Pets are an essential part of our lives, bringing love and joy every day. Whether you’re a cat or a dog lover, adding a new furry friend to your family can be one of the most exciting experiences. However, choosing where to get your pet can be challenging, considering the range of options available. While purchasing pets from breeders seems like the best choice for high-quality pedigrees, adopting a pet from an animal shelter can be more fulfilling depending on your situation. In this article, we’ll explore the top five reasons why adoption might be the best choice for you and your new family member.

 

 

1. You get to save a life:

Adopting a pet from your local animal shelter not only provides a loving home for a deserving animal, but it can also save a life. Every year, millions of animals end up in shelters, and not all of them are fortunate enough to find their forever homes. By choosing to adopt, you’re giving an animal that might have otherwise been “stuck” in the shelter, or faced an uncertain fate, a second chance at life. Moreover, by adopting, you’re also creating space in the shelter for the next animal in need (it’s almost like a cosmic BOGO).

2. You’ll have support:

Adopting a shelter pet is a unique experience because inquiring adopters have the opportunity to meet and learn about a pet before making a lifetime commitment. Typically by the time an adopter meets with a furry friend, that pet has been seen by a veterinarian, has gotten somewhat comfortable with animal care or adoption staff, and may have even stayed with a foster parent. So while a breeder can share a “pedigree” with you, a shelter or rescue organization can typically speak to the individual and specific needs of your new furry companion. This is especially true if you’re open to the love of an adult or senior pet. Many people go into their search with a mindset of “what breed is for me” but, the irony is that all dogs are individuals with specific needs, preferences, and quirks. Wouldn’t you rather be prepared?

 

 

3. You’ll save money:

Acquiring a pet from a breeder can be quite pricey due to the initial cost of purchase, veterinary expenses, and other associated costs. However, adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue group can be a more cost-effective option! Most shelters provide valuable freebies such as spay/neuter services (this service alone can cost pet owners an average of ~$200-500 at a regular veterinarian), yearly vaccines, and more, which are not typically offered by breeders. You can expect massive savings. Who doesn’t love a package deal?

4. You’ll support animal shelters:

Animal shelters an rescue groups are generally non-profit organizations that aim to provide homes for abandoned pets. Many, like Young-Williams Animal Center, also provide valuable social and community services like pet food pantries, vaccine drives, etc. When you adopt a pet, you’re not just giving an animal a home; you’re also supporting the shelter’s efforts to save lives and serve your community.

 

 

5. You’ll get a wide selection of pets to choose from:

Animal shelters have many different types of pets available for adoption. You can find puppies, senior dogs, kittens, or even exotic pets like rabbits, guinea pigs, and lizards. With so many options to choose from in one place, you’re sure to find the perfect pet to suit your family’s needs and lifestyle.

 

 

Adopting a pet can be an incredibly fulfilling experience. Not only do you save a life, but you also get a healthy pet, save money, support animal shelters, and get to choose from a wide selection of pets. While purchasing a pet from a breeder offers other advantages, it’s always best to consider adopting first. Adopting a pet from a shelter can change the life of a pet and bring you a lifetime of love and joy.

 

 

 

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About the Author:
Wyatt Baggett is the Marketing Associate at Young-Williams Animal Center. With over five years of experience working with shelter pets and a passion for animal welfare, he enjoys creating informative content for pet parents. When he’s not working, Wyatt enjoys hanging out with his three rescue dogs, thrifting, and hunting down the best eats around Knoxville.