If you are interested in adopting a pet, keep in mind that where you decide to adopt one is not something that should be taken lightly. Adopting a pet from an animal shelter is a great option. But, why is that the case?
Here are several reasons why adopting from an animal shelter is a good choice.
Adopting from a shelter is saving a life
You would be doing a good deed. We all know that animals are not made to live their whole life at an animal shelter. By adopting from an animal shelter, you are saving a pet from euthanasia.
You wouldn't be supporting the treatment of animals as objects
In our society of overconsumption, everything seems to be purchasable. Unfortunately, we have the habit of buying, selling, and getting rid of things when we don't want them anymore. This bad habit is also happening when it comes to pets. There are areas where this represents a real market, where the end goal is solely about making money.
The animals from the markets are often separated too early from their mother and are destined to spend all day in a enclosure until they are sold. The aim is to make a profit, so they minimize the conditions under which the animals are kept.
You would avoid the education phase which is often complicated
Some animals have already lived with a family before coming to an animal shelter: many of them were abandoned because they are “overcrowded”, and some end up in shelters because they have been mistreated.
Some people have to give up their animal even when they don't want to because they don't have the means to take care of them or because they moved. That's why most animals from animal shelters have not suffered from huge traumas and can quickly adapt to living with a family.
Animals from animal shelters have already been socialized, because they have been around so many different people and animals.
Moreover, you have many choices: large, small, white, black... Animal shelters welcome a large variety of breeds and species. You can even spend some time in the company of an animal before deciding which will be best to adapt to your family life.
Adopting from an animal shelter is less expensive
The animals that you find at animal shelters cost much less than bred animals.
Know that when you buy a cat, you need to count the purchase in and of itself, plus the cost of the sterilization and the vaccines, flea treatment, the various treatments against worms, ticks, and health insurance. The price can quickly rise!
Shelter adoption curbs animal overpopulation
Far too many animals live in shelters, and too few households are adopting pets. Shelters are overcrowded with abandoned and stray animals.
Spaying and neutering is also a solution for overpopulation. This is the only effective method of contraception.
However, do not forget that adopting is not a trivial act, as it will have consequences on your daily life, your family, as well as on the life of an animal. That's why it is very important to think carefully before deciding to adopt a pet.
This article might interest you: How to help animal shelters using social media
What about you? Have you ever adopted an animal from a shelter?
