Are you considering getting a new pet? Why not adopt one? Many people buy pets because they want to show off a certain breed. But real animal lovers do not care about the breed of a cat or dog, or any other animal. That is why they prefer to adopt a pet from a shelter rather than buying one.
There are a number of sterling reasons to adopt a pet, including:
- You will save a life: Did you know that 2.7 million cats and dogs are euthanized each year in the United States? The reason? There are too many pets in shelters, and not enough people adopt animals when they are looking for a pet. If more people adopted pets, the number of animals that are euthanized could drop dramatically. When you adopt a pet, you save an animal’s life and make them a part of your family and give them the love and shelter that they need so badly. Keeping animals alive in small cages is not right either.
- You will get an awesome animal: Animal rescue groups and shelters are filled with healthy and happy pets that are just waiting for someone to adopt them and take them home. You should keep in mind that most animals that end up in shelters because of human problems, such as a divorce or a move. It is never because the animals did something wrong. A number of pets that are in shelters are already house trained and used to living with families.
- It will be less expensive: In most cases, the pet adoption price includes the cost of neuter/spay, first vaccinations, and sometimes microchipping. This helps you in saving some of the up-front costs of having a new addition to your family. Depending on the animal you adopt, you can also save on training and house training expenses.
- It is a way to fight puppy mills: Puppy mills are breeding facilities that are all about profit rather than the welfare of the animals. You will be shocked to see the conditions that puppy mill dogs are kept under. They often do not have proper medical care and in many cases, are very sick and have behavioral issues. Puppy mills have been operating for profit for decades and will continue to do so until people stop buying from them. By adopting a pet, you can be sure that they do not get a single dime. You see these stores in malls – they should be outlawed. It is essentially animal abuse.
- You can maintain a healthy lifestyle: Taking care of a pet is a crucial job, but pets can also take care of their owners and provide both physical and mental health benefits. Pets, dogs, in particular, need a lot of attention and have to be taken outdoors every few hours. This gives owners a reason to get off their couch and get a little exercise. Did you know that the CDC says that owning a pet has been shown to help lower cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and feelings of loneliness, stress, and depression? How could you say no to pet adoption knowing this fact?
Tips to Choose the Right Pet
So you have decided to adopt a pet. Now how do you make sure you pick the right one? This is a salient decision and should not be an impulsive one. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment, and you should consider a few things before you choose one to bring home.
- Your Budget: Keep in mind that the cost of adopting your pet is just the beginning of the financial commitment you are making. You will need to be prepared for a number of ongoing costs throughout your pet’s life, such as food, litter, council registration fees, worming and flea treatments, toys, grooming, leashes, collars and ID tags, bedding, vaccinations, vet checkups and treatments for illnesses, injuries, etc. Some pets are more expensive to look after than others, so think about all these factors carefully before choosing a pet.
- Your Lifestyle: Pets need a lot of attention and care, so they can take up some of your time and energy. Will you be able to make time to feed, exercise, and play with your pet every day? If you work long hours, travel a lot or have an active social life, consider how much time and care you can realistically fit in for your pet. This is another vital factor to consider before you pick a pet to adopt.
- Your Living Space: The size of your home and outdoor space plays a large role on what type of pet you should choose.
There are a few things you need to consider, like:
- How big is your outdoor space?
- If you do not have a yard, will you be able to take a dog for a walk or to the park every few hours?
- Does your current residence allow pets? What will happen if you move?
- Where will your pet go when it needs to have a bowl movement?
- Does your home have any safety hazards that need to be removed?
These are some of the critical questions you will need to ask yourself before you decide on the type of pet you bring home
- Breed: Everyone has a favorite type of dog or cat, but you should never choose a breed based on how they look. Keep in mind that different breeds have different personalities and needs, and the animal that suits your lifestyle the best might not be the one that you had originally chosen. Before you decide on a pet to adopt, ask the shelter as many questions as you can about your potential pet’s general temperament, exercise, and dietary requirements and any specific quirks that the breed might have. Do thorough research and get all the necessary information to make the best decision.
Adopting a pet is one of the best decisions you will ever make in your life. You will gain a new family member – someone to keep you and your family happy and in turn, you make your new pet happy as well. If you are looking to get a new pet, you should definitely press the button to adopt. You will never regret your decision.