Did you know that October is Adopt-a-Shelter Dog Month? According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Even more startling than that, each year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized– simply because they don’t have homes. Luckily, the numbers are decreasing and approximately 3.2 million shelter animals are adopted each year! With your help, we can increase the number of adoptions and ultimately make the number of pets euthanized down to zero! Looking for a reason to adopt a pet? Here are five to get you started!
- You’re Saving a Life
Of course, one of the main reasons to adopt a pet is to save a life that would have otherwise been senselessly cut short. Cats and dogs are brought to shelters for a variety of reasons. Whether their owners could no longer care for them, they were found on the street, or they came from an abusive home – while shelters may be a step up from where they came from, it’s not a place to live out the rest of their days. You can help to give a pet, or two (or three or four!) a second chance at life! Be that beacon of light for a pet in need! - You’re Saving Money
While there are usually costs associated with adopting a pet, it is still much more affordable than buying from a breeder, pet store, or puppy mill. A pet should not cost you thousands and thousands of dollars up front. Additionally, puppy mill owners often cut costs when it comes to vet check-ups…so, you may end up with a sick pet that will end up costing you more down the road. Of course, all pets require vet care, food, supplies, etc. so you need to be sure you’re financially prepared to take on a rescue.
- You Can Choose the Age
The great thing about adopting a pet is that you can adopt a pet of any age! Sure, most folks want puppies…but you should consider adopting a senior pet as well! These cats and dogs are often well-trained and are just looking for a cozy space to call home. In fact, check out our blog post: 4 Things You Should Know When Adopting a Senior Pet. Additionally, many folks don’t adopt because they want a certain breed. Did you know there are breed-specific rescues all over the country? From pitbulls to dachshunds, you can rescue all kinds of breeds!
- Rescues Are Often House-Trained
Many adoptable pets are older and are often house-trained…some even know tricks! Depending on your lifestyle, it may be easier for you to adopt a pet that is already trained and is simply looking for a happy family to join. While puppies are adorable, they can certainly be a handful to train and you’ll need plenty of time and patience. Consider adopting an older rescue if you don’t have the patience for a rowdy pup!
- The Love You Receive Will Be Tenfold
At the end of the day, all rescues just want to love and be loved! No pet wants to live out their days in a shelter…and no pet should have to see their life cut short simply due to overcrowding. When you rescue a pet, you’ll feel so much love in return that you’ll ask yourself, ‘who rescued who!?’ Adopting a pet is an incredible act of love and we encourage you to take the step and get a rescue today. It’s the perfect time of year with the holidays right around the corner!
Do you have an incredible pet adoption story? Share your stories in the comments below!