Quality of life: Gimme Shelter
The big benefits of adopting a puppy or kitten from a local shelter
By Lauren Lewis
When people are asked about a pet they’ve adopted from an animal shelter or rescue group, they will inevitably use the same word to describe their new furry friend—grateful. “A dog or cat really knows you’ve given them a new lease on life and a very strong bond develops,” says Michael Mountain, president of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, and creator of the national “No More Homeless Pets” campaign.
While the number of no-kill animal shelters grows, the Humane Society of the United States reports that about half of the animals in shelters are still euthanized because of a lack of homes. If the thought of millions of homeless animals out there waiting for a second chance isn’t enough to convince you that pet stores and breeders aren’t for you, this list should do the trick. Here are some great reasons why you should adopt from a shelter or breed rescue group.
Get a first-class pet
A common misconception is that there is something wrong with shelter pets. The truth, however, is that animals relinquished to shelters or rescue groups wind up there because their previous guardians have allergies, are moving to a new home, are getting married, are having children, etc.
Save a life–or two
“Every animal that you adopt from a shelter or rescue makes a space for another animal,” says Kiska Icard, adoption director of the San Francisco Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Ultimately, you are not only giving the pet you’ve adopted a new life, but you may also help save the life of another animal.
Count on getting a unique pal
Variety is the spice of life, and you’ll find it in abundance at shelters. No matter what kind of animal you are seeking, they have animals of all shapes, sizes, and breeds. They’ve got adults and seniors as well as kittens and puppies. In addition, one in every four shelter animals is a purebred.
Feel confident about your new friend
Most rescue organizations either place the animals in foster homes or have volunteers who interact with their adoptable pets. By doing this, the groups know the personalities of the animals, whether or not they are house-trained, if they are good with children, what kind of toys they like, any health issues they may have, and so forth. In most cases, you can be certain that the animal has been spayed/neutered, dewormed, and vaccinated.
Find the perfect match
Volunteers at shelters and rescue groups want to make sure you find the right pet for your situation. Likewise, they want to make sure it’s the best placement for the animal. For example, “If you are an 80-year-old lady, they aren’t giving you a Border Collie puppy,” Mountain says. Shelters and rescue groups want to ensure that the animal ends up in a forever home, and doesn’t end up back in another shelter. But, Mountain adds, most shelters will agree to take the animal back if it doesn’t work out.
Take home a healthier animal
According to the HSUS, when you adopt a mixed breed, you benefit from the combined traits of two or more breeds. You also get a dog that’s likely to be free of genetic diseases common to certain purebred dogs.
Save money
Reputable rescue organizations aren’t out to make a buck (which is opposite of most pet stores and breeders), so adoption fees typically just cover the costs of caring for an animal until he goes to a new home. Most of the time that includes health screenings and probably a spay/neuter surgery.
Receive ongoing care and resources
“A shelter is really committed to keeping the animal in a home,” says Icard, explaining that many times a rescue organization, such as the SF/SPCA, will offer ongoing medical care, training, and behavior resources. “They’re someone you can go to for guidance
and advice.”
Prepare to be happily surprised
“In our experience, there are endless stories of people who go and absolutely want a Poodle and they come away with a funny old German Shepherd,” Mountain says. “The joy of going to a shelter is that there are dogs, cats, animals of all sizes and breeds. One will catch your eye. So go with your eyes—and your heart—open.”
Adopting from a purebred rescue: what to know
Adopting from a purebred rescue group has many of the same benefits as shelters and other rescue groups. But if you are set on adopting a certain breed, say a Beagle or a Golden Retriever, these organizations are for you because they know the breed.
“They should be able to help you understand the breed you are interested in and assess if you are looking for the right [animal] for your situation,” says Caryn Pola, president of English Springer Rescue America.
To ensure you are adopting from a reputable organization, not one that supports puppy mills or is looking to turn a profit, make sure to ask if the rescue is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization. “Most importantly,” Pola says, “You should ask if the rescue [group] will take the [animal] back. A good rescue does demand that you give the [animal] back to them if the situation ever changes and you can’t keep the [animal].”
Remember, never adopt from a rescue that doesn’t provide for a spay/neuter, and expect to always be presented with an immunization record of the animal and instructions for the care of your new pet.
