Adopt From A Shelter
Yearning for a fluffy new friend is natural, and gravitating toward a dog or cat from a pet store or even puppy mill is understandable. No matter how attractive those pets are, you and the pet population will be better served by your adopting a shelter animal.
Purebreds
If you have your heart set on a purebred dog or cat, you can find one in a shelter. Statistics show that 10 to 15% of the animals in these facilities are purebreds. Also, some shelters specialize in certain breeds. If you have always wanted a collie, you can probably find one. Of course, if you look at almost any shelter, you can find an adorable dog or cat that can steal your heart, no matter their breed or mix of breeds. Mutts make wonderful pets, too.
Home Ready
When you adopt from a shelter, the animal you get will have been evaluated for health and behavioral problems. In addition, they will have their vaccinations, be neutered, and microchipped. They will also have been treated by a vet for any injuries or other physical trauma they may have experienced out on the streets. Although you will pay a modest adoption fee, the price is much lower than buying a dog or cat. Of course, the price is not the most important part. You are assured of a good-tempered companion, something you cannot be sure of if you buy an animal.
Philanthropy
When you adopt a shelter animal, you are saving a life. Many shelters end up killing animals that are not adopted. Every year, approximately 2.7 million animals are euthanized, many who ended up in shelters through no fault of their own. When you take one of these dogs or cats home, you get the enjoyment of a furry companion, and you get to feel good about yourself at the same time. You also create an opening at the shelter for another animal that needs a roof over its head. Often shelter animals are so happy to be rescued that they make some of the best human companions.
Adopting from a shelter does not mean that you are settling for damaged goods. These dogs and cats are often not purebreds, but they can be beautiful, well-behaved animals that are grateful for a loving home. When you buy from puppy mills or pet shops, you are encouraging the breeding of animals, something that contributes to the overpopulation of dogs and cats that already exists in the U.S. You will benefit everyone when you adopt from an animal shelter. Contact a business, such as Animal House Veterinary Hospital for more information.