Adopt a Pet, Save a Life

If you’re considering getting a new pet, we’d like to encourage you to look into pet adoption as your leading source for great animals. Not only are you likely to get a better deal at a shelter than from a commercial seller, but you’re likely to be saving an innocent life as well.

There are approximately four million dogs and cats euthanized annually in the United States … that’s almost eleven thousand a day, seven days a week. Now we freely admit that we’re trying to play on your sympathies just a bit by quoting that statistic, but the advantages to you in obtaining a shelter pet go way beyond charity.

Some people inaccurately believe that pets in shelters are, for any number of reasons, undesirable. Nothing could be farther from the truth. In reality, most shelter pets are victims of family tragedies, unfortunate circumstances or irresponsible owners. The current economic downturn has dramatically increased the number of people who, through no fault of their own, have found themselves with no alternative but to turn over a beloved pet to a shelter.

And if your heart is set on a pure bred animal and think that only mixed breeds are available at shelters, you should know that the Humane Society states that between twenty-five and thirty percent of shelter pets are of a pure breed. In addition to shelters, if you want a pure bred pet, consider looking into a Purebred Rescue Group that specializes in the sort of pet you want. You can find information about these groups from your local shelter or by calling the Humane Society or Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

Points to Consider Before Getting a Pet

If you want to get a pet, whether by purchase from a commercial source or adoption from a shelter, it needs to be considered as a commitment for the life of that pet. We’ve collected the best advice we could find from the Humane Society and other sources. Here are some things to consider before taking the big step.

• Why Do You Want a Pet? It may seem obvious but all kinds of things make us think we want something but a pet requires commitment and the decision to get one shouldn’t be made casually.

• Can You Afford a Pet? There’s a lot more expense involved in owning an animal than the initial cost. Obviously there’s food and lots of incidental items like toys, bedding and grooming products. But how about vet bills? Very few people opt for medical insurance for their pets and medical bills can add up quickly both for routine care and unexpected emergencies.

• Will You Be a Responsible Pet Owner? Your intentions are good but think it through. Pets need you every day for feeding, watering, cleaning, exercising and most of all companionship. Take your family and work obligations into account. Think about those once in a while circumstances like vacations. Are you prepared to accommodate a pet?

• Responsible pet shelters make a concerted effort to assess an animal's health, background, temperament and other characteristics to ensure that they’re placed with the right new owner. Many shelters offer services such as adoption counseling and follow on services like pet parenting classes and pet training.
• The selection of pets at a typical shelter changes daily. Unlike breeders that will always have pretty much the same product, shelters can be an adventure in finding just the right pet. If you’re unsuccessful the first time, try again. Odds are your pet perfect pet match will show up before long.
• The fees charged by a shelter are generally far lower than you’d pay to buy a like pet from a pet store or breeder. Shelters also typically insist on pet health by insuring that necessary vaccinations, parasite control and spaying or neutering are accomplished as a condition of adoption.
• Consider adopting an adult animal. We all know that human babies are more likely to be adopted than are older children. Likewise, baby animals are more likely to find homes than older ones. After all, who doesn’t find a puppy or kitten adorable. But also like human babies, these baby animals require almost constant care and a lot of energy from their care givers. That’s not to say that an adult animal doesn’t need care and commitment. Still there are many advantages to adopting an animal who’s already gained a degree of discipline…and perhaps potty training.

Whether you opt to adopt a shelter pet or purchase from a pet store, breeder, or an individual, your love and commitment will be repaid many times when you find the right pet for you. For help in locating a shelter pets in your area, contact Pets 911. You can locate them on the web at www.pets911.com or by calling 1-888-PETS-911. By simply providing your ZIP code, you’ll be able to explore the nearly limitless number of pets at over 9,500 pet shelters. And for help in raising your pet, take a look at our Online Pet Supplies review site.

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