Benefits of shelter pet adoption
Shelters, rescues and other organizations dedicated to animal welfare and adoption are staffed primarily by volunteers. They go to great lengths to rescue, rehabilitate and re-home millions of animals in the U.S. every year. There are many excellent reasons to consider a shelter if you plan to add a pet to your family:
- Animals receive medical and behavioral evaluation, and rehabilitation as needed, before being put up for adoption
- Many shelters vaccinate and spay or neuter pets relinquished to them before adopting them out; be sure to ask about the medical care an animal has received and what might be needed when you bring it home
- If you choose to adopt from a not-for-profit shelter, all or part of your adoption fee may be tax deductible
- Shelters are licensed by the state and, in some cases, by local municipalities
- If adopting an adult pet, the shelter has already determined the animal’s temperament through observation, examination and, in some cases, behavioral testing
- Shelter personnel are concerned about pet recycling - when an adopted animal is returned to them - so they typically take great care to match you with an appropriate pet for your lifestyle, needs and capabilities
Most of all, you’re giving a loyal pet a second chance at life.