Bringing a new canine member into your family is a big and exciting decision. If you have taken that decision, you’re likely researching all your options; inquiring about breeders in your area, checking local pet shops, and/or asking your friends and relatives if they have a puppy for adoption. But, you may have not thought about adopting a shelter dog (not many people consider that option).
Choosing to adopt a rescue dog is a bold decision, and it often comes with various challenges. But, it’s also one of the most rewarding experiences. The fears and concerns many people have regarding adopting a shelter dog are not entirely wrong, but the following factors make it all worth it. Here are the top five reasons to adopt a shelter dog:
1. It Will Save Lives
670,000 dogs are euthanized in animal shelters every year in the US. By adopting from a shelter, you’re helping a dog escape this merciless killing and allow them to live and receive the love and care they deserve. In addition, you’re also providing a safe dwelling to another homeless dog. With every adopted dog, space is made in the shelter for a new rescue animal. So, every person who chooses to adopt a shelter dog saves two lives. Can there be anything more satisfying and rewarding than saving lives?
2. It’s One Way to Fight against Puppy Mills
About 90% of puppies in pet stores come from puppy mills, the commercial mass breeding facilities that breed dogs in inhumane conditions for profit. While a shelter animal may also have come from such a puppy mill, refusing to buy from pet stores is a way to fight against the cruelty in these breeding facilities.
Adopting one or two shelter dogs won’t end this cruelty, but it will give you the inner satisfaction that you’re not contributing to it.
3. You Can Buy an Adult Dog
Adopting from an animal shelter allows you to skip the puppy phase and all the hassles that come with it and get an adult dog. This is more suitable for the elderly or people with busy lifestyles, as adult shelter dogs often have the basic training already. Adult dogs are also much calmer, which means you won’t have to deal with the abundance of youthful energy.
4. You Have a Huge Variety of Options to Choose From
About 3.3 million dogs enter animal shelters every year in about 14,000 shelter, rescue facilities, and animal sanctuaries nationwide.
These statistics are enough to understand how much variety you would find in an animal shelter or rescue facility. So whether you’re looking for a specific breed or a mutt, you will most likely find it at a shelter.
5. You will Save Money
Since animal welfare is the topmost priority of these shelters, you will get your desired dog at a much lower price than pet shops.
These are some of the major benefits of adopting a shelter dog. But, the real reward will be the inner satisfaction and happiness that you’ll experience by giving home and love to a lost or abandoned pet. It will be beyond comparison and will make all the challenges that come with adoption worth it.
