Adopting a pet is one of the most important decisions that you can make, especially when you choose a shelter animal. But before making this choice it is important to consider both the benefits and disadvantages of adopting an animal. 

“We’ve seen an increase in adoptions across the country over the years,” says Kelly DiCicco, manager of adoption promotions at the ASPCA. But even though there are many people who choose to adopt a shelter pet, there are also a lot of animals that need a home and a chance at a new life. 

If you have ever wondered why you should choose to adopt a shelter dog, maybe the answer is because they are truly adorable, loyal and deserves an owner who loves it back. In addition, adopting a pet is one of the very best ways to bring more happiness into your life. 

So, instead of buying an animal from your local pet store or a breeder, there are a lot of reasons that can change your mind and convince you to adopt a shelter one. Read on for more!

You should adopt a pet, not buy one!

Many people opt for buying a pet from their local pet store because they want a purebred dog or cat. But in case you did not know this before, there are a lot of cats and dogs that are actually purebred, but they were abandoned by their owners. Moreover, 34 percent of dogs are from breeders and 23 percent of canines are from a shelter, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) reported.

According to Kelly DiCicco, manager of adoption promotions at the ASPCA, “Dogs and cats from pet stores often come from cruel conditions and irresponsible breeders.”

You have to keep in mind that every pet bought from a pet store or breeder means another animal that will never find a loving owner and home. 

“If you’re considering bringing a pet into your home, remember that purchasing from a pet store only helps to further the profits and continued business of puppy mills. Instead, rescue a wonderful animal like these little guys from a shelter and you’ll have a special friend for life who’ll be eternally grateful to you for providing a good home,” said Ben Kerns, The Dodo.

You will know everything about their health 

If you choose to adopt a pet you will know everything about their health, such as their entire background, energy level, vaccines, allergies or if they can get along well with other animals. This opportunity is free most people are unaware that the shelters usually work with veterinarians and consult them often. So, if there are a lot of animals that live in a shelter, it does not mean that they are unhealthy… unfortunately, they are just unlucky. 

“As you go through lifestyle changes such as moves, the birth of children and new jobs, your animal will remain a permanent part of your life,” says DiCicco. “If circumstances change, it’s crucial to consider if you will still be able to care for your pet before bringing them home.”

You can adopt an animal that has already been neutered or spayed

Adopting an animal has many benefits, including spayed or neutered already done, which means that you do not have to pay a vet for it. In fact, after the surgery, they were medically supervised and everything was fine and well controlled in a favorable environment. 

“Shelter dogs are frequently already spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and sometimes even microchipped,” says Christie Keith, social media manager of The Shelter Pet Project. “This can save you a lot of money, which you can then spend on toys for your new dog.”

You will save two lives

According to ASPCA, about 6.5 million animals enter American shelters every year, and unfortunately, for approximately 1.5 million of them, the story will end because of euthanasia.

So, adopting a dog or a cat from a shelter not only will you save that animal’s life. But you will also save the life of another animal because it can occupy that empty place. “Bringing a shelter or rescue group dog into your family will open up another space for a dog in need to be cared for until he is adopted, too,” Keith explains.

“Adoption not only moves an animal from vulnerability to safety, but creates space at the shelter, and moves more resources and attention to the remaining animals,” says DiCicco.

You have the chance to find a pet that suits your personality

In general, there are a lot of shelters that take into consideration the personality traits of an animal and focus on these characteristics. They also analyze the behavior and needs of these cats and dogs and try to find the perfect owner for them. So, whether you believe it or not, there is a good chance you will meet the perfect animal that suits your personality at a shelter. “Shelter staff put in a lot of work to learn about the dog and set him or her up for a successful transition into a new home,” says DiCicco.

“An animal shelter is invested in the well-being of its animals, and many are committed to creating matches that take an animal’s personality, dream home, and special needs into account,” says DiCicco.

However, adopting a pet will improve your life as well. In fact, many studies have shown that animals can actually boost your health and they are beneficial especially for people who suffer from diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. “Having a dog keeps you active, reduces stress, and helps children do better in school and avoid allergies,” says Keith. “And the extra warm glow you get knowing you adopted can’t hurt.”

You can also influence other people to follow your example

First of all, I think that there are a lot of individuals who want to adopt a pet from a shelter but they are not sure or determined to complete the mission because they are afraid. Maybe they are scared of how these animals will react or that they cannot train them, or that they are sick… there may be many reasons that stop them from doing so. So, if there is someone who can explain to them how things work and see another person who did this they will do the same. 

“When you proudly tell others you chose to rescue an animal, you’re sending a message that individuals can take effective action to save lives, fight cruelty, and end suffering,” says DiCicco. “The movement starts with one, but can expand to a family, then to a community, then to many communities.”

“They’re ready to learn what love is if you’re ready to show them,” says DiCicco. “Approximately 1.6 million dogs are adopted each year, so you won’t be alone in adding a dog from a shelter to your family.”

You will save money

“Animal shelters are usually the least expensive of all ways to acquire a dog,” says Keith.

If you want to buy a pet from the local pet store then you should know that purebred animals are extremely expensive, and for instance, the price of a dog or cat can be as high as the price of a car. Moreover, if you choose to adopt a shelter animal, you have to know that there are purebred animals as well and you do not have to pay a fortune for them. In addition, you have to pay for the annual pet care, which can be several hundred dollars for a purebred animal. 

In comparison, a shelter animal has already been neutered, vaccinated and dewormed and you will only have to deal with future consultations. Instead, for purchased animals, you will need to have more money available to pay for all maintenance costs. 

Nevertheless, people who sell animals do nothing but expand their business, because they breed animals only for this purpose, namely to make more money. Instead, animal shelters help other animals with the money they earn.

“When you adopt, your adoption fee will allow the shelter to continue its mission of helping animals in need,” says Keith.

These pets are adorable

The truth is that all the animals in the world are adorable, whether we are talking about exotic, wild, domestic animals or purchased and adopted ones – they are all cute and pure. 

“We encourage new adopters to free up memory on their phone or camera to allow for extra cute selfies with your pet, shots of animal quirks that make you smile, and special moments with your furry friend,” says DiCicco. “Shelter staff may even be able to advise you on any social media-worthy personality traits your new pet has exhibited since being in the shelter.”

“When you’ve adopted a homeless pup, it will bring you incredible joy to know you literally changed his or her entire world,” says Keith.

You can get an amazing animal that you never pictured yourself taking home

As in the case of humans, all animals are different and no one is perfect. It is said that shelter animals can connect with humans better because they have had an unhappy life and now they want an owner to love them or because they are afraid of being treated badly again. 

But, whatever the reason, it is important to adopt a shelter pet, especially if you want to bring a lot of joy to your house. In addition, you should take into account that almost all these animals are perfectly normal and healthy and they can also be trained even though they are adults. 

“Shelters often have animals of different breeds, ages, shapes, sizes and personalities,” says DiCicco. “With the help of the staff, you’re likely to find a dog that is a match for your lifestyle and family.”