Adopting from an Animal Shelter

Choosing to adopt a pet is a big decision. Even after you've decided on the best type of animal to fit your lifestyle, you need to figure out where to adopt him or her. There are pet stores, breeders, shelters, and even craigslist ads all offering animals looking for a home. While pedigree breeders often seem like the best quality option, more and more people are realizing the many benefits of adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue group.

The most obvious advantage of adopting from a shelter is price. Purebred animals can cost hundreds, and often thousands, of dollars. In contrast, shelter fees can range from a voluntary donation to a few hundred. Plus, this cost almost always includes necessary vaccines, de-worming, feline leukemia tests, and other necessary medical expenses. When you adopt an animal from a breeder or pet shop, you will likely have to shell out more money for these procedures.

You are ultimately the one who will have to deal with any financial or physical consequences of your pet's health and temperament. By adopting a pet from a shelter, who is likely older and has been better evaluated than an animal from a pet store, you have the benefit of knowledge. Animals at shelters are usually assessed both medically and psychologically before they can be adopted. This means you will know beforehand if the dog or cat you want has any chronic conditions or personality quirks that may be a problem, and such information is extremely valuable.

At many shelters, the staff are equipped to help match you to the ideal pet. For example, they may know a certain dog is great with kids, while another barks too much for an apartment building. Additionally, shelters often provide post-adoption support. This can include free spaying / neutering services, discounts on veterinary care, basic obedience training, etc.

While the majority of shelter animals are mutts, you may be able to find a purebred if that is what your heart is set on. A good way to find a rescued purebred is to look at breed-specific rescue groups. These groups generally provide the same resources as shelters, but may require a more substantial application process for adoption. Often, there is a waiting list for people to adopt through these organizations. Rescue groups also offer the opportunity to foster a pet. This means you can take in an animal without the lifelong commitment while he or she receives medical / behavioral care and waits for a "forever home."

If you have your heart set on a purebred animal with certified papers and showman quality, your best bet is still to go to a breeder. However, if you are simply seeking a new companion, a shelter or rescue group can be the perfect place to go. You'll not only be matched with a great pet, but you'll also be saving an animal from confinement in a kennel, or, worse, euthanasia.