Daisy is a shelter rescue. In our first year of marriage, we went to the Boulder Humane Society and adopted her. She’s been touching our hearts ever since. Now that we know the pleasures of adopting our dog, we have become advocates of adopting not shopping a pet. We support our shelters as much as we can, including donating money, walk-a-thon fundraisers and providing them with dog food (shout out to Petcurean for sponsoring our pet food donation and blog post).

We are believers it is better to ADOPT a pet and here is why!

7 Great Reasons to Adopt a Pet

1) You will be saving a life.

By adopting a pet, you are saving animals from puppy mills, animal fights, cruel situations, research labs and factory farms. You are taking them in, providing a safe, secure and loving environment to a dog or cat who really needs it. Sadly, each year, 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because there are too many in shelters. You can make that number less by adopting a pet!

2) Often rescue or re-homed dogs are already behavioral and potty trained.

If you choose to adopt an animal that has previously been in someone’s home, you might find you are lucky enough to not re-train! Sometimes animals don’t work in homes for many reasons, don’t be weary of a re-homed pet. For example, the animal is not a good fit with other pets, or landlords don’t except animals, maybe a job relocation or even allergies – all of these are reasons someone might get rid of their pet for re-homing. These pets are some of the best – already loving and trained!

3) Often vaccinations, microchipping, and spaying or neutering are included in the adoption fee.

When the pet has already had procedures like vaccinations, spaying and neutering done, it is easier on the owner. You don’t have to worry about making appointments for them or the pet’s recovery time. Animal shelters should guarantee the procedures, in case something goes wrong.

4) It will cost you significantly less.

Some shelters and rescue groups offer free adoptions, but most have a small adoption fee to cover their expenses. While buying a pet from a breeder can easily cost $500-$1000, an adoption fee might be $50-$200 (which includes the vaccinations, microchipping and spaying/neutering).

5) Choose the best fit animal.

At a shelter you can meet and greet with pets. You can find an animal that fits your personality and will work well in your household. You might even be able to have the new animal meet with your current animals to see if it is a good fit. You can request a certain breed when available, check out puppies or adopt a mature pet! When you meet them first, you can see how they respond to you and happily make a lasting match!

6) Mixed breeds have benefits.

Mixed breed pets typically live longer than pure breeds. Because of the hybrid-DNA they have less chances of developing health problems and serious diseases. Overall, mixed breeds cost less than a pure breed because of the (sometimes significant) vet bills. Plus, owning a mix breed myself, it is fun for people to guess what she might be! We may never know!

7) Pets are good for your health.

Studies show that animals are emotionally, physically and psychologically beneficial to your health. They offer unconditional love and provide purpose and responsibility. Not only that, but adopting a pet is something to be proud of! You adopted an animal that needed you! You saved a life and made room for another animal in the shelter! You are a rock star and deserve to brag about it!

BONUS: Consider adopting a senior pet!

• There are no surprises with senior pets. Their personality traits are established already and they are normally very accepting of whatever life throws at them. The headaches of housetraining are well behind them, and their more mellow demeanor is a comfort to live with. 
• Senior pets are also usually less destructive. The urge to chew and scratch is much less likely to cause problems. Dogs are often content with a sedate walk in the neighborhood or a gentle game of fetch as a form of exercise, as opposed to the more energetic needs of a younger dog who needs more activity. Many senior cats will also still enjoy chasing that little red dot of the laser pointer, but perhaps for not quite as long as their kitten counterparts.
• Check out the many benefits, as well as things to consider before adopting a senior pet here.

Connect rescue shelters with pet fosters:

Eastwood Ranch Foundation, a non-profit animal rescue organization founded by actress/director Alison Eastwood, has launched FosterFurkids.com a website that connects rescue groups and animal shelters with a nationwide network of pet fosters and transporters. To support the launch of FosterFurkids.com, the first 100 people that sign up to be a foster pet parent will receive a Petcurean care package!