If you want to adopt a shelter dog or cat but are unsure if it's the right choice for you, our team can help. Today, our Lithia Springs vets share some reasons you should adopt a pet from the shelter.
How Adopting Pets From a Shelter Can Help Prevent Overpopulation
Every year, millions of dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens are euthanized in the U.S. because there are not enough homes for them.
Unfortunately, this problem is not decreasing because so many people do not see any value in adopting a homeless pet over buying a new specific breed puppy or kitten.
This may be for many reasons, such as assuming that any dog or cat adopted from a shelter will have several health complications. Some people may even think that they won't be able to find any of the breeds they are considering.
Certain people may even believe that the adoption process is long and complicated. Luckily, none of these are true, meaning shelters are a great option for anyone looking to bring a dog or cat into their life.
Even with the rumors of how all these dogs and cats end up living in shelters, there is always one common theme that is truthful. Their stories are devastating. Some dogs and cats were lost but never reunited with their owners, while others were purposely abandoned. Others are surrendered by people who no longer have the means to provide proper care for them. Some dogs and cats in shelters were born to strays or have behavioral concerns that their owners did not adequately address.
Don't let these rumors be why you don't consider adopting a dog or cat from your local shelter. If you aren't entirely convinced, our Center Star veterinary services team shares ten reasons to adopt your next dog from a local shelter.
Here Are the Top 10 Reasons to Adopt Your Dog or Cat
1. You Will Have a New, Lifelong Companion
This may seem obvious, but the love you get from a dog or cat will fill you with abundant happiness. This love will be forever and unconditional. Even if your dog or cat previously called a shelter home, they will still be filled with the same love they will shower you with.
2. You Can Take a Stance Against Puppy Mills
The unfortunate truth about buying from many pet stores is that the dogs come from puppy mills, which breed dogs in unsanitary and unfavorable conditions.
These dogs do not receive proper medical care, fall sick often, and are behaviourally troubled. The female dogs are usually restrained or contained with no affection or positive attention and are often abused. Once these dogs cannot produce puppies, they will be discarded or disposed of.
3. You Can Pick the Right Dog or Cat for You
The dogs available at the shelter are eagerly waiting to meet their forever family. Shelter dogs and cats don't understand why they were left in this place and only want to show gratitude to anyone who brings them home. You can meet all the dogs and cats and pick the one you feel the best connection with.
4. You Get a Dog That is Already House-Trained
The dogs you see in shelters do not want to be there. Whether the owner is incapable of care or the dog suffers from a condition that the previous owner was unable to manage, none of them have asked to be in the position they are in.
Thanks to the fact that these dogs were previously living in a home, you can look forward to them being generally house-trained already. Generally, all shelter dogs get time with a professional trainer during their stay, so you get a well-behaved dog.
5. You Get to Give a Dog or Cat Their Forever Home
The dogs and cats you see in shelters all hope for the same thing: companionship. This goes for dogs and cats that have been lost or abandoned as well. These dogs have been robbed of the happy, love-filled life they deserve. Why not show one the happiness that you can provide them?
6. Adoption Provides a Dog or Cat WIth a New Lease on Life
The life of a shelter dog or cat will likely have never been easy or relaxing. But this means that you now have the opportunity to give them a new lease on life and show them how wonderful and filled with care it can be.
7. You Will Gain a Companion Who Cares About Your Happiness
Did you know that being around animals has been scientifically proven to make people happier? By providing a pet with ongoing love, affection, and companionship, we are fulfilled in a way not met in other areas of our lives. This holds for all age groups.
8. You Get to Protect the Well-Being of a Dog or Cat
Our Westside Animal Emergency Clinic pet vets know that you hear the common saying that there are not enough homes for the available pets, and unfortunately, this is the truth.
This makes the shift to adopting pets rather than purchasing all the more important. If dogs end up homeless, they run the risk of experiencing fatal injuries, abuse, and neglect. By adopting one of the pets available at the shelter, you can give them a second chance while making space for the next ones to find their forever homes.
9. You May Lead a Happier Life When Performing Selfless Acts
People can assume that anyone who is kind to animals should be a good person. Caring for an animal is a selfless task. You will feel love, compassion, and the therapeutic benefits of owning and caring for these animals.
10. You Can Feel Proud Knowing That You Saved an Animal's Life
You will be able to wake up every day knowing your bond with your dog or cat was formed the moment you saved them from a life of homelessness. They will love you unconditionally for life, and you will spend every day enjoying the benefits of this companionship.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.