October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
There are about 90 million dogs in U.S. households to date, with a multi-billion dollar industry to support them. Still, nearly a quarter of all shelter dogs are euthanized each year. These numbers have been declining however, due to the increasing popularity of adopting shelter animals.
Some may turn their noses up at rescuing, citing reasons such as lack of choice in dogs and myths about “shelter mutts” and their issues. The fact is, studies have shown that mixed breed dogs actually tend to be healthier than pure breeds due to the lack of in/over-breeding. And if you are set on a purebred, there are rescue organizations out there for almost every breed of dog you can imagine.
The fact is that these dogs need help, and like any domesticated animal, all they want is a home and caretaker to keep them safe and healthy.
Here are 9 reasons why we think adopting a shelter dog is the way to go!
You’ll find a better match
Some dog owners may recognize the right pet for them as soon as they’ve laid eyes on her, but it’s important to make sure that humans and dogs are properly matched. The right pairing is more likely when adopting because shelters consider issues such as temperament, home environment, background and experience. Unlike pet stores, profit is not a factor at shelters , and the best interests of the animals and owners are put first. Reputable breeders also take many of the aforementioned issues into consideration before selling one of their puppies, but going that route will be expensive... which brings us to our next reason!
Adopting is less expensive than buying
Adopting a dog usually involves a fee, but this fee is typically MUCH lower than the cost of buying a dog from a pet store or a breeder. Shelters may also cover other costs that would be extra elsewhere, such as spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping and even training expenses.
Photo By hedgehog94
You can adopt a dog of any age which is great for first time dog parents
Yes, puppies are adorable but they are HARD - ask any puppy parent out there! Not everyone is cut out (or has the time) for that kind of work. There are a lot benefits to adopting an older dog, and when looking to rescue, potential adoptees have the choice of more than just puppies, which isn’t the case when going through a pet store or breeder. Sadly, dogs past the age of 5 are the most difficult to adopt out and, ironically these older pups can be the best for first time dog parents! Yes, senior dogs may come with some baggage and their histories may not always be known, but they are almost always calmer and come with some training already instilled...
You can end up with a dog that has already been trained
One of the biggest advantages of welcoming an older dog into your home is that he’s more likely to understand basic commands and may have already been house trained! Puppies can take around four to six months to be fully house trained, with some requiring up to a year of training (gulp!!). However, many rescue dogs don’t need as much training, may already be housebroken and can often respond to basic commands such as “sit”, “stay” or “drop it”. Some shelters even put resources into training the dog before adoption. Now this doesn’t mean that a rescue dog won’t need additional training, but the process can be MUCH easier than with a puppy!
Photo By Mark Nazh
You can benefit from the resources of the shelter
Dogs unfortunately don’t come with instruction manuals. But the next best thing is the shelter from which you adopted your dog. The employees and volunteers at the shelter can be a great ongoing source of information and resources for your pet. The shelter can also offer or recommend services such as veterinary care, training and even grooming and pet care (like pet sitters and dog walkers! Ahem... such as The Perfect Pooch NYC)
Spaying or neutering is often done for you
Getting your pet spayed or neutered is costly (especially here in NYC) but it has several important advantages. It can improve the animal’s health and behavior, and will ultimately help control the pet population. Most states require that adopted pets be spayed or neutered, and the shelter will often provide this service for free or at a decreased cost.
YOUR health will also benefit from adopting
Studies have shown that owning any type of pet has a ton of health benefits. These can include decreased blood pressure, cholesterol and triglyceride levels. A pet can also reduce feelings of loneliness, increase opportunities for exercise and time outside, and facilitate socializing. Adopting a shelter dog not only has these physical advantages, but knowing that you have helped to save an animal can also improve your psychological well being.
Photo By VILevi
Most importantly, you help in the fight against puppy mills!
If you purchase a dog from a pet store, back yard breeder or online seller, you may be at risk of supporting a puppy mill. Puppy mills are more concerned with profit than an animal’s well-being, and have been cited for inhumane conditions, neglect and abuse. With the right research, you can find many wonderful breeders that don’t fall into this category, but adopting a shelter dog is a guaranteed and easier way to combat the practice.
You help save the lives of OTHER dogs when adopting your own BFF
Adopting not only saves your dog’s life, it also helps support your local animal shelter. Your adoption could make room for another shelter animal, your fee could help cover costs, and you could spread the word about a good cause. If you can’t adopt a pet now but would like to help a local shelter, there is always volunteering your time or donating supplies or funds. Either way, you will be bettering the lives of shelter dogs!