.
Here are seven reasons to consider adopting a shelter dog.
1. You’re Saving Two Lives
Lost, stray, and abused animals make their way to rescue shelters. By adopting, you’re giving them a second chance to live a happy life. When you decide to adopt a rescue dog, you’re really saving two lives. You’re saving the life of the dog you adopt, but you’re also opening a space in that shelter for another dog in need of a family.
2. Great Selection of Animals to Choose From
If you have a dog breed in mind, chances are you’ll find it at a dog shelter. There are several breeds found at shelters, such as Boxers, Dachshunds, German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, and more.
Keep in mind that lots of animals in shelters will be mixed. This makes them less likely to have health conditions, unlike purebreds which have an increased likelihood of inherited diseases.
Not sure what dog breed is right for you? Dog World offers a matching quiz that’s completely free.
2. You Fight Back Against Cruel Breeding
There are many disadvantages when purchasing a puppy from a pet store or breeder, one of these being cruel breeding.
When you purchase from a breeder, it’s likely you’re supporting cruel breeding, which involves keeping animals in confined, filthy spaces with little veterinary care. These facilities repeatedly impregnate female dogs that spend their whole lives in cages without human companionship.
Adopting from an animal shelter is a way you can fight back against cruel breeding.
3. You’ll Help Break the Cycle of Pet Overpopulation.
There are millions of unwanted pets in the U.S. This has become a major cause of concern because there aren’t adequate homes for all pets. Statistics show that approximately 1.5 million cats and dogs are euthanized every year. As such, they are adopting a rescue that mitigates this number.
4. Adopting a Rescue Costs Less
There are several ways you’ll save by adopting a rescue. For starters, most dogs will already have their vetting completed. This includes vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying/neutering costs. Buying a puppy directly from a breeder can be extremely expensive, and even then, it won’t include its vetting.
5. You Can Adopt an Adult Pet
Adult dogs are great! You’ll get to take home a furry friend that’s already potty-trained, housetrained, and can follow some commands like ‘sit’ or ‘stay.’ You won’t have to deal with the puppy phase, which includes chewing your shoes and furniture or peeing on your freshly cleaned carpet.
6. You’ll Encourage Others to Adopt from Shelters.
Your rescue dog will quickly become your best friend. You’ll take it everywhere with you, feed it the best foods, and even let it sleep on the bed with you from time to time. When your friends ask where you got your amazing furry friend, you can tell them you got them from a shelter. This may encourage others to do the same.
The Takeaway
By now, you should have a pretty good idea of the benefits that come from adopting a rescue. From saving two lives, fighting back against cruel breeding, helping the issue of animal overpopulation, saving money, or adopting a trained pet, adopting from a shelter is often the way to go.
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