Top 10 Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Dog

It’s basic economics- supply and demand. In a world where animal shelters are overpopulated, it’s implied going to a pet store will give you a better quality dog. Only, that’s not true.

Animal shelters are full of loving, breed specific dogs who are waiting for their perfect family. While our list features 10 reasons shelter dogs are the best, the stand out reason is the love you find with the dog you adopt.

10. It’s Rewarding to Give a Second Chance

It’s estimated that over 2.5 million healthy shelter pets go unadopted each year and only about 25 to 30 percent of pets in homes came from rescue organizations and shelters. To know that you have saved a life, helped to stop a terrible epidemic and made a lifelong friend in the process is extremely fulfilling. 

When you adopt a dog from your local shelter or rescue you are making a difference for not only the dog you adopted but for the rescue or shelter as well.  It’s rewarding to know that you are participating in the life-saving mission of these organizations. 

9. Knowing in Advance

They say that knowing is half the battle, and with pets it’s probably more than half.  Understanding the history and needs of your new dog can be a great way to ensure that your home is the last home that he or she will ever have to have. 

Have you ever wondered why pet rescues and shelters ask so many questions when you are applying to adopt a dog?  They have a responsibility to make sure that when you adopt a dog that you are a perfect, long-lasting match. 

8. Supporting the Cause

Every time someone adopts a pet, the scales tip a little in the right direction. You are not just getting something for yourself, you are making a conscience choice to support a global effort to stop the unnecessary killing and breeding of dogs. 

According to the Humane Society only 20% of dogs in U.S. homes were adopted from a shelter or rescue.  Supporting the cause is very important when you consider that over 2 million dogs and cats are euthanized every year.  It is by adopting these dogs and giving them a home that enables shelters and rescues to continue fighting for their cause.

If you aren’t in a position to be able to adopt a dog, there are a variety of ways to keep rescuers rescuing. Contact your local pet rescue or shelter today to find out how you can help.

7. It’s Green

By adopting a dog you are reducing your “carbon footprint”.  As mentioned earlier, the dog and cat population is growing at an insurmountable rate and with that a lot of things that are bad for our communities and planet also increase. 

Every time we adopt we are making a dent in the “need to breed” idea.  Supply will lessen if we decrease the demand.

6. Opt-out of the Puppy Stage

Puppies are so much fun.  They’re cute and they love to play and give affection, but puppies require extra work.

Puppies are full of energy and they need attention and training. While older dogs have often been trained over the years and burned through some of their higher energy years.

There are many puppies in shelters if your heart is set on one, but adoption gives you the opportunity to think outside the box a bit and explore other options. Older dogs are harder to place in a home but have benefits that may make them perfect for your home. 

5. Personality included

There is something remarkable about the relationship between an adopted pet and their owner.  We’ve all heard the story of an adopted dog who was found terrified and blossomed into a loving and loyal family member.

When you give a dog a new home, their rescue has taken time to understand that animal and can guide adopters in a way pet stores and breeders never would. Every dog has their own unique personality and chances are, there is good fit waiting for you.

4. Stopping the cycle

Over 10,000 humans are born every day and it’s estimated that over 70,000 dogs and cats are born every day. Do the math. You are helping to stop the cycle of over breeding by following the “adopt don’t shop” mantra. 

This is not just a cute little slogan to sell you on the idea, it’s a call for awareness.  Adoption isn’t a possible alternative, adoption is an absolute necessity.  Everyday millions of pets are dying and everyday millions of people are buying. 

Adopt don’t shop!

3. The Domino Effect

It is a scientific fact that our decisions and conduct are contagious to those around us.  The “bandwagon effect” says that as more people believe something, others will hop on the bandwagon.

When you bring a new dog home the first words out of your friends and family’s mouths are “where did you get him/her”?  This is your first opportunity to do an amazing thing and to brag about the fact that you just adopted a dog from a shelter or rescue. 

Not only are you spreading the good news of what you’ve done but your giving that dog rescue or shelter some great free advertising!

Your adoption will not go unnoticed.  You have the opportunity to spread the word with family, friends and the friendly passerby that wants to say hello and pet your dog.  This is how change happens; one step and one good decision at a time. 

2. You Can Find What You Want

Whether you want small or big, long-haired or hypoallergenic, male or female, young or older, you can find exactly what you’re looking for.  If you have your heart set on a specific breed you can easily locate a breed specific rescue.

Out of the staggering number of dogs that enter shelters every year, 25% of them are purebred.

1. You are Saving a Life

When you adopt a dog, you are saving it from joining the 2 million+ dogs that are euthanized every year. Dogs are given up for many reasons, and can be killed for something as basic as space.

Overpopulated shelters are can be forced to end an animal’s life when there is nothing wrong with that animal. By stepping in, you are saying that life matters to you.

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