WHY YOU SHOULD ADOPT A PET

Adoption should be on every potential pet owner’s radar. Here, LisaFimberg from Petpav takes us through her thoughts on why we should all consider pet adoption. What do you think?

 

Why You Should Adopt a Pet!

When you are ready to bring a dog, cat, guinea pig or even rabbit into your home, there are so many reasons to adopt. There are so many pets that need homes that there really is no reason not to adopt. Even if you are looking for a particular breed or type of dog or cat, you can always find one at a shelter or rescue group, it might just take a little more time. However, all types and breeds are available for adoption so don’t despair.

There are so many pets that need homes!

If the pets that are in shelters are not adopted, the only other choice is to euthanize them. The number of euthanized animals could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets instead of buying them. By adopting from a rescue group or animal shelter, you can help save the lives of two animals: the pet you choose to adopt and the space left for another homeless or abandoned dog, cat or rabbit to acquire.

This is Sammy, who I adopted 17 years ago!
This is Sammy, who I adopted 17 years ago!

 

By adopting a pet, you will feel great about saving the life of a pet. And your new-found adoptee will give you unconditional love. Caring for a pet can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment and lessen feelings of depression and stress.   Pets can also help your physical health as well. Pets aren’t just good friends, they’re also good medicine and can improve a person’s well-being in so many ways, even working out with your adoptee!

You can get a healthy pet!

It is a common misconception that animals sometimes end up in shelters because they’ve been abused or are troubled pets. Animal shelters have many happy, healthy pets just waiting for someone to take them home. Most shelters examine and give vaccinations to the pets when they arrive and many spay or neuter them before being adopted. In addition to medical care, more and more shelters also screen animals for specific behaviors to make sure each family finds the right pet for their lifestyle. Everyone is aiming towards the goal of finding the right pet for you and your family.

You can ultimately save money

Adopting a pet is much less expensive than buying a pet at a pet store or through other sources. An adoption fee is much lower than the cost of buying a dog from a pet store or breeder. Most shelter dogs and cats are spayed or neutered before adoption, so you won’t have to pay for the cost of surgery. Almost all shelters give their animals thorough physical exams and provide vaccinations. Some shelters even microchip their animals so that if they get lost, they can find their way home to their new pet parents.

When adopting a dog, you won’t be supporting puppy mills

Puppy mills are dog-breeding facilities that care more about making a profit than they do about the welfare of dogs. Most (not all) dogs raised in puppy mills are housed in poor conditions with improper medical care. Puppy mill puppies are sold to unsuspecting consumers in pet stores and many of the puppies have serious health problems that might not be apparent for months and can become very costly (if they are even treatable) at all. Some are not even aware that puppy mills exist, so when they buy a pet from some pet stores or other retail outlets (not all), they are supporting this cruel industry.

Think older dogs and cats when adopting

If you have your heart set on adopting a young kitten or puppy, by all means do so! However, don’t dismiss the older dogs and cats.   Older pets are often in the shelter longer and you will truly be giving this dog or cat a chance in life. Most puppies and kittens are the first to go and the easiest to adopt. Therefore you are not only giving the dog or cat a new home, but sparing him or her for life in a kennel or even worse. And, older dogs and cats are easier to train as they won’t tear up your furniture or potty in the house. You can also sleep through the night!

There are so many reasons to adopt a dog, cat or even hamster! By adopting a pet, you can save a life and feel great about giving your new family member a place in your home.

Lisa Fimberg is the founder of Petpav.com which is a pet social network that is like Facebook for pets. Petpav.com is a network for pets and their owners to connect and get advice. Lisa writes weekly articles for petpav.com on pet care, pet news and pet advice. She is a huge advocate of adopting pets.

 


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3 comments

  1. Although some of the pics associated with rescue animals show sad cases of abuse, there are many, many healthy cats, dogs, kittens & puppies waiting for homes too. Do think about a rescue dog or cat.

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