Have you been thinking about adding a fur baby to your home? Where are you looking for your new family member? Online? A breeder? A shelter?

If you choose to adopt from a shelter, it’s a win-win-win-win-win-win-win.

Win #1 – You can save an animal from being euthanized

According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), each year in the United States, approximately 1.5 million animals are put to sleep.

Win #2 – Rescuing an animal helps fight against the cruel practices of puppy and kitten mills

• Show me the money – commercial breeding facilities are all about the money and not the adorable dogs
• According to PAWS (Progressive Animal Welfare Society), roughly 90% of puppies in pet stores come from a puppy mill

Win #3 – Save some money

• The standard adoption fees for pets range from $34-$667
• Compared to the price of some purebred animals, it’s a steal.
• What does the fee usually include?
  • A general physical exam by a veterinarian
  • Age-appropriate vaccinations
  • Spayed/neutered ( Who can forget your favorite host of the Price Is Right! “Help control the pet population and get your pets spayed or neutered.” – Bob Barker)

Win #4 – Selection! Selection! Selection!

Are you interested in a puppy or a kitten? A young dog or an old-timer? Small? Medium? Big? Mellow? Active? Mix-breed? Mutt? Purebred?

Meeting an animal at a shelter provides the opportunity to see if you’re a good fit for them, and they’re a good fit for you.

In the case of puppies versus older dogs, consider the following:

• Do you have time to housetrain a puppy? Most adults come already trained.
• What is your activity level? Puppies definitely have a lot of energy.
• Puppies take a lot of time and commitment to train – some adult dogs already know a few commands.
• Adult dogs are usually past the age of destroying furniture, chewing/nipping/biting, jumping up on people, accidents, barking.

You may be wondering how animals find themselves in a shelter.

• Lack of time – some people feel they can’t give the animal the amount of attention it needs and deserves
• Money – there are expenses to having a fur baby – some are unexpected – a loss of a job or home can cause financial constraints that make it difficult to provide for a pet
• Change of address – moving to a new home means a new environment that may or may not be suitable for a pet
• Divorce

By adopting a pre-loved animal, you give them a second chance in life.

Win #5 – Stay Active and Social

• With a pet at your side, you will never again have a sedentary life.
• It will come as no surprise that dogs need walks, which means you’re getting one
  • It is almost impossible to walk a dog without someone taking notice – which means social interaction for you
• What about cats? Some enjoy playing fetch or chasing a feather. And carrying around a cat, depending on the size and duration, can build muscle.
• Your social media will blow up with pics of your new family member

Win #6 – Good for Mental Health

• Psychology Today suggests that “animals can provide a sense of calm, comfort, or safety and divert attention away from a stressful situation and toward one that provides pleasure.”
• Pets are great for emotional support, which is why so many doctors are suggesting them as a way of providing a calming presence.

Win #7 – It’s All About the Love

• Pets provide unconditional love
• When you look into your new best friend and family member’s eyes, your life will be forever changed for the better.

Visit a shelter and bring a new fur baby into your home. These seven reasons should be enough to convince you it’s a great idea!