Five Reasons Why Shelter Dogs and Cats Are the Best Choice!

When deciding to get a pet, most people already know somewhat what they want. Dog vs. cat. Small vs. large. There are many guides online to help you choose the right animal based on your home & family situation, but once you've made the basic decisions, its time to start looking at where you'll find your new family member.

Adopt-a-Shelter-Animal Month is October and so we're highlighting the reasons why its less expensive, easier and an all around a better choice to visit a shelter when you're ready to add a furry friend to your family.

Less expensive

Having a pet can be very expensive, but its far less expensive to adopt an animal from a shelter than purchase him from a breeder. Rather than spending hundreds or thousands of dollars just for the dog or cat, then first having to take them to a vet, get them fixed and a chip implanted, shelter animals are a package deal. Most shelter pets are ready to come home with your only costs being a leash, a new chew toy and a nominal adoption fee.

Previously trained dog

One of the wonderful things about shelter animals is that you can get them at any age. If you'd like a tiny puppy, those are available. If you'd like a proven dog who is great with kids, he's there waiting for you too. And one of the best things about older dogs is that you're not their first family. That might sounds counter-intuitive but not only can you teach an old dog new tricks, its nice if he comes to you already knowing the important ones.

The reality is that you can adopt a young dog recently out of puppyhood and she will probably already be house trained and less likely to chew through your new navy stilettos. Some older dogs may be highly trained for tricks and voice commands, and be just so happy to have a second chance to love someone.

Purebred dogs and cats widely available

There is nothing like a mutt. Warm hearted, unusual and full of surprises, you never know exactly what they will look like when they grow up. But if you already know the exact breed you'd like to adopt, don't think that your only option is to purchase a puppy from a breeder because that's simply not true. Not only are purebred dogs available at city run shelters, nearly every breed has rescue groups dedicated to find them forever homes. We highly suggest Petfinder, as you can search by breed and location, as well as private and public shelters. If you're set on a specific breed, a search for the breed name and "rescue" in google will help you find resources.

Faster

Shelters dogs are available right now. You don't have to wait 8 weeks or drive 400 miles to the puppy mill. They are here, right now, waiting for you. You can take one home tonight.

Save a life

We're not going to hit you over the head with guilt on why you must choose a shelter animal, because you already know this one. Shelters keep animals for as long as they can, but when they aren't adopted, they have little choice. When you adopt a shelter dog, you've saved his life. You're a instant hero.

Animals have such a capacity for love and loyalty and with the dozens of types of dogs and cats available, its simply impossible that you will be unable to find one that will fit your needs perfectly. You wouldn't choose the same sort of dog for an apartment that you might if you live on a farm, so consider your needs carefully. And if today isn't the day for you to adopt an animal, please click here for the Animal Rescue Site, which gives daily free donations to help animals currently in shelters just for you clicking.