5 Pros of Adopting a Dog

With increasing overpopulation in shelter and rescue organizations scrambling to save animals’ lives, there has never been a better time to adopt.  When faced with buying a new pet or adopting, please consider the following 5 Pros of Adopting a Dog.

Adoption Saves Lives

Shelter animals are almost evenly divided between those who are abandoned by their people and those picked up by animal control services. According to the ASPCA, 50% shelter dogs and 70% shelter cats are euthanized each year simply because no one will adopt them. Adoptions reduce euthanizations. An estimated 25% of shelter dogs are purebred.

Adoption Improves Health

Spending long days in a noisy, cramped kennel is no way to live, but that is reality for many animals. According to the HSUS, adopting animals can improve quality of life for both the animal and you by reducing stress and anxiety. Research shows that pets reduce anxious outbursts in Alzheimer’s patients, help college students cope through transition periods, and reduce risk of heart attacks by almost one-third. Going for long walks and playing Frisbee improve cardiovascular health, and simply living with a pet can lower blood pressure.

Adopting a Pet Can Save Money

With food, supplies, medical care, and training, the average cost of care for dogs and cats can total more than $800 annually. Purchasing from a breeder or pet store can tack on $1,000 or more in the first year. Most animals can be adopted from shelters and rescue groups, often already spayed or neutered and vaccinated, for around $100 or less. So, its not a big deal in giving an animal shelter.

Adoption Finds a Perfect Match

While what you see is what you get at the pound, pet purchasers often don’t know what’s in store for them. Kittens and puppies are cute but eventually grow to have big personalities. Most shelter dogs are at least 6 months old, and rescue groups often place pets in foster homes, so animals’ temperaments and projected size are pretty clear. With 8 to 12 million cats and dogs entering shelters each year the odds of finding a great pet are definitely in your favor. Often shelter dogs are already housetrained and crate trained and know obedience commands.

You Will Gain a Best Friend

Life on the streets and in crowded shelters makes for grateful pets. Because they’ve had difficult lives and uncertain futures, rescued cats and dogs often form deeper bonds with their adoptive parents. These loyal animals can also teach children about compassion, responsibility, and friendship. Not only do pets and people provide emotional support for each other, but a shelter dog is ready to go anywhere with his or her person. From playing in the park to swimming at the beach, people get out more with their dogs, and those looking for love or friendship always have a furry conversation starter by their side. Shelter cats are good companions for people who work long hours. Their independent nature keeps maintenance minimal, and they’re content to cuddle on the couch after a long day at work.

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One comment

  • Julio

    Adopting a dog is way more popular nowadays. But how come every dog is a rescue dog? Is that even possible?