How Adopting a Pet Can Change Your Life!
Written By: Natalie Koeber
The topic of adopting a pet versus buying a pet from a breeder can be a pretty hot topic. But it doesn’t have to be! Doing what is best for your family and the animal is most important, but here are some reasons why adopting a pet is awesome!
First off, adopting a pet is saving a life. That dog or cat goes from living in a shelter or with a foster family to having a forever home. This can be quite inspiring. When you decide to adopt a pet, you are saving him or her from being left with no loving family for the rest of its life. You are also opening up another place for an animal that might be desperate to get off the streets and into a shelter. Some dogs or cats don’t even have the option to live in a shelter and are neglected, living in cardboard boxes and finding food in dumpsters. By adopting, you are allowing one of these animals to be saved and brought into a shelter.
Adopting is also a great way to get your new best friend! The adoption process is normally quicker than waiting for a breeder to have availability to buy puppies or kittens. You can go to multiple shelters, foster homes or online rescues in search of the perfect fit! My family adopted a Blue Tick Coon Hound from a foster family last October and it was one of the best decisions! He fit into our family seamlessly and it was very helpful to be able to talk to the foster family and see him in a home environment. The foster family can speak to the animal’s character and behavior because they have been raising the animal for the past time. Most of the animals that come from foster homes are house and crate trained, which makes the family’s transition and adjusting to getting a pet a little easier! Adoption is truly a great idea if you’re looking for a furry friend!
Adopting is typically a lot cheaper than buying an animal from a breeder. Breeders can charge up to $2,000 for a dog, when typically all you pay in an adoption is the fee which is typically around $50. Depending on what type of dog you buy from a breeder, it can be very costly! Now you may want a specific breed which may be harder to adopt and that’s okay! But adopting can be a great way to find a great pet and also save money while doing so!
There are so many animals that are waiting for homes and the sad truth is that there are too many animals then there are shelters and foster homes. This means that the overflow of animals in need causes animals to be euthanized, which is so sad! This can be avoided by adopting animals out of these situations and into loving homes. By adopting, you are quite literally saving an animal's life!
Rescue animals are known for being extremely loyal because the bond that they share with you is irreplaceable. Once they start to learn from you and trust you, there is no going back. The animal will love and appreciate you far more than you will ever know. Another reason buying may not be the best option is because many of these dogs have health problems. Puppy mills are sadly still around and many of these dogs do not get the proper health that they deserve. This causes sick puppies that get bought. How sad! By adopting you are choosing to save a life and make a friend.
Overall, adopting is a great option, but may not be for everyone- and that’s okay! As long as you are caring for your pet and giving them all of the love they deserve, what else could one ask for!
Here are some resources if you are interested in adopting: