Each year, shelters and rescue centers across the United States welcome millions of homeless dogs and cats. However, with so few shelters available to house these animals and not enough people choosing to adopt, many of them end up being euthanized. The goods news is that over the years, the adoption rate for homeless pets is on the rise. In 2019 specifically, 79% of sheltered cats and dogs in the U.S. were saved and found permanent homes. At Paws + Purpose, we are committed to directly supporting shelters and encouraging all pet lovers to consider adoption so we can save more animals each year. Here are 10 reasons why.

You’ll help free up space for another homeless animal 

When you adopt, you’re not only providing your furry friend a happy and healthy home, but you’re also freeing up space for another homeless animal to live and receive care. Rescue centers and shelters across the U.S. take in millions of stray, abused, and lost animals each year. When you adopt, you’re directly supporting these shelters by providing them the funds to improve their facility and give their animals the care and nourishment they need. Unlike puppy mills and breeder facilities, the money received from every adoption goes directly toward supporting the animals and acquiring the resources necessary to keep their doors open. 

You’re changing their lives for the better

From the moment you walk into a shelter and decide to adopt your pup, you’ve already begun to improve their life forever. While shelters and rescue centers provide the best care possible for their animals, once you decide to welcome them into your home and make them a part of your family, you bring a new kind of joy and happiness into their life. When you choose to adopt, you play an active role in saving an animal and giving them a second chance.

It’s cost-friendly and saves you time 

Adoption fees are much more reasonable and budget-friendly compared to the full price you pay at puppy mills and breeding facilities. If the dog you adopt has already been fixed, vaccinated, and trained, you’ll also save on what can be expensive veterinary costs. Not to mention, adopting your pet from a shelter also allows you to bring your new furry friend home quicker than you would from a breeder. 

You can pick your breed and learn more about them 

A lot of people choose not to adopt a dog because they want a specific breed and don’t think they’ll be able to find what they’re looking for at a shelter – but this isn’t true at all! If your heart is set on a particular breed, there are many breed-specific rescue shelters you can look at.  

Adopting a dog from a shelter is also a great opportunity for you to learn more about different breeds and get expert advice from staff and volunteers who interact with these types of pups every day. 

It allows you to see how they act in different situations

Adopting from a rescue shelter allows you to see how the dog behaves in certain environments and gives you an idea of their energy level, friendliness, and personality. When you go to a shelter, you have the opportunity to learn more about them, ask important questions, observe how they react in different situations and how they get along with other animals. If you have a family, this is also a great way to see how the pup behaves around babies and young children, as well as how they’ll react in a home environment. This will help you truly decide whether this dog suits your lifestyle and your family.

Shelter dogs are usually up-to-date on all of their medical needs 

Depending on the shelter you visit, most rescue dogs are fully vaccinated and microchipped before you adopt them. In many shelters and rescue centers across the U.S., it’s also required for your furry friend to be spayed or neutered before heading home with you. Before adopting a pet, all of this information should be provided to you so that you can be aware of your new pup’s medical records and know exactly how to treat them at home. 

Your dog will likely transition better in your home

In most cases, shelter animals have already been trained and are familiar with home environments. Adopting a mature pup often means that bringing them into your home will be easier and less of a chore when making sure that they know their house boundaries. Some shelters actually have foster programs, where dogs live with volunteers for a period of time so they can become familiar with indoor and outdoor home settings. This helps to make their future permanent home transition much easier. 

You will feel happier and your home will be filled with love 

Get ready for extra cuddles and unconditional love! We all know that warm and happy feeling our furry friends give us, but having a pet is also psychologically, emotionally, and physically beneficial for us owners. Caring for a pet has proven to reduce feelings of loneliness, provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, and make your home a happier place. More importantly, when you adopt, you’ll feel extra proud about helping an animal in need and giving any dog or cat a second chance. 

Adopting a pet is without a doubt one of the most rewarding and loving things you can do. When you choose to adopt, you are supporting animal shelters and giving them the resources to care for more homeless pets, you’re reducing the number of euthanized pets each year and you're giving a homeless animal a second chance to live a happy life. At Paws + Purpose, we are committed to donating a portion of the sales of our pet products and dog accessories to local animal shelters and rescue centers. To learn more, visit our Why We Give page.