Adopt, Don't Shop

You Can Save an Animal's Life

While there are many no-kill shelters out there, there are still many shelters that do euthanize pets that aren't adopted or when their shelter becomes too full. If you choose to adopt a pet, you'll be giving them a second chance at life. Additionally, if the pet comes from a no-kill shelter, you can end up saving more than one life by making room at that shelter for another pet in need, so the shelter can take care of them and help find that pet a great home, too! The adoption fee for your new pet usually goes right back into the shelter to help the other pets in need, as well.

It's a Way to Fight Back Against Puppy Mills

Puppy mills are breeding facilities that are run factory-style. Their main priority is making money off of puppies, not the welfare of the dogs. Animals in puppy mills live in poor conditions, have inadequate medical care, and little human interaction, and many puppies can have medical issues or behavioral issues as a result. The mothers in these puppy mills are used for breeding until they are no longer of any use to the facility, and then are often abandoned or killed.

Since being exposed, puppy mills have thought of different tactics to help themselves stay in business. They sell puppies to pet stores or through classified ads and over the internet, where unsuspecting customers buy their puppies, assuming they aren't from puppy mills. One way of making sure that you aren't supporting a puppy mill is to adopt instead. By adopting, you can be positive that you aren't giving a puppy mill a dime.



When You Adopt, You Can Choose from a Range of Ages

When you choose to adopt, you have the unique opportunity of being able to choose the age of the pet you want to adopt. While kittens and puppies are always so adorable, they can also be a ton of work. If you want a furry companion but don't know if you have the time to train a kitten or puppy, you can always adopt an adult pet. They are usually already house-trained (which saves your carpet!) and many of them already know basic commands, like sit. Adult dogs still have plenty of life left in them ("adult" is a broad term- they aren't all only puppies or senior citizens), and while they may not be as in demand as the puppy who fits into the palm of your hand, they'll still give you the cuddles, companionship, and unconditional love that you signed up for, just minus the chewed shoes, carpet cleanings, and extra training that comes with puppies.



You'll Save Money

Buying a puppy or kitten from a breeder is expensive! Buying a pet can easily cost $500-$1,000 (and sometimes even more than that!). Adoption fees are usually between $50-$200, and usually include the price of vaccinations and spaying/neutering. Sometimes, the adoption fee can even include a microchip! As an added bonus, as mentioned earlier, the adoption fee goes right back into the shelter to help more animals in need, instead of into a breeder's pocket. Adopting a pet will save you money and also help support a valuable charity!



Animal Shelters Offer a Great Lifetime Resource

When you adopt from an animal shelter, you'll also get a lifetime resource from the employees and volunteers who work there. They can help you find information or more resources for your pet even after you adopt them. The employees and volunteers at animal shelters work with animals every day, so they have great knowledge on a wide variety of issues and topics.



Adopted Animals Aren't Less "Good" Than Other Animals

Adopted animals are still great animals! Many people think that animals in shelters are all old animals, or aggressive animals, or animals with behavior problems, which isn't true. There are tons of animals that are in shelters through no fault of their own (such as a divorce or move), and are waiting for their second chance on life. Adopted animals are pawsome pets, and will give you the same unconditional love a bought animal would. They still offer companionship and cuddles, and will keep you active. When you adopt an animal, you're adopting a new best friend: one who will play dress-up with you, go on walks with you, cuddle with you, play tug-of-war and fetch, and bring you joy just like any other animal. They're just waiting for someone to take them to their furever home.

Pets Are Good for Your Health- Especially Adopted Pets

Pets have been shown to be physically, emotionally, and psychologically beneficial to their people, and adopted pets are no exception. In fact, adopting an animal can be especially beneficial for your health, and give you an extra boost. Caring for a pet can make you feel less lonely and give you a sense of purpose and fulfillment, but you'll also get that extra feeling of pride knowing that you were able to help an animal in need. You'll also benefit from that warm, fuzzy feeling you'll get knowing that you were able to give a deserving animal a second chance at a wonderful life with you!