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Have you ever visited your local animal shelter? If you have, you probably noticed all of the awesome dogs and cats waiting for their forever families. So, if you or someone you know is ready for a pet, today could be your day. That’s because today is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day.
Each year on April 30th, National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day raises awareness for shelter animals. Sadly, 6.5 million animals enter animal shelters every year in America, according to the ASPCA. In addition, approximately 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats.
Furthermore, of the millions of animals in shelters, approximately 2.7 million are euthanized. This sheds light on the need for more people to adopt a shelter pet. As a result, adoption moves one animal to safety and creates space for another animal at the shelter.
By rescuing an animal, you’re not only saving the pet that you’re adopting, but a separate life as well. You’re opening up a position for another animal to come into the city shelter.
Jeanette McManus, Best Friends Animal Society Adoption Specialist
Animal shelters seek assistance year-round and the adoption process is just one part of it. Before an animal can even be adopted, the shelter must ensure their health and well being. So, this special day also encourages the public to get to know their local animal shelters.
Are you ready to adopt a shelter pet? According to the American Humane, your local shelter is a great place to start your search. According to them, you can find animals of every type, size, age and personality. Above all, they are all waiting for a loving family and home.
So, if you or someone you know is ready to adopt, shelter pets make incredible companions.
Why Adopt a Shelter Pet?
First and foremost, shelter pets need your love and help. They enter the shelter system for various reasons. But, I guarantee you, they didn’t choose to be there. For one reason or another, a human let them down. It might be abandonment, loss of a home, possible abuse, or a person’s inability to provide care.
Nevertheless, out of the 7.6 million pets in local shelters across America, the majority are loving and loyal. In addition, they long for someone to come along to love them and be loyal in return.
Somehow, shelter pets know they’ve been given a second chance. As a result, they love their new forever family unconditionally and without judgement. Isn’t this really what we all seek in the first place from companions, two-legged or four-legged?
So, really, being loving, loyal and companionable should be enough reason to adopt a shelter pet. Plus the fact that when you adopt a shelter pet, you are saving another living being from dying! However, I don’t want to stop there, so I’m giving you five more reasons.
Here are the five more reasons why to adopt a shelter pet:
1. Two Live Are Saved…
First of all, by adopting your shelter pet, you are saving their life. Especially if they are in a “kill” shelter. But, you are also saving their life by giving them a second chance in a loving home. Can you imagine how lonely your shelter pet has been in a cage?
Secondly, by adopting your shelter pet, you are creating a space for another animal to be rescued. Can you imagine how scared that animal has been without shelter or food? So, in reality, your choice to adopt a shelter pet, spares two lives.
2. There is a Choice of Pets at Any Age, Size, Temperament, or Breed…
Within a shelter, you are going to find a wide range of animals to choose from for adoption. Did you know that on average, 25% of shelter dogs are purebreds of a specific breed?
So, if you have your heart set on a specific breed, you might be able to find one. In addition, you can also check with breed-specific rescue organizations.
On the other hand, there are plenty of mixed breeds ranging in ages, sizes, and temperaments. Furthermore, a great “mutt” is likely to live longer and cost less in vet bills. This is based on the principle of “hybrid vigor”.
You can even choose between baby, adult and senior animals. And, although puppies and kittens are adorable, they require a lot of time and commitment. So, an adult or older pet may be a better fit.
3. Shelter Pet Adoption Costs Less $ Most of the Time…
You just might save money when you choose to adopt a shelter pet. Shelter pet adoption fees are typically less expensive than the cost of purebred pets sold for profit.
The fees cover a portion of the costs for the care of the pets while in the shelter. Most importantly, the money you save gives you more to budget for your new pet. Some costs you will incur as a pet parent include food, medical care, treats, and toys.
4. Personality, Medical History Data, and Adoption Help is Available…
Shelter workers, volunteers and foster families will have already checked out a pet for you. That is to say, they have been socialized. So, they can safely interact with adult people, children, and other animals. You will even know if they like the outdoors or prefer to be a couch potato.
Shelter pets receive health screenings and basic veterinary care. In addition, most pets are spayed or neutered before they are adopted. However, in the event they are not, some shelters provide vouchers to have this done.
Animal Shelter workers strive to match each animal with a family for which they would be well-suited. In other words, pets are like us with different personalities that don’t mesh with people sometimes.
5. Shelter Pets Come With Some “Know Hows” Depending on Age
Many adult and senior pets are typically housebroken or potty trained. In addition, some of them have been trained in basic commands. Some may even know a few tricks. So, if you are a first time pet parent, that is a huge plus.
Remember that the staff and volunteers are a wealth of information about the animals in their care. So, be sure to ask questions. You might like a certain pet, but are worried about their timidness.
A shelter’s environment is highly stressful, so don’t judge a book by it’s cover. In other words, that timid dog may have a fun, playful personality once home.
Tips for a Smooth Adoption Process
Firstly, it is important to mention that being a pet parent is a lot of work. Don’t get a pet unless you are 100% sure you can commit to the rest of their life. Pets are a big responsibility. However, being unconditionally loved makes it so worth it!
Now, if you are 100% sure, there are a few things to do to help be prepared.
Here are a few supplies to get ahead of time:
- Collar
- Leash
- Identification tags
- Crate
- Toys
- Food and water bowls
- Food
- Treats
- Bed
Some other things to consider:
- Ask the shelter about the feeding schedule (time of day, how many times, how much, and what type of food)
- Choose a veterinarian before the adoption and have a visit scheduled for a few days after the adoption
- Have a family plan in place (know who will feed and water your new pet or who will take your new pet for a walk)
Above all, show your new pet a ton of patience! It can take several weeks for your new pet to relax in his or her new surroundings. Rescuing an animal through adoption is an extremely rewarding experience.
If Now is Not the Time to Adopt a Shelter Pet
So maybe you just aren’t ready to adopt a pet yet, but you love animals. You can still help shelter pets.
Here are some ways you can help:
- Volunteer to spend time with the animals (you will be providing them with exercise, companionship, and socialization)
- Check your local shelter’s needs list and donate the items you are able to give (gently used towels, sheets, blankets)
- Encourage friends and family members in the market for a pet to adopt from a shelter
- Foster a shelter pet (this is usually for very short periods of time)
To Summarize
On this national day, you can visit a shelter and consider adopting. Especially, if you are ready to add a new companion to your life. If you adopt today or another day, you are in for a rewarding experience.
Perhaps you have previously adopted a pet; you can celebrate by sharing pictures on social media using #AdoptAShelterPetDay.
Have you adopted a shelter pet? We would love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
You might enjoy reading these posts about shelter animals from our blog:
Fostering Dogs – the Urgent Need Right Now
Rescue Dogs With a Cup of Coffee Every Morning
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