10 Reasons To Adopt, Not Shop, For A Pet

The Humane Society reports that over 2.5 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States every year. There are too many pets in shelters and not enough people seeking to adopt. Unintentionally, we hope, many people contribute to the cruel industry of killing healthy animals because they seek a pure bred or want the ‘it’ pet trending. But there’s something you can do to break the cycle of unwanted pets, and that’s to adopt one (or more). Here’s 10 great reasons why you should adopt from a shelter and not purchase from a store or a breeder:
 1. You’ll save a life by adopting from a shelter – a life that otherwise might not be saved. If you don’t think they’ll be grateful for it, you’d be wrong.

2. You’ll help reduce the unwanted pet population – not only is your new pet not the result of a for-profit breeder, but they are spayed or neutered before adoption.
3. It costs less to adopt from a shelter than buying from a breeder – in many cases you can get reduced fees for adopting a more senior pet. But even if you get a young cat or dog, the cost of adoption is far less than the fees paid to a breeder, and you’re usually getting a much healthier animal.
4. They’ve been vet approved and in some cases micro-chipped – shelter pets receive great veterinary care, to insure you and your pet are both happy.

5. They’re already housebroken – most shelter animals are not strays, but were turned in by previous owners for a variety of reasons. Sometimes they’re moving to a place where they can’t keep pets, or moving out of the country, or divorcing. Sometimes they just decide their pet doesn’t fit with their lifestyle. Whatever the reason, these animals were abandoned for no fault of their own.

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6. You’ll get a great animal – full of love and companionship, they don’t judge you or bring you down, they only know how to be loving. Let them do their job.
7. Pet owners get a health boost – studies show that people with pets have lower rates of stress and anxiety, and when you own a dog, you get the added exercise that comes with walking them. Also you’ll be less grouchy and more compassionate, and the people in your life will notice the difference in you.

8. Adoption helps more than one animal – the fees you pay go toward the care and support of other animals in the shelter until they too can get adopted.
9. Social media bragging rights – did you know some of the most popular cats and dogs on the internet were shelter adoptees? Check out Instagram and Twitter and you’ll see that sharing your pet pics with the rest of the world is pretty rewarding in itself, and you’ll be a part of a huge, caring community of pet owners who know how to spread the love.
10. It feels great to know you’re getting a great friend who will enrich your life for years to come!