Why You Should Adopt A Shelter Pet

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By MaryRenee

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The Truth of The Matter

Every single year between 3-4 million pets are euthanized in the United States alone. Obviously this number is incredibly huge, as it is devastating. Millions of cats and dogs sit in shelters and wait. Waiting... wait to be euthanized or wait to be adopted. Of course we all can't do everything, but we all can do something. By adopting a single shelter animal, a huge difference can be made.

You'll Save Yourself Money

Purchasing a pet from a breeder or pet store can be very costly. Many of us have walked into a pet store and have been blown away by the high prices. Breeders prices are also typically on the higher side. Well, if you adopt, you won't have this problem. Humane Societies will give you your pet for usually a very reasonable price. Let's not forget another factor in getting a new pet:Shelters will have your pet spayed/ neutered by the time your ready to take your furry friend home. When animals first arrive, they are given their spaying/ neutering, as well as vaccinations. The average cost to neuter your male dog is $90. The average cost to spay your female dog is $115. That really adds up quick!

You Have A Lot Of Pets To Choose From

Some of us have walked into a shelter and have felt overwhelmed at all the pets there are. You may say, "Which one is right for me?" Well, you'll have a lot of variety to choose from. You can find all different kinds of pets. You can find mixed breed, as well as pure bred breeds. You can find all different sizes of pets to suit your home, and lifestyle. Another wonderful thing shelters offer are an option for you to spend time with the pet your intrested in. You and your family can interact with different animals. By doing this you can get a glimpse of how you feel about the pet, and how the pet feels about you. Shelters will also typically be able to give you some background information on the animal. This can be very beneficial for you and your new furry friend. Some shelters also offer a pet foster parent option. If your intrested in taking the pet home, but aren't totally sure this option can be very helpful. You may ask, "What if I want a specific breed?" Not a problem, there are many websites and specific breed rescues that will help you find the pet your looking for. Wanting a certain breed doesn't mean you shouldn't adopt. If you want a specific breed there are simple, easy ways to help connect you with your perfect pet.

You Won't Be Supporting Pet Shops & Puppy Mills

This reason should be considered the most important. Puppy Mills are factory style facilities, that want nothing more than to make money. Dogs are kept in incredibly poor conditions, without any welfare or love from a human. The dogs that are being bred, are bred over and over again for years. They are treated with cruelty and kept cramped in cages. Did you know that most of the puppies in pet stores come from these sick places? By purchasing pets from pet stores, people are essentially and unknowingly supporting these cruel crimes. Who would want to contribute to this?

You'll Be Saving A Life

How great woud you feel if you saved a life? Many people who adopt pets, say they get a wonderful since of happiness from knowing they've made a difference. Many shelter animals have had rough lives. Countless pets have been removed from a familiar home and surroundings. Could you imagine if shelter pets could tell us their life stories? They are brave animals, and they just want another chance. Animals deserve to be cared for and loved. If you want a pet, do the right thing: Adopt A Shelter Pet.

Pixie, My Adopted Shelter Dog :)
Pixie, My Adopted Shelter Dog :)

Comments

Shil1978 profile image

Shil1978 Level 4 Commenter 2 years ago

Wonderful hub Mary. You are so right - adopting a shelter pet is so the right thing to do, than go out and buy a pet.

Hope more people adopt pets and give these wonderful animals another chance!!

Thanks for sharing this informative hub! Voted up and rated 'awesome." :)

MaryRenee 24 months ago

Hey Shil :)

Thank you! Yes, hopefully more people will continue to adopt :)

samboiam profile image

samboiam 24 months ago

Mary, this was a great piece. I wish more people would be concerned about animals. It breaks my heart to see one mistreated.

MaryRenee profile image

MaryRenee Hub Author 24 months ago

thank you Sam, I feel that same way.

Dolores Monet profile image

Dolores Monet Level 7 Commenter 24 months ago

Mary, I can't imagine buying a dog or cat when so many are thrown away. And now with a poor economy, some people get rid of their pets because they can no longer afford them. Adopting a rescue animal seems like the best way to get a pet.

MaryRenee profile image

MaryRenee Hub Author 24 months ago

hi Dolores: Your so right, the economy has definetly contributed to people giving up their pets. It's such a shame.

Michael Adams1959 profile image

Michael Adams1959 Level 2 Commenter 24 months ago

great hub, we have rescued 2 dogs, one a pug 10 years ago and a springer spaniel, 2 years ago

MaryRenee profile image

MaryRenee Hub Author 24 months ago

hi there Michael :) that's great that you have 2 rescued pets, pugs & springer spaniels are adorable! :)

lizmoss71 profile image

lizmoss71 24 months ago

Brilliant hub, very well written and useful.

kflm83 24 months ago

You article is so true. My roommate and I just adopted a cat last week from the shelter and he is so affectionate and loving. I am so glad we rescued him because he had been there for 3 years!

MaryRenee profile image

MaryRenee Hub Author 24 months ago

hi kflm: oh my! the cat had been there for 3 years? How terrible! Well, you and your roomate should be so proud you saved him, that's wonderful! :)

theherbivorehippi profile image

theherbivorehippi Level 1 Commenter 24 months ago

Excellent hub! My goal is to one day be rich and have a gigantic property where i can adopt as many dogs as I possibly can and be a foster home so I will rescue the dogs that need rescuing and find them homes. It's great in theory but I know I was just end up keeping them all. lol

MaryRenee profile image

MaryRenee Hub Author 24 months ago

hi herbivorehippi: i feel the same way exactly! That would be a dream of mine, and I would keep them all too, lol :)

st lucia for sale profile image

st lucia for sale 23 months ago

Great Hub Mary, its always rewarding homing a shelter animal.

MaryRenee profile image

MaryRenee Hub Author 23 months ago

St Lucia: Thank you! I agree :)

izettl profile image

izettl Level 6 Commenter 22 months ago

these are all good reasons. I've adopted a cat and a rabbt from a shelter, but would never adopt a dog. Dogs carry too many issues from their past. I have a 3 yr old and I won't take the chances of adopting a dog I didn't know as a very small puppy. We have a 7 yr old Chihuahua and we got him at 6 months old, but since he was tormented by small kids during that 6 months he barely tolerates my daughter. I live near Portland, OR and recently a man adopted a dog at the shelter and the next day it bit his 2 r old. I think adopting a dog is great if you don't have kids- can't take any chances.I would never buy from petstores either they get puppies from mills. the best way is from reputable breeder.

Arietha profile image

Arietha 21 months ago

Unlike Izetti, I did adopt a dog from a shelter. Despite of a 5-year old, a 2-year old and a Cairn terrier, there was room in both our house and our hearts for an 11-year old Maltese. It was the best thing we ever did, she's adorable !

A few tips :

1. Make sure you get all the information you need about the dog you picked before you visit the shelter (when you're there, you will feel sorry and adopt regardless)

2. bring your own dog and children with you when you visit the shelter for a first acquaintance with your new dog (make sure the children understand that it's not a done deal)

3. take the new dog out for a walk and see how it reacts to different situations (kids, other dogs, umbrella's or whatever)

4. if you're not that familiar with dog behaviour, take someone with you who is

5. take your adopted dog to a vet so he can give you advice after observing the dog

6. always, always, always take classes at a reputable dog school

Remember that your new dog may sometimes have a history (with other dogs, children, cats, abuse) and the dog has to get to know you too and has to find its place in your family.

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