Adopting a dog or cat from a shelter has countless benefits, for you and for the animals. Bringing a pet into your home will change your life—and theirs—for the better. If you’re looking for a few good reasons to adopt a pet, here are 25!
25 Reasons to Adopt a Pet
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Save a life.
When you adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue organization, you’re literally saving their life. Maricopa County shelters have a very high intake-to-adoption rate, but in other places, many homeless pets are euthanized.
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Support a good cause.
Your adoption fees go toward feeding and sheltering other animals and helping them find good homes.
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Prevent pet overpopulation.
Most pets at shelters have already been neutered by the time they’re ready for adoption. This saves you the expense of an operation, and prevents the birth of puppies or kittens that might not be wanted.
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Adopt at any age.
Breeders typically only sell puppies and kittens, but when you adopt from a shelter you can choose from pets of all ages. If you’re not ready to house-train a puppy, adopting an older dog is a great idea.
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Promote kindness to animals.
Giving a cat or dog a fur-ever home is one of the kindest things you can do, and adopting from a shelter or rescue is a great way to support the welfare of other animals.
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Find companionship.
When you adopt a pet, they become your best friend for life. They’ll sleep on your bed and follow you to the bathroom. As long as they’re around, you’ll never be lonely.
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Get emotional support and affection.
Though it might seem like they’re only in it for the treats, your pets love you unconditionally. They show their love in lots of ways—like a wagging tail or a head bump—and they always miss you when you’re gone.
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Enjoy more snuggles.
Speaking of affection, there’s hardly anyone who couldn’t use more cuddles. Just imagine a warm little cat purring on your lap, or a dog curled up next to you while you watch tv.
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Make new friends.
People love talking about their pets, and now you get to join the club! Make new friends at the dog park or bond over cute cat photos with your coworkers.
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Get to know your neighbors.
Whether you’re taking a walk around the block with your dog or chilling with your cat on the front porch, pets are a great way to meet your neighbors. And if your neighbors like pets, too, they might even be willing to pet-sit once in a while.
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Get more exercise.
If one of your new year’s resolutions is to start jogging or going for walks every day, getting a dog will keep you on track.
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Try new hobbies.
Whether you take up hiking and try out some of our local dog-friendly trails, or get your thumbs greener growing a catnip garden, pets can inspire lots of new activities.
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Laugh more often.
Pets always bring more laughter into our lives. The antics they get up to and the funny faces they make when they get into silly predicaments are priceless.
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Reduce stress.
Whether it’s the laughter, the cuddles, or the cuteness, we’re not sure. But studies show that people with pets have lower cortisol levels and even handle stressful situations better when their pets are near.
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Experience less anxiety.
Being around your pet stimulates the release of oxytocin, an endorphin that makes you feel calmer and more relaxed. Having a pet also gives you a better place to focus your attention—playing with them will help relieve some of your worries and fears.
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Wake up earlier.
You can’t oversleep when you have a pet—it’s impossible. They know your schedule, and when breakfast is late, they’ll let you know.
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Build a stable routine.
When you have a pet, your days are going to be measured by meal times and walks. Pets need stability, and they’ll hold you to a regular schedule.
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Have better mental health.
When you add up the facts that pets make you happier, less stressed, and less anxious—as well as bringing more stability to your life—it’s easy to see how their steady companionship can lift your spirits.
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Improve your heart health.
Pets are good for your heart in more ways than one. Besides all the love they give you, having a pet could also help lower your blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
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Strengthen your relationships.
Couples that have pets tend to spend more time together. Plus, you always have at least one thing to talk about—your beloved pet!
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Feel more secure.
If you live alone, having a pet can make you feel safer at home. Dogs will bark a warning to any strangers, and cats are always on the alert for intruders.
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Prompt personal growth.
People have often reported a sense of self improvement after adopting a pet. Whether they became more compassionate, more patient, or more disciplined, they say that adopting a pet made them a better person.
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Teach—or learn—responsibility.
When you have a pet depending on you, their welfare is in your hands. Caring for a pet is a great way to teach kids the importance of taking responsibility for daily chores like scooping the litter box or washing food and water bowls.
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Find a sense of purpose.
For many people, their pet is the reason they get up in the morning. And it’s not just because their pet wants breakfast. Having someone to care for can help you find meaning in life every single day.
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Give happiness.
As happy as our pets make us, we know that the time we spend together makes them even happier. The littlest things—like a treat, some grooming, or a spontaneous game of fetch—will make your pet happier than you might realize.
Local Vet in Gilbert, Arizona
If you decide to adopt a pet this year, congratulations! We are certain that you won’t regret it, and if you need any help along the way, we’re here for you. Anasazi Animal Clinic is fully equipped to provide the veterinary services you’ll need to keep your cat, kitten, dog, or puppy in good health. We’ll give your pet a thorough checkup and set some time aside to answer all of your questions about pet care.
Contact us to schedule an appointment today—we always look forward to meeting new pets!
Photo by Yogendra Singh on Unsplash used with permission under the Creative Commons License for commercial use 12/30/24.