Are you thinking of adding a pet to your family? Adopting Minnie was one of the best decisions we ever made. She has filled our house with extra love, silliness, and definitely, lots and lots of smiles.
We understand that adoption isn't for everyone and that there can be hurdles, but if you have the ability to do so, we recommend considering it.
If you're on the fence, here are 6 reasons to adopt your new best friend:
6 reasons to adopt, not shop
1. You save two lives
Each year, it's estimated that more than 1.5 million adoptable dogs and cats (670,000 dogs and 860,000 cats) are euthanized in the United States. When you adopt, you save a loving animal by making them part of your home and open up shelter spot for another animal who desperately needs it.
2. You help stop cruelty in puppy mills and mass breeding facilities
Many pets stores source their cats and dogs from mass breeding facilities called puppy mills. And even if they don’t, it’s possible the company they bought from did. The puppy supply chain can be shady, but that’s a post for another day.
Most pets in puppy mills/mass breeding facilities suffer from malnutrition or starvation due to inadequate or unsanitary food and water. Animals who become sick also tend to receive little or no veterinary care. Older animals are continuously bred until they can no longer produce, then they are typically discarded.
3. You save money
Usually, when you adopt a pet, the cost of spaying/neutering, first vaccinations, and micro-chipping is included in the adoption price. Depending on the shelter, some also offer additional things such as free first grooming, training classes, a vet visit, etc.
Aside from this, adoption costs tend to be much cheaper than buying a pet at a store or through other sources. Buying a pet can easily cost hundreds to thousands of dollars. Adoption costs typically range from $50 to $200. Plus, many shelters have discounts on different holidays.
4. Because you get an amazing animal 🖤
There's a common misconception that shelter animals end up in a shelter because they did something wrong. However, most of them end up there due to a human-related issue, such as a move, divorce, lack of time, financial constraints, etc. Most shelter animals are great, healthy pets just waiting to find their forever home.
5. Your adoption can encourage others to adopt animals from shelters
Your adoption may encourage others who have been on the fence to do the same! Some of them may have not even considered adoption, but your new fur-baby may open their eyes to the possibility!
6. You get to choose a pet of any age
Depending on your lifestyle, either a puppy/kitten or an adult pet can be right for you, and you can find both in shelters! If you have a lot of time and patience, then it might be a good fit for you to adopt a puppy/kitty. Especially with puppies, you have to be prepared for messes, potty training and the danger of things getting chewed up. On the other hand, many adoptable adult dogs are already house-trained and tend to know basic commands. You're also able to tell what kind of personality they have, so there are no surprises down the road
Whether a puppy/kitten or an adult pet is right for you, adopting either is going to bring you lots of joy and smiles <3
And in case you want to show how proud you are for having adopted
Check out our "You Can't Buy Love" Collection. Inspired by our love of all the rescued fur-babies in our lives!
