1. Because you’ll save a life.
A shelter pet is more than one in a million – she’s one in 2.7 million. That’s the number of adoptable dogs and cats who are still euthanized each year in the United States, simply because too many pets come into shelters and too few people adopt. This number could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets instead of buying them. When you adopt, you save your animal and also open up shelter space for another animal that might need it. 2. Because the Shelter Pet Project makes it easy.
We like easy. Go to the Shelter Pet Project or Pet Finder to find pets near you, of every size, color, age, temperament and BREED. 3. Because you’ll get a great pet.
Animal shelters and rescue groups are brimming with happy, healthy pets just waiting for someone to take them home. Most shelter pets ended up there because of a human problem like a move or a divorce, not because the animal did anything wrong.
4. Because you’ll get a good bargain.
When you adopt a pet, the cost of spay/neuter, first vaccinations and sometimes microchipping is usually included in the adoption price.
5. Because you’ll help fight puppy mills.
Puppy mills are “factory-style” breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of dogs. Animals from puppy mills are housed in shockingly poor conditions with improper medical care, and are
often very sick and behaviorally troubled as a result. Most puppies in pet stores and sold online come from puppy mills, which will continue to operate until people stop supporting them. 6. Because your floor and decor will thank you. Many pets from shelters and rescues are already housetrained. So you’re not only saving a pet’s life, you may be saving your rug.
7. Because all pets are good for your health, but an adopted pet is good for your self-esteem.
Not only do animals give you unconditional love, but they have also been shown to be psychologically, emotionally and physically beneficial. Caring for a companion animal can provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation in all age groups. And when you adopt, you can also feel proud about helping an animal in need.
8. Because you’re environmentally responsible.
You recycle materials so they make something new rather than end up in landfills. A “recycled” pet can make something even better: She can make you happy. 9. Because you’ll change a homeless animal’s whole world.
And get a new best friend in the bargain. Seriously, what could be better than that?
10. Because you’ll be rewarded daily with unconditional love. Enough said.
