Cool Facts About Pet Adoption

You can save a dog's life by adopting from a shelter or rescue organization.

When looking to add a furry friend to your family, you have two basic options: adopting from an animal shelter or purchasing from a breeder. However, there are several benefits of animal adoption that could influence your decision.

Saving a Life

According to AdoptaPet.com, about 4 million adoptable cats and dogs are put down each year, mainly because of overpopulation. By adopting from a shelter, you could save the life of one of these unfortunate animals.

Breeds in Shelters

Many people choose to buy from a breeder because they are looking for a specific breed of dog. However, 25 percent to 30 percent of dogs available for adoption in animal shelters are purebred.

Breed Rescues

Prospective pet owners don't have to purchase their ideal breed of dog from a breeder; there are rescue organizations that help dogs of a specific breed who have been given up, neglected or abused.

Behavior Myths

Some people do not consider adopting from a pet shelter because they assume that animals end up there because of poor behavior. However, there are a number of reasons why pets arrive in a shelter, from losing their owner to being abused and rescued.

Cost Savers

Many shelter animals are fully vaccinated and spayed or neutered, which results in healthier pets and savings for the people who adopt them.

References

• Adopt a Pet

Resources

• Humane Society of the United States: Resources for the Animal Care Society
• Pet Shelters Across America