Adopt. Don’t Shop.
Rescuers and animal shelters around the globe use that simple yet powerful phrase to entice prospective pet owners to adopt their next pets rather than go to a breeder.
Dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other animals – of all types and of all breeds – often find themselves in a rescue or a shelter, through no fault of their own, desperately waiting for a new and loving forever family.
Let’s look at the top five reasons you should adopt your next pet:
You save two lives.
Shelters and rescue organisations have limited space. That means some unwanted pets will be turned away for lack of space while others often face euthanasia. When you adopt an animal from a shelter or a rescue organisation, you will save the lives of two very grateful pets: The one you adopted and the one who was accepted into the shelter or rescue space that your new family member left behind.
Your pet will be eternally grateful.
Animals just seem to instinctively understand that you’ve saved their lives and have given them a home. Even pets who come from an abusive, antisocial background can become love bugs with time, patience, and understanding.
You have many pets from which to choose.
Shelters and rescue organizations often find themselves overcapacity with homeless animals of all species – dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, and reptiles – and all breeds. You will likely have little difficulty finding the type of pet you’ve always dreamed of adopting.
You set a good example in the community.
Homeless pets are a worldwide problem because there are just too many pets and not enough homes. By choosing to adopt over buying a pet, you help fight against the problem of overpopulation and you set a good example in your community. Your pet will serve, in some respects, as an ambassador for other rescue pets when you share his story and he shares his affection with others.
You will save money.
Nothing can compare to saving the life of a loving, grateful animal and giving him a home for the rest of his life. However, when you adopt, you also get the added incentive of paying less. Many shelters and rescue organizations require a nominal adoption fee compared to the hundreds or thousands of pounds breeders charge for their animals.
When you visit a shelter or a rescue organization, go with an open mind. You may have your heart set on a puppy when the affectionate kisses of an older dog win your heart. Homeless animals of all ages, sizes, and types make wonderful lifelong family members when you adopt.
