"Adopt an Animal       

What are the advantages of adopting a companion animal from a shelter or rescue group?

1.  You can save a life.    Between 3-6 million animals are euthanized in shelters across the country each year.  When you adopt an animal from a shelter or rescue group you save a life. 

2.  You will not be supporting puppy mills and those who breed animals irresponsibly or for money.  Let’s face it, millions of animals are euthanized each year because too many animals are born each year.  Puppy mills are commercial kennels where animals are bred in order to sell them for money.  All too often these puppy mills abuse the animals, kill the mothers after they are no longer of breeding age, and deprive the puppies of the chance to learn normal behavior.  Breeders who breed their animals for money add further to pet overpopulation and, therefore, to euthanasia rates. Unfortunately, well-meaning people who do not have their animals spayed and neutered and who allow their animals to reproduce further add to the problem.  By adopting from a shelter or rescue group and not from a puppy mill or from someone else who is irresponsibly breeding their animals, you are saying that you do not want to support irresponsible breeding.

3.  Many of the animals are already house trained and may have some socialization training.  Many of the animals at a shelter have already received some training.  For a person wishing to adopt an animal, but who does not have the time in their life at this point to devote to the ever important training period, adopting an animal who is already trained can be quite important.

4.  There are purebred animals at shelters and rescue groups.  Estimates are that from 10 – 15% of the animals at shelters and rescue groups are purebreds.  If you want a particular breed and want a purebred animal you do not have to go to a breeder to find one.  In addition, there are also many rescue groups across the country which specialize in particular breeds of dogs and cats. 

5.  You will be an example to others.  Currently only about 20% of people adopt their little buddies from shelters and rescue groups.  Many people do not realize that there are so many loving and adoptable animals in shelters and in the care of local rescue groups.  By adopting a homeless animal you can spread the word to those who are unaware of the wonderful animals awaiting homes in shelters and rescue groups.

6.  There are puppies and kittens at the shelters and rescue groups.  Many adoptable puppies and kittens are euthanized in shelters across this country.  You do not have to go to a breeder to get the puppy or kitten you are looking for.

7.  You can find the friend that you want.  There are millions of animals in shelters across the country.  There is one that is perfect for you.  When you adopt an adult animal from a shelter you will know what his temperament is, how big he will get and what he will always look like.  You can meet him and play with him before you adopt him.  This is not the case if you order a puppy or kitten from a breeder elsewhere in the country.

8.  Adoption staff will work with you to find the perfect little buddy for you.  When you adopt from a shelter or rescue group, you have staff members who will work with you to find your perfect match.

9.  Spaying and neutering are often done before adoption.  Many shelters and rescue groups will have your animal companion spayed or neutered before adoption.  This is an important step in preventing pet overpopulation.  Most breeders will not spay or neuter their animals before adoption, hence contributing to the overpopulation and euthanasia problem.

10.  Unconditional love!  Your little buddy will love and appreciate you forever.  Don’t we all need that.