Adopt Don’t Shop!

It’s no secret that having a pet can be one of the greatest things in life. They can bring you joy, help keep you in shape, and teach you more about responsibility. They will cheer you up when you’re down and provide you with unconditional love, and who couldn’t use a little more love in their life?

Now, for those who don’t have a pet yet, or you do and you’re just looking to expand on your household of friends…The question becomes, “Where do you get your pets from?”

Some of us might already have an idea of a breed that we’re interested in. Some may want an older pet, and some may want a newborn puppy or kitten. Whatever the age of pet you’re interested in, did you know that there are even more rescues and shelters than there are breeders out there? Rescues and shelters have all kinds of breeds available that you’re looking for, with no shortage of younger and older animals who are all ready and waiting to find their forever homes.

When you’re ready and you start looking at adding another best friend to your life, consider the following reasons to adopt!

There is already an overpopulation of dogs and cats in this world. Some are roaming the streets struggling to find food and shelter, some are from places like puppy mills, and then there are the few that are “lucky” enough to be placed in a no-kill shelter or rescue. There are many reasons as to why there are so many animals out there without homes, and the unfortunate reality is that many of them are put down due to reasons such as a lack of space, finances, food, and many other issues.

  • Two lives are being saved by rescuing one pet. The pet you rescue is being saved, and by doing so, it is also making room for another helpless animal out there to come into the shelter/rescue for their chance to find a forever home.
  • Rescuing your next pet will help to reduce the overpopulation of dogs and cats in this world. Millions of dogs and cats are euthanized each year, and the reason being is there are just too few people right now considering adoption over having one bred for them, buying one through a puppy mill, or picking one up at their local pet store.
  • The cost is much lower to rescue an animal than it is to have one bred. Rescues and shelters want these pets to find forever homes, and most are non-profits.
  • Rescuing an older animal can have its perks, such as already being housetrained, with some even knowing commands such as “sit, stay, come, laydown, etc..”. You’ll also be able to see their matured personality. Most older pets are past those “I’m going to chew up the couch cushions” or “your rug is my favorite bathroom” phases.
  • You’ll get a great furry family member. Shelter pets want nothing more than love and attention, and to be with a forever family. It’s amazing how they’re able to understand and appreciate being saved, and they will show you how happy they are being at home with you!

Rescuing an animal is something that you both will benefit from. A pet’s life is being saved, and you get to be proud that you’re the one who saved a pet’s life! Not to mention the joy they bring having your new best friend around all the time. This is a deal that you just can’t pass up!

So, with all this knowledge and when it comes that time, consider doing some research on your local rescues and shelters in order to save a life and bring home a new best friend!