The Benefits of Adopting Animals

Did you know that at one point in United States' history there were approximately 70,000 puppies and kittens born every day? And only 20% of those 70,000 a day found homes? In recent years, advocates of spay/neuter programs have been doing their best to cut back on the huge numbers of pet overpopulation but there is still a need for the public to help provide loving homes for these animals. If you are looking for a dog, cat, or even sometimes a rabbit, the shelter is the place to go.

There are many benefits that come from adopting an animal from a shelter. Not only do you get unconditional love, loyalty, and companionship, but there are a number of other things that come as part of the package.

1. Cost

Adopting an animal from a shelter is relatively inexpensive compared to a breeder. Puppies or dogs can be adopted out for approximately $100, and most shelters now pay for the animal to be spayed or neutered - sometimes even before you get to take the animal home. Cats can range anywhere from $30 to $60, depending on their age. Like with the dogs, the cats are spayed and neutered usually for free. Most animals from breeders can cost upwards of hundreds or even thousands of dollars, where there is no payment for spaying or neutering.

2. Helping reduce pet overpopulation

The animals in the shelters are a result of the overpopulation of pets. By adopting one, you can help reduce the number of animals who end up in shelters.

3. Adopting an older dog or cat

For someone who might have a demanding schedule or cannot be home at all hours of the day, these animals are already housebroken or litter box trained. Having a puppy or a kitten requires a lot of time to make sure they do not pee or poop all over the house. Also, with older animals, they are already grown - there is no guessing with how large they are going to get, if they will shed buckets of hair, or if they are going to have a demeanor you will not get along with. They already have all of that and you can see how they act right then and there.

4. Not encouraging puppy mills

Cats and dogs sold in pet stores more than likely come from puppy mills. This horrendous situation is not something to be taken lightly. By buying a dog or cat from a pet store (not adopting them like Petco and Petsmart have set up, but really truly buying them), you only give money to the puppy mills to run more female dogs into the ground birthing litter after litter.

There are many myths about shelter animals, which we can blow out of the water right now.

1. Animals from shelters are only there because of their behavioral problems.

Although it is true that animals are released to shelters due to behavioral problems, those with serious or obvious problems are not available for adoption. Many animals end up at the shelter due to neglect or ignorance from previous owners. They may show fear or excitement in the shelter, but that is because the environment is very stressful. They make excellent companions with love and patience.

2. The only animals available are old and not trainable.

Not true! There are many puppies and kittens for adoption as well, many who show up on the doorsteps right after birth. Older animals can be trained with the right person there to guide them along.

3. The mixed breeds there are inferior to purebred animals.

No matter the breed, animals are generally the same across the board for health, brains and temperament. You might be surprised that purebred dogs and cats also end up in shelters. Mixed breeds are wonderful pets. Most of the time people are looking for a certain disposition the dog might have, which can certainly be found in mixed and pure breeds.

If you think you want to adopt an animal, make sure you look at your entire situation. Know what you are getting yourself into: this is a lifelong commitment for the animal. They cost money, and if you cannot provide for an animal, do not adopt one out of pity or sadness for them.

If you are ready, go get yourself that perfect pet!