The Importance of Adopting Pets in Need
Finding the right pet for your home isn’t an easy task. We all want the cutest cat or the most obedient dog, but many people do not realize the importance of picking the right place to find a new pet. Adopting a pet from a shelter can be beneficial for you, the animal, and your community. Facilities such as the Humane Society offer an alternative to buying an animal from a breeder or pet store, allowing pets in need to find forever homes. Adopting a pet in need can not only add a new member to your family but also let you give back to your community.
Below are 5 reasons to adopt a shelter dog today:
- You Will Help Reduce Animal Overpopulation
Did you know that The Humane Society requires that all adopted animals be spayed or neutered? This “diminishes chances that more unwanted animals will enter the world” (www.hhhstopeka.org). You can also feel good about the fact that adopting a pet opens up spaces for other animals without a home. This lessens the amount of strays in the community.
- You Can Save an Animal’s Life
Speaking of overpopulation, many animals are euthanized simply because there is not enough room to house them all. When you adopt a pet, you not only save that animal’s life, but you allow room for another animal to be housed and give it a chance to become someone else’s pet. What a good feeling knowing you may have saved multiple animals’ lives simply by choosing to adopt!
- Training Can Be Easier
How many of you love puppies, but hate the tedious puppy training phase? Animals at shelters are often former pets or older animals. In many cases they have already been trained on some level, whether it is being house-trained or trained to obey commands such as “sit” or “come”. This makes it much easier to devote time and energy to getting to know and bond with your new pet rather than disciplining and shopping for new shoes to replace those chewed up sneakers. Even dog walking services enjoy taking care of adopted dogs because you often already know their temperament. This takes the guess-work out of figuring out how your dog behaves on walks, around people, or in social situations.
- Shelters Can Provide Resources
When you adopt your pet, you are given a wealth of information regarding health care, training, where to find supplies and so much more. When you adopt your pet, not only are they vaccinated and given a clean bill of health, but you are given access to information for continuing shots, updates and even training and recreation activities from dog parks to available dog walking services. Just think: you can find a reputable dog walker to aid in welcoming your pet home and getting him or her used to their new environment.
- You Can Be A Part of Animal Advocacy
Many people that adopt from animal shelters are championing animal advocacy. This involves making a stand against puppy mills that overbreed animals in poor conditions and provide the conditions for strays that run around your community. When you adopt your pet, you add to the list of those willing to save an animal in need rather than provide a need for more animals to be put through breeding mills. From dog walkers to groomers and trainers alike, people are helping new owners to adopt, enjoy and inspire others to adopt pets and enrich their community ties.
Giving back to your community by adopting a pet through your Humane Society has rewards for all. If you’re looking for a new companion that not only adds to the well-being of your family but the surrounding community as well, this is the way to go. For Humane Society locations in your area, click here. If you enjoyed this article, be sure to bookmark our blog and don’t forget to like us on Facebook!