When it comes to welcoming a pet into your home, you have two options—adoption or purchase. While breeders and pet stores may seem like convenient options, adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization like Straydog offers numerous benefits to you, the pet you adopt, and the animal rescue community as a whole.
In this article, we’ll explore the significant benefits of choosing adoption as your preferred avenue for pet parenthood and provide some valuable tips to ensure your adoption goes smoothly!
Preparing Your Home and Life
Before we discuss the many reasons adopting a pet from a shelter is a rewarding choice, let’s take a minute to consider how you can smooth the transition for your new four-legged family member. Take the time to pet-proof your home, stock up on essential supplies, and rearrange your schedule so you can spend quality time with your pet. Keep in mind that your pet may pick up on your emotions, so if you’re dealing with work stress, they may begin to feel anxious as well. Consider working from home for the first few days with your pet as they adjust to their new environment. Now that you’ve taken these steps to prepare your home and life for a shelter pet, let’s delve into why adoption is the preferred choice.
Saving Lives and Easing Pressure on Shelters
One of the most compelling reasons to adopt is the opportunity to save lives. According to DoSomething.org, around 2.7 million dogs and cats enter U.S. shelters every year. By adopting, you’ll directly contribute to the solution by providing a loving home to an animal in need. You’ll also help reduce the demand for breeders and pet stores, where animals often face harsh living conditions.
Make an Adoption Video
Many animal rescues operate with specific location-based criteria and often require home inspections before finalizing an adoption. If the pet you’re interested in is too far away for a traditional inspection, one effective strategy is to make a video that showcases your home and the loving environment you can provide.
This approach can play a pivotal role in the application process, demonstrating your readiness and commitment. To ensure your video is polished and persuasive, consider using free online video editing software. These tools are user-friendly and can help you create a high-quality video quickly, boosting your chances of a successful adoption.
Giving Abandoned Pets a Second Chance
Shelter pets come from diverse backgrounds. Some have been abandoned, lost, or surrendered by their previous owners. Often, these animals have suffered due to conditions they cannot control, from heartworms and skin infections to broken limbs or genetic problems. These conditions require owners to put extra care and money into the animal, and many owners do not have the means to cover treatment. By adopting, you’re offering these animals a second chance at a happy and healthy life.
A New Home for Both of You
Finding a pet-friendly apartment that accommodates both your needs and those of your adopted dog can be streamlined using an online search tool. These platforms allow you to filter your search by various criteria such as location, size, cost, and crucially, pet friendliness. This functionality makes it easier to identify properties that welcome pets, ensuring you find a living space that’s comfortable for you and your furry companion. By narrowing down your options to apartments that explicitly offer the amenities and environment conducive to pet ownership, you can ensure that your new home will be a perfect fit for both of you.
Health and Behavior Benefits
Choosing adoption also comes with several benefits for pet owners. Puppies purchased from breeders require training, various rounds of vaccinations, and spaying or neutering. Adopted animals are typically already fully vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and may even be microchipped. Many shelter animals understand basic training commands and have been socialized, making it easier for them to adapt to their new homes. Plus, mixed-breed pets, which are more common in shelters, often have fewer genetic health issues than purebreds.
Adoption as a Cost-Effective Choice
Adoption is also the most cost-effective option. According to One Green Planet, purchasing a purebred dog from a breeder can cost anywhere from $300 to $3,000. Adoption fees, on the other hand, tend to range from $50-$150. These adoption fees cover the care and veterinary services your pet receives at the shelter, all of which can be significantly more expensive to obtain on your own.
Protect with Pet Insurance
Securing pet insurance for your rescue dog is a prudent decision to manage any unexpected veterinary costs that may arise. Rescue dogs, like all pets, can require unforeseen medical care, and the costs can quickly accumulate. Pet insurance can alleviate the financial strain of these expenses, ensuring that your dog receives the necessary care without compromising your budget.
When selecting a policy, consider coverage options, deductibles, and exclusions to find the plan that best fits your pet’s needs and your financial situation. Investing in pet insurance is a step towards responsible pet ownership, offering peace of mind knowing that your furry friend is protected.
Unconditional Love
All dogs love their families unconditionally, but there’s something special about the love of a rescue animal. Many shelter animals have experienced hardship and will show immense gratitude for the love and care they receive from their forever family. This unique connection can bring immeasurable joy to your life!
Lifelong Commitment
Last but not least, adopting a pet is a commitment that lasts for the entire lifetime of that animal. It’s crucial to be prepared for long-term responsibilities, including daily care, medical expenses, and ensuring a loving environment. When you bring a pet into your home, you’re not just gaining a companion, but also making a promise to cherish them through all stages of their life.
If you want to become a pet owner, adopting from a shelter is the responsible choice. Choosing adoption comes with a host of advantages. By taking the time to understand the unique benefits of adopting a pet, you can feel confident in your decision. Just remember to take a few days off work so you can bond with your new pet as they acclimate to your home!
At Straydog, our mission is to rescue and rehabilitate homeless and abandoned dogs in a no-kill environment until each is adopted into a caring, loving home; and to act as a sanctuary for those dogs who are never adopted. Visit our website to learn more!
Article written by Ryan Goodchild
Photo credit: Samson Katt
