Considering getting a dog? Not sure where to begin? Here are 10 reasons why you should check out your local shelters.
Save a Life
Adopting a dog from a shelter saves lives. The HSUS estimates that 3-4 million pets are euthanized at shelters each year. When you adopt, not only are you saving the life of your new companion, but you will be freeing up space for another dog in its place.
Temperment-Tested
Shelter dogs have usually been pre-screened for temperament. Shelter employees and volunteers can often assist you in choosing one whose temperament suits your needs.
Affordable
A shelter dog is more “affordable” than a dog purchased from a breeder. Breeders charge into the thousands for pedigreed pets. Shelters and rescues typically charge under $200, including vetting.
Pre-Trained
Many shelter dogs have been family pets and are already trained and housebroken. Adopting an adult dog often saves you from suffering through the destructive “puppy-stage” problems.
Selection
You’ll have plenty of selection to a variety of dogs. Young, mature, large, small, active, docile, you name it, they’ll likely have it. I went looking for a golden retriever when I found my little terrier mix. 14 years later, he is still an active, healthy member of my family.
Breed Choice
Whether you prefer a purebred or mixed-breed, you’ll have a broad choice at the shelter. Not all shelter dogs are mutts. According to the HSUS, approximately 25 percent of dogs in shelters are purebreds.
Healthier Dogs
Dogs adopted from the Humane Society have already had their shots and an overall health exam. Most shelters spay or neuter prior to adoption.
Discourage Puppy-Mills
The more dogs that are rescued from a shelter, the less demand for pet-store and puppy-mill dogs, ending a truly vicious cycle.
Role-Model
You will be setting a good example to others and encouraging more adoptions. Recently, I traveled across the continent in a camper with my three rescued dogs. Inevitably, people asked the same question,” what kind of dog is that?”. When I told them they were all rescues, many people said that they would like to get their next dog from a shelter.
Unconditional Love
Doesn’t that just seal the deal?
Great reasons – every one of them! 🙂
thanks! i think so , too. All 3 of mine are rescues.
Thanks for listing great reasons. Gretel is proof that you can find a beautiful purebred dog at a shelter. We can’t believe that we found her and that the rescue chose US as her doggy parents. She did come with some behavioral challenges but you never know exactly what you are going to get with a puppy from a breeder either. All puppies have different quirks and temperaments. Most of the dogs and cats in my life are from a shelter or were strays we directly took in off of the streets and the experience is super rewarding.
Great that you have rescued your pets. i didn’t realize that Gretel was from the shelter. I wish more people knew that shelters have all kinds of pets! thanks!