Top 5 Reasons to Adopt an Animal Today (Page 2)

4. Find 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 cratetrained and know obedience commands. Shelter and rescue group employees know which animals get along with other animals and children, and sometimes offer a trial or foster period to see how they adjust to home life. There are plenty of volunteers and employees available to provide adoption counseling to prospective parents and follow-up assistance to ensure the adoption was successful.

5. 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.

What are more reasons to adopt instead of shop? Tell us in the comments!

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By Rebekah Wolf, for TAILS

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Lisa G.

4:00PM PST on Feb 26, 2013

February 26
send a green star

3:59PM PST on Feb 26, 2013

Lynn D.

2:13AM PST on Feb 19, 2013

Really a GREAT way to go!!! Thanks for information!

February 19
send a green star

Anne S.

12:37AM PST on Jan 3, 2013

I have a recue pet who rescues me every day

January 3
send a green star

Mara C.

9:04PM PST on Dec 28, 2012

True!

December 28
send a green star

Carrie-Anne B.

7:24AM PST on Dec 19, 2012

great article, thanks for sharing :)

December 19
send a green star

Olivia S.

7:55AM PST on Dec 13, 2012

Thank you. After losing the last of our pets last week we were so lonely for a companion animal we adopted another cat yesterday. He must be tested and neutered so we will get him a few days before Christmas. Maybe Santa can bring us a shelter dog or another cat to keep in company.

December 13
send a green star

Dale O.

8:47PM PST on Dec 8, 2012

Adopting is wonderful. The local pet store in my area doesn't sell cats/kittens as they feature the ones from the local no kill shelter. People still must adopt the pet from the shelter itself but the store has a unique way of helping adoptable pets find new homes.

Of course if one lives in Norfolk, Virginia and goes to the PETA shelter, better be quick...they put down 95 per cent of its animals for adoption while the lucky ones waiting for homes in the now No Kill SPCA shelter have to do nothing but wait for a loving forever home. Peta may be concerned about polar bears but domestic pets have little chance in their shelter so I tore up their donation request mail. Our local No Kill shelter deserves contributions far more than Peta.