5 Reasons to Adopt Your Next Pet at a Shelter!

Thinking of sharing your life with a pet?  Good for you! Pets provide love, companionship, laughs and a sympathetic ear. A dog gets you out walking. A cat will curl up with you at the end of bad day. Pets are good for your mental and physical health. And all pets give you unconditional love and someone to care about.

As a veterinarian, I recommend that you adopt your dog or cat from a shelter. Here are 5 good reasons.

Save a life

Shelter pets need a second chance at happiness. While more and more shelters are keeping pets until they are placed, there are still plenty of organizations that must put a pet to sleep if it’s not adopted. Make yours their ‘forever home’ and you save a life.

Find a pre-trained pet

Many shelter pets are adults. They are housebroken, leash-trained or litterbox trained. A lot of the hard work is done! And your shoe collection will be safer without a teething puppy. Ask the shelter staff what tricks the pets know – you might be amazed!

Choose from many breeds – or none!

Unlike breeders, shelters have pets of all shapes and sizes. Big fuzzy cats, small cuddly dogs, and noble hounds are all available. Whether you want a specific breed, a particular type, or a lovable mutt, you’ll find a pet who fits you at a shelter. You might even find one that looks like you!

Photo from Twitter

Pay less

Pet ownership costs money. Some of my clients would pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars for a pet from a pet store or breeder. Add in food, beds, toys, and veterinary bills and the costs quickly add up.  Shelters generally charge much lower adoption fees. Your money goes to support their work with even more homeless dogs and cats.

Shelter pets receive good medical care

Reputable shelters work with veterinarians to vaccinate and treat your new friend for parasites, including deadly heartworm disease, dangerous worms and itchy fleas. Many will also spay or neuter the pet. Shelter staff can tell you about your new pet’s overall health and any behavioral quirks. They can also refer you to a good local veterinarian.

Bring home a friend

Adopting a pet makes a real difference, in your life and theirs. If you’re planning to open your home to a new friend, consider finding them at a shelter. Visit the ASPCA in the US, the RSPCA in the UK, or your local national animal welfare organization to find a reputable shelter.

Thank you, from their hearts and from mine.