Are you considering pet adoption? If so, you have a big decision to make first. Are you going to buy from a breeder or simply stop by your local animal shelter to adopt a rescue pet? It may be a difficult decision but it is one we all have to make as potential pet owners. To help, I decided to make a short list of the benefits of adopting rescue pets.
Reasons to Adopt a Rescue Pet
A rescue pet is a pet that is adopted from a animal rescue society, animal shelter or an animal control facility (also sometimes called the animal pound). Some pet shelters are no kill facilities while others put pets down that haven’t been adopted by a certain time. Here are a few benefits of chose a rescue pet over a pedigreed animal from a puppy mill or breeder.
1. Quality Time Before Adoption
One thing I was happily surprised with when I first visited my local animal shelter was their welcoming attitude toward the community. Adopting a pet is not a high pressure situation. They are not trying to talk you into buying any of the animals. They are not in a hurry to serve the next customer. Not only are you allowed to hold, walk and play with the cats and dogs, but you can have as much time as you like to decide. In fact, the shelter will not allow you to adopt an animal until you have spent time with them to make sure they are the right fit for your family. So go ahead, spend some quality time before you adopt, pressure-free!
2. Spend Less
I understand wanting to adopt animals of specific breeds, while they’re still puppies. Let’s call them the “American Dream Pets.” Personally, I’ve always wanted to adopt a Pomsky (pomeranian/husky). However, I chose to go to a shelter when I saw that the price tag for one pup was $3000. While you can easily spend thousands of dollars simply to adopt your pet with breeders (and that’s before the extra expenses like food, dog treats and toys,) it can cost under fifty dollars to adopt a rescue pet from a shelter! My local shelter even takes care of neutering your pet and rabies shots — for no extra charge. This particular benefit may vary from shelter to shelter. Don’t hesitate to ask what yours local shelter has to offer — they’re here to help!
3. Shelter Pets Need You
The bottom line is, there are millions of homeless, needy pets. These poor animals are dying on the streets and being put down in overwhelmed shelters while people are putting their names on wait lists for puppies who haven’t even been born yet!
Benefits of Adopting a Pet
In addition to these three benefits of adopting a rescue dog or cat, you get the obvious benefits of companionship and love. Often times rescue pets know just how lucky they are to have found a good home. They tend to make very loyal pets. Adopting a pet can bring numerous benefits to individuals, families, and even communities. Here are some of the advantages of adopting a pet:
- Companionship: Pets offer unconditional love and companionship. They can be a great source of emotional support, reducing feelings of loneliness and providing a sense of purpose.
- Physical Health: Interacting with pets can have positive effects on physical health. Walking a dog, playing with a cat, or even just petting an animal can contribute to increased physical activity and lower blood pressure. Dogs, in particular, require regular exercise. This can encourage their owners to engage in physical activities such as walking, jogging, or playing, promoting a healthier lifestyle.
- Mental Health: Pets can have a positive impact on mental health. They can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The presence of a pet can also provide a sense of routine and structure, which can be beneficial for those dealing with mental health issues.
- Social Interaction: Pet ownership can facilitate social interaction. Taking a dog for a walk or going to a dog park can provide opportunities to meet and connect with other pet owners, fostering a sense of community.
- Responsibility and Routine: Caring for a pet teaches responsibility. Feeding, grooming, and providing healthcare for a pet requires commitment and establishes a routine, which can be particularly beneficial for children.
- Sense of Purpose: Having a pet gives individuals a sense of purpose and responsibility. Knowing that another living being relies on them for care and attention can be deeply fulfilling.
- Unconditional Love: Pets offer unconditional love and acceptance. They don’t judge, and their presence can be a source of comfort during challenging times.
- Security and Protection: Certain pets, like dogs, can provide a sense of security and protection. Their presence and instincts can help deter intruders, making individuals and families feel safer.
- Reduced Loneliness: For people living alone or experiencing feelings of isolation, a pet can provide constant companionship and alleviate loneliness.
- Sense of Humor and Joy: Pets, especially those with playful personalities, can bring joy and laughter into a home. Their antics and unique personalities can lighten the atmosphere and provide entertainment.
Additionally, pet adoption from a shelter or rescue group teaches children important lessons that will last throughout their lives. Pets can teach us all a great deal about compassion, responsibility, and unconditional love. As author India Blake said, “When you involve your children in the decision about which shelter animal to adopt, you’re giving them the opportunity to develop a lasting friendship that will last into their young adult years.” In her latest children’s book Gypsy to the Rescue, (affiliate link) she shares the tale of a small German shepherd’s journey to find a forever home in this heartwarming tale of courage and companionship.
Conclusion
Remember that while adopting a pet can be highly rewarding, it also comes with responsibilities. Proper care, attention, and commitment are essential to ensuring the well-being of the pet and fostering a positive relationship.
If your dream dog is a pure-bred Siberian Husky or St. Bernard, you may be surprised to find them at a local shelter. If you’re simply looking for a puppy or kitten to raise from a young age, your odds of finding one of those at a shelter is actually really high. You may have to remain a faithful visitor to the shelter for a couple of months until they get a pet you connect with. Or, you may get lucky like I did. I found an adorable 4-month old Australian Shepherd/Pit Bull doll on my first try! Do yourself and the orphaned animals a favor and stop by your local shelter (such as animal control, SPCA, or adoptapet.com) before you hand off this month’s mortgage payment to a breeder. It may be one of the best decisions you ever make!
Do you think you will consider adopting a rescue pet? Do you have any success stories you like to share about when you adopted a rescue pet? Reach out on social media @familyfocusblog
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Uplifting Families says
We rescued our first dog from the pound. They told us that she was found in a box on the side of the road. When we first got her, she was pretty scared and timid but it didn’t take her long to come around. Our other two dogs, we got for free.
All three of my dogs are pretty spoiled. I don’t think that there is any reason to pay more than a $100 for an animal. The shelter dogs always come with their full shots, spay/neuter, and microchipping. This is a great deal.
I do remember my dog that we adopted had to be taken to the vet a week or so after we adopted her. She ended up with kennel cough which is typical disease that runs rampant in shelters. It has to be treated quickly with antibiotics. You can vaccinate against kennel cough but most of the dogs aren’t vaccinated when they come into the shelter since the shelter may or may not adopt the dog out.