Love is probably the simplest answer to why a person would want to adopt a pet. Meaning that it’s not hard to love an animal. They’re sweet and loyal and make us want to be better. But that’s probably the second answer to give. We care for animals so much that we want to house as many as possible.
While that’s not necessarily everyone’s mission in life, many of us can agree that there is something to adopting a pet. Something special. Here are some of the top reasons to adopt a pet. There might even be some reasons you didn’t think of.
Why Adopt A Pet?
Adopting a pet is quite the extraordinary feat, especially if that animal has gone through an entirely different life before you. In some ways we adopt to feel better, maybe even less lonely, but in other ways we know it’s giving an animal a chance at something better than they had before.
Why Adopting A Pet Is Better Than Buying
There’s always a big debate around whether it is better to adopt or buy. And while some people choose to buy from a, hopefully, reputable breeder, others choose to adopt from a shelter or rescue. The beauty of adoption is that it is so necessary in today’s society.
For more information on rescue dogs, check out our blog post dispelling the myths and rumors about rescue dogs.
Reasons To Adopt A Pet
Your reason for adopting may differ from the person next to you, but that’s a great thing! We all have different reasons for adopting, which is why we’ve compiled some top reasons to choose adoption.
You Might Be Saving A Life
With such a high rate of stray animals in the country, it became common practice for shelters to euthanize older or sick animals. This practice has since come down thanks to better laws and more attention to shelter and rescue organizations. We now can choose to adopt from “no kill” shelters and feel better about supporting institutions that make enormous efforts to house and care for animals in need. Your individual adoption could continue to have a ripple effect with more people following. And at the very least, you know that you have at least touched one life and given an animal the best possible life they deserve to have.
Adopting Will Cost You Less Than Buying
Adoption is traditionally less than buying an animal from a breeder. Breeders often charge higher prices for purebred dogs, while shelters generally keep costs low to help animals get adopted into loving homes. The upfront cost of adopting shouldn’t be astronomical because there will inevitably be other costs with your animal in the future. You should consider spending your money wisely and potentially choose adoption over buying if that makes more sense for you.
Stop Puppy Mills
Puppy mills are one of the worst situations that many shelters are aiming to stop. They involve cruel breeding practices that are unsafe and downright evil. Many dogs and puppies are left with medical issues after living in such horrible conditions. That’s why we must all do our part to end puppy mills. For more information on stopping puppy mills, head to the Human Society website to see what you can do to help.
It Could Improve Your Lifestyle
Maybe you’re looking for an excuse to get outside some more or connect with nature. A new animal addition could help you open back up to the world. As we know, animals push us to be better versions of ourselves. Your forever buddy will probably impact you more than you know.
Whether it’s unconditional love, entertainment, or just pure fun, animals have this innate ability to just plainly make us feel better. Bad day – hug your dog. Bad week – play with your cat. Your adventures are limitless, but so is the joy that comes with adopting an animal in need. You may even find yourself asking “who really saved who?”
Adopting Is Easier Than You Think
While each animal shelter or animal rescue has their own adoption criteria, many are just looking for conscientious and caring owners. Try your hand at volunteering to understand the adoption process before making a final decision. It also gives you a chance to learn proper animal handling skills and care necessary for your pet to lead an awesome life.
Microchipping Your Adopted Pet Helps Your Community
People often underestimate the importance of microchips and ID tags. Microchips are recommended as a back-up option for pet identification. Your local animal control office, shelter, or vet’s office may have scanners if your pet gets lost or runs out of the yard. It’s a scary thought, but best to be prepared.
Microchips can be implanted under the skin, usually between the shoulder blades. This is often done at your vet’s office without the use of anesthesia. You can then register your pet’s microchip number online depending on the brand of chip. The scanner will then pick up any identifying information associated with your pet such as your name, address, and phone number.
Other Reasons Why You Should Consider Adopting
It’s seldom that you find a child who doesn’t want to go up and see an animal. In fact, if we all saw the world similar to children and animals we’d probably be in a better state. But that doesn’t mean we can’t foster those child-like qualities.
Adopting a pet can bring out playfulness and adventure that we may have long forgotten. As we give them a second chance, they also give us a second chance at will. Just look at the role of pet therapy in healing patients, or how animals may even decrease stress and improve heart health. There aren’t too many things in this world that have that big of an impact on mental and physical health. And yet, we continue finding more avenues for animals to help us in everyday life.
Best Pet Adoption Websites
If you’re looking to adopt an animal in need we suggest checking out a few of the resources below.
ASPCA – One of the nation’s top pet welfare organizations with a great adoption program
Petfinder – A comprehensive and widely-used pet adoption website for finding animal-specific criteria and overall large number of search options
Adopt-a-Pet – The largest non-profit pet adoption website in North America, with links to more than 17,000 animal shelters and rescue organizations.
PetSmart Charities – The charitable arm of the PetSmart brand. This pet adoption program contributes back to communities while also listing animals available for adoption across the country.
We also have our own CUDDLY Adoption page, with so many loving animals looking for great homes.
Pet Adoption Makes A Difference
As these reasons have suggested, pet adoption has a much bigger impact than we often assume. Your individual adoption stands to help an animal in need receive the proper care and attention they need. This also offsets the care that is required of shelters and rescues.
