If you are looking to adopt a shelter dog, but are unsure if it's the right choice for you, our team can help. Today, our Groton vets share some reasons why you should adopt a dog from the shelter.
What Are the Average Thoughts on Adopting Shelter Dogs?
Did you know that 8 to 12 million dogs, cats, puppies, and kittens are euthanized each year in the U.S. because there are simply not enough homes for them? This is an alarming number.
Unfortunately, this number is not going down because so many people do not see any value in adopting a homeless pet over buying a new specific breed puppy. This can be for many reasons, such as assuming that any dog adopted from a shelter will have several health complications. Some people may even think that they won't be able to find any of the breeds they are considering. Certain people may even think that the adoption process is long and complicated. Luckily none of these are true which means that shelters are a great option for anyone looking to bring a dog into their life.
Even with the rumors of how all these dogs end up living in shelters, there is always one common theme that is truthful. Their stories are devastating. Some of the dogs were just lost but never reunited with their owners while others were purposely abandoned. Some dogs are surrendered by people who no longer have the means to provide proper care for the dog. Some dogs that end up in shelters were born to strays or have behavioral concerns that were not properly addressed by their owners.
Don't let these rumors be the reasons why you don't consider adopting a dog from the local shelter. If you aren't entirely convinced yet, our Center Star veterinary services team shares 10 of the reasons why you should adopt your next dog from a local shelter.
Here Are the Top 10 Reasons to Adopt Your Dog
1. You Will Have a New, Lifelong Companion
This may seem obvious but the love you will get from a dog will fill you up with an abundance of happiness. This love will be forever and unconditional. Even if your dog previously called a shelter home, they will still be filled with the same love that they will shower you with.
2. You Can Take a Stance Against Puppy Mills
The unfortunate truth of buying from many pet stores is that the dogs come from puppy mills which breed dogs in unsanitary and unfavorable conditions. These dogs do not receive proper medical care, they fall sick often and are behaviourally troubled as a result. The female dogs are usually restrained or contained with no affection or positive attention and are often abused. Once these dogs are not able to produce puppies, they will be discarded or disposed of.
3. You Can Pick the Right Dog for You
The dogs available at the shelter are eagerly waiting to meet their forever family. Shelter dogs don't understand why they were left in this place and are only looking to show their gratitude to anyone who brings them home. You will have the opportunity to go around and meet all of the dogs and pick the one that you feel the best connection with.
4. You Get a Dog That Is Already House-Trained
The dogs you see in shelters do not want to be there. Whether the owner is incapable of care or the dog suffers from a condition that the previous owner was unable to manage, none of them have asked to be in the position they are in. You can look forward to the fact that thanks to previously living in a home, these dogs are generally house-trained already. Generally, all shelter dogs also get time with a professional trainer during their stay which means that you get a well-behaved dog.
5. You Get to Give a Dog Their Forever Home
The dogs you see in shelters are all hoping for the same thing: companionship. This goes for dogs that have been lost or abandoned as well. These dogs have been robbed of the happy, love-filled life that they deserve. Why not show one the happiness that you can provide them?
6. Adoption Provides a Dog WIth a New Lease on Life
The life of a shelter dog will likely have never been easy or relaxing. But this means that you now have the opportunity to give them a new lease on life and show them how wonderful and filled with care it can be. The more we look to adoption for pets the less of a need there will be for puppy mills which are supported by pet stores and specific breeding.
7. You Will Gain a Companion Who Cares About Your Happiness
Did you know that being around animals has been scientifically proven to make people happier? By providing a pet with ongoing love, affection, and companionship, we are fulfilled in a way that is not met in other areas of our lives. This holds true for all age groups.
8. You Get to Protect the Well-Being of a Dog
Our Companion Animal Hospital pet vets know that you hear the common saying that there are not enough homes for the available pets and unfortunately, this is the truth. This makes the shift to adopting pets rather than purchasing all the more important. If dogs end up homeless they run the risk of experiencing fatal injuries, abuse, and neglect. By adopting the pets available at the shelter you can give them a second chance while making space for the next ones to also find their forever homes.
9. You May Lead a Happier Life When Performing Selfless Acts
Typically, people can assume that anyone who is kind to animals should be a good person. Caring for an animal is a selfless task. In turn, you will feel love and compassion along with the therapeutic benefits of owning and caring for these animals.
10. You Can Feel Proud Knowing That You Saved the Dogs' Life
You will be able to wake up every day knowing the bond you have with your dog was formed the moment you saved them from a life of homelessness. They will love you unconditionally for life and you will spend every day enjoying the benefits of this companionship.
Note: The advice provided in this post is intended for informational purposes and does not constitute medical advice regarding people or pets. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding asthma or other allergy symptoms.