Some animal shelters have seen a rise in pet adoptions during COVID-19. And we can understand why. Who wouldn’t want a companion to keep them company during such a time?! A cat or dog can bring such life to a household, especially when you are stuck at home and can’t go on that summer holiday you’ve been dreaming about all winter long. One of the best ways to get a new cat or dog (or another furry friend of your choosing) is to adopt from an animal shelter. Rescue pets are the best, and here are just a few of the reasons why.
You Save a Life
The most obvious reason is because you will save the life of your beloved cat, dog, or whatever animal you are adopting. Without your adoption that animal may be destined to spend many months or years in the shelter, or even be put down due to overcrowding. And not only are you saving the life of your new pet, but also freeing up space an resources to save another animal. That’s a double win!
You can Adopt a Senior Pet or Older Pet
Yes, puppies and kittens are adorable, but they are tons of work! Senior dogs and older animals can bring such joy to a household, and sometimes involve minimal training. I adopted my beautiful dog from a shelter, and he came already crate trained and house trained! That saved weeks of invested time and energy that I instead got to spend getting to know my new friend and going for long walks in the woods.
You can Take Advantage of the Shelter Resources
Many shelters come with additional resources for you and your pet on the adoption day. Of course, the spaying and neutering is done for you before the adoption takes place. And many shelters even include gifts as part of your adoption. These can include dog leashes and crates, cat carriers, toys, and a bag of food. In addition, many have recommendations for local training classes, veterinary services, and dog parks. The added benefit is they are also always available if you want to go back and ask questions in the future.
You Can Fight the Existence of Puppy Mills
Unfortunately, if you are purchasing a puppy from a breeder, pet store, or online seller, you may be supporting a puppy mill. These mills are often violating best practices in animal care, leaving animals in inhumane conditions. Adopting a shelter dog assures that you are not participating in this process.
It’s Good for your Health
Pets are good for both your physical and emotional health. Having a pet to care for can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and even be a way to teach your kids about taking on household responsibilities. Having a pet can help you feel less lonely, and give you activities to do during the day such as dog walks or indoor playtime. Most of all, adopting a pet can make you feel good, because you’ve done something good for yourself and for your pet!
Comments