Today, April 30th, is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day— although any time of year is a good time to adopt! Whether you’re thinking you’d like to adopt a shelter pet in Gilbert, or if you’re unsure whether adopting is the right option for you, our staff at Anasazi Animal Clinic would like to give you some reasons to consider adopting a shelter pet.
You’ll Save Two Lives
Every year, 1.5 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States, simply because so many pets come into shelters and many people do not consider adoption when looking for a pet. The number of euthanized animals could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets instead of buying them. When you adopt, you save an animal’s life by bringing them home, but you also open up shelter space for another animal who needs it. And, not only are you giving another animal a second chance, but the cost of your adoption goes directly toward helping the shelter better care for the animals they take in.
Adopting Helps Stop Puppy Mills
If you buy a dog from a pet store, online seller, or flea market, the chances are high that he/she came from a puppy mill. Puppy mills are factory-style breeding facilities that value profit over the wellbeing of dogs. Dogs from puppy mills are kept in appalling conditions, and when they’re no longer profitable, breeding dogs are discarded— either killed, abandoned, or sold at auction. The more people that adopt, the less profits these puppy mills make.
Adopting is Cheaper than Buying a Pet
Usually when you adopt a pet, the cost of spaying/neutering, preliminary vaccinations, and microchipping is included in the adoption price. This can save you some of the initial costs that often come with a new pet. If you adopt an older animal, you may also save on housebreaking and training expenses. Conversely, buying from a breeder can cost thousands of dollars.
Shelters Offer Perks
Most shelters provide benefits such as health screenings, vaccinations, and spaying/neutering. Many even provide psychological evaluations and personality assessments. The shelter should be able to tell you which pets are good with other pets, or with young children. They can also help you determine which animal’s personality would best fit with your lifestyle. And most shelters want to make sure it is a good fit for both you and the animal, so if you bring a pet home that ends up not being a good match, chances are they will work with you to find a better fit.
While there are many good reasons to adopt a shelter pet in Gilbert, of course, there are also reasons why buying a pet may be a better option for you and your family. In that case, be sure to find a reputable breeder, as buying from pet stores promotes the perpetuation of puppy mills. Whatever you decide is right for you, we are standing by to take care of any new addition to your family! Be sure to bring your new fur baby in to Anasazi Animal Clinic as soon as you welcome them home. We are passionate about providing quality, compassionate care to all of your animals, to ensure they stay as happy and healthy as possible!
Image by Peter Morth from Pixabay