If you're planning on getting a new pet, you have a lot of options. You could get them from a breeder, pet store, shelter, or direct from their current owner! But which option is best, for you and your new pet? In most cases, the answer is a shelter! Let's take a look at The Benefits of Adopting a Shelter Pet!
The Benefits of Adopting a Shelter Pet
1. Selection
One of the best benefits of adopting a shelter pet is that you have tons of pets to choose from!
There are so many shelters in every state, that no matter what type of dog or cat you're looking for, you're sure to find many potential adoption candidates, in all sizes, colors, and ages!
A lot of people think that the only kinds of pets you can find in shelters are mutts, mixed breeds, and "normal" breeds (like Labrador Retrievers).
But the truth is that a lot of "exotic" breeds also wind up in shelters, breeds you might not be able to find at local breeders!
Take a look on Petfinder and you'll probably be surprised how many breeds are looking for adoption near you!
2. Health
A great plus of getting a shelter pet is that the pet will have been thoroughly examined by the shelter's veterinarian before being put up for adoption.
This is better than buying a pet off of Craigslist, where the owner could easily lie about the pet's health, or a pet store where the pet may be the result of bad breeding.
And despite common beliefs, shelter pets are usually just as healthy as breeder pets!
After all, a fancy pedigree can't prevent a dog from developing health issues.
3. Temperament
Shelter pets go through temperament tests before adoption.
So unlike a pet store or Craigslist pet, you'll know what kind of pet you're adopting.
If you're looking for a high energy dog to play with your kids, shelter staff can point out the right ones to you.
And if you're looking for a cuddly kitty, they can tell you which cats are the most affectionate.
4. Cost
One of the most obvious benefits of adopting a shelter pet is cost.
Breeder pets can be expensive, like thousands of dollars expensive.
In contrast, shelter pets usually only cost a few hundred, or even less!
And unlike a pet store or Craigslist pet, it's less likely that major health issues will skyrocket the cost of your pet purchase in the future.
5. Saving Lives
If you get a pet from a pet store, breeder, or from someone online, you're not saving a life.
Those dogs and cats were going to stay in those places until they found new homes, no matter how long that took.
Even worse, buying a pet from a pet store or Craigslist could add to the pet overpopulation problem by funding puppy farms!
You could even be paying for a pet that's been stolen!
One of the best benefits of adopting a shelter pet is that not only are you saving the life of the pet you take home, but you're also allowing the shelter to have the money and space to save another pet's life.
So you're essentially saving two lives!
If you're planning to get a pet, see if any of your local pet shelters will be holding special sales or adoption events on that day!
Have you ever adopted a shelter pet?
Mary says
Every cat my family has ever had has been a rescue. Breeders need to be put out of business. There are too many sweet, loving animals without a home that will be killed for that very reason. I could never live with buying one except from a shelter!
Jill Nelson says
As as former foster I can tell you rescue dogs are the most loving dogs.
Lisa ChestermanChesterman says
Your not going ng to like my thoughtful on adopting senior dog's! When your only friend in the world ( &I mean only & Best friend) passes away its not easy to fall in love again only to get your heart broken that much sooner!
I love and miss my Joseph david more than anything in this world, I still cry everyday! He was my best friend & didn't let me down or leave my side not one time! Rip JDC
Catherine M. says
Every pet we've ever had came from the pound or the shelter (or was a stray). We've been happy with all of them! Currently, we have 2 dogs and a cat. One dog was an abused stray and the other I drove 6 hours to go see her and came back home with her. The cat was a barely-weaned, abandoned stray who'd been dropped off in the country on a persons property (our next door neighbor) who had 6 large dogs running loose all the time. He had run to our place and I scooped him up and he stole my heart. <3
Shad Morris says
We have been thinking a lot about adopting a pet, and we weren't sure where to go. It's interesting that adopting a pet from a shelter means that they have been thoroughly examined. Since we wouldn't want them to get sick, it would be nice to know that they are completely healthy.
Jill Myrick says
All five of our fur babies are from shelter adoptions. We have always preferred to save a life when finding a new baby for our home.
jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com
Mia says
All my pets over my 60+ years have come from a shelter and I have never been disappointed. Only thing is it is so difficult to see the pets looking for homes but I am grateful now that shelters in my area are no kill.
Dotty J Boucher says
I love reading post like this , I do hope so many get out their and adopt a pet. I hope so soon, I have adopted 2 cats and maybe by next summer I will be ready for a dog.
Lana simanovicki says
This is awesome information next time we get a pet I know where I'm going
Pamela says
I wish everyone adopted shelter pets rather than buying them!
ellen beck says
sHELTER PETS ARE all i WOULD EVER ADOPT PERIOD. i DO tnr AND ALL OF THE CATS ARE FORMER FERALS. oUR DOG THOUGH IS A BLACK DOG- AND HE WAS 5+ WHEN WE ADOPTED HIM. hE IS A FANTASTIC DOG, AND i LOOKED AT HIM AND A COUPLE OF OTHER BLACK DOGS SINCE i KNEW BLACK ANIMALS WERE THE LEAST LIKELY TO BE ADOPTED.
aDOPT DONT SHOP!
Kristine Paull says
I couldnt agree more about adopting a shelter dog. We adopted out Black Lab/Boxer Annie and ahe is the BEST dog. So mild manneres/sweet and cuddly.
Sue Mullaney says
I had a cat named Emily (who passed away 5 years ago). I adopted Emily from the local animal control shelter; she was an awesome cat! Rescue pets really are the best pets!
Ruth Epstein says
I have only ever had rescued dogs - no other way to go
Team Dash Kitten says
All of ours are shelter cats, each one loving and genuine . We love them all more than anything. Three cheers for Shelter Pets!