There are a lot of options when you're looking to bring a new canine member into your family. You could buy from a breeder, you could breed your own dog, or you could go to the pet store.
The very last on the list is to buy from a pet store, as these dogs come from puppy mills almost every single time. The other two are a personal choice. But, there is one other option that I think soars above all the rest for so many reasons: adoption, of course.
There are countless puppies and dogs just waiting for homes all over the world. Some of them are out on the street, fighting for life. Others are with adoption agencies, waiting for their forever mom or dad to come find them, and others still are sitting in cement cages of kill shelters while their hours run out. When you adopt a dog, you're doing a huge deal of good. Why?
There are facts about adoption that you might not know about. But once you find out, you may just consider giving it a shot yourself. Did we miss anything from our list? Let us know in the comments and please SHARE with your friends so they can get the facts too.
Header image source: Instagram / kangch22ze
1. You’ll save a life
When you adopt, you open up a spot for another dog who could be on death row. So, actually, you just saved two lives.
2. You’ll fight puppy mills
Puppy mills are terrible. Period. When you adopt, you're helping to battle this sad and abusive industry.
3. You’ll get the right animal for you
When you adopt, you'll be able to spot the right personality for you, as well as the right size and temperament. If you need a big energetic dog, great. If you need a calmer, smaller family dog, also great!
4. You’ll likely get a house-trained animal
Shelter dogs are often looking for their second, third, or sixth home. They could have had bad luck before, or simply not been a match, but this pup will probably have been house-trained before. Your carpets will thank you.
5. You’ll feel better
Pets are proven to make people happier, as they provide companionship and someone to care for. With an adopted dog, you'll feel even closer because you'll know you saved that pooch instead of purchasing him or her.
6. You’ll pay less up-front
While all pets are a long-term expense, purebreds can run you thousands of dollars up-front. Like, actual thousands. Why pay that when you can, again, save a life for as little as $50?
7. You’ll get a nicer animal
Shelter dogs have sadly often gone through abusive homes, or have been in shelters for a long time. They will be timid, and will need to gain your trust, but they'll be more accustomed to other dogs and people, too. These are the pups that will be so grateful for your love, and act accordingly.
8. You’ll get a healthier dog
Mixed-breed dogs are statistically much healthier than purebreds. Purebred dogs have been engineered to have specific traits, and those traits often cause serious health issues. A mix of genes means a healthier, happier dog.
9. You’ll get future help
With a breeder or a pet store puppy, you won't get any future advice or support from the establishment. Shelters and adoption programs will help you raise your dog right, so he or she never ends up in a shelter again.
10. You’ll get a choice of age
Puppies are adorable, yes, but they aren't for every family. They're tons of work! When you adopt, you'll get to choose between the whole range of ages, from puppy to senior.
11. You’ll get so much love
As stated before, dogs up for adoption have been through a whole lot. They will give you back all the love in the world if only you give them a home.
All in all, there are so many advantages to choosing adoption. Everyone wins when you rescue an animal from a shelter or adoption agency. Do you think you'll consider adoption after learning these facts? Let us know your adoption success stories in the comments, and please SHARE with your family and friends!
