Reasons to Adopt a Rescue Dog

There are close to 70 million stray cats in the United States, according to ASPCA statistics. The number of stray dogs is unknown. What is known is that approximately 50 percent of dogs that end up in animal shelters are euthanized. Many of these animals were once pets that became lost or were no longer wanted by their human families. They lose their chance at life simply because there is no one to take care of them. Next time you're in the market for a dog, consider adopting from an animal shelter. You will save a life, and will benefit in more ways than one.

  1. Save a Life

    • When you adopt a rescue dog, you get the satisfaction of knowing that you saved that dog's life. Overcrowded shelters can't support the numbers of stray and unwanted dogs that are brought to them. They are forced to euthanize dogs that have not been adopted to make space for others. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 3 to 4 million animals are euthanized every year. You help reduce these numbers by choosing to adopt from a shelter, rather than purchasing from a breeder or pet store.

    Save Money

    • Purchasing a pure-bred puppy from a breeder can be expensive, and the check you write covers the cost of the puppy only. Animal shelters charge much less for their dogs. In addition, the cost of adoption pays not only for your dog but for its vaccinations, health checkups and spay or neuter operation as well. Some animal shelters even microchip the animals they put up for adoption, a bonus that helps you find your dog if it ever gets lost.

    A Healthier Dog

    • Rescued dogs are given thorough physical examinations before they are put up for adoption. You are not likely to find a dog with preexisting health problems at an animal shelter (though obviously nothing can guarantee any dog's health in the future). Dogs that are ill or have health problems are treated before being offered for adoption. In addition, your dog will have had any necessary vaccinations and operations before being turned over to you. Dogs at animals shelters are also less likely to have come from puppy mills, which means that they won't suffer from the health problems that come with poor conditions and inbreeding.

    Companionship

    • Dogs are called "man's best friend" for a reason. Shelter animals are no different. Adopting a dog from an animal shelter gives you a companion to walk, jog, play and snuggle. Shelter dogs are extremely loyal to their human families who rescued them from an unpleasant situation. When you adopt a shelter dog, you get the sense of purpose, the companionship and even the physical benefits (dogs can reduce stress and encourage you to be more physically active) that come with owning a dog.

    More Options

    • If you want to purchase a breeder puppy or a puppy from a pet store, you will be limited to the breeds that are available in your area at that time. In addition, the money you spend on a pet store puppy may simply go to support a puppy mill. At animal shelters various dog breeds are available to fit the demands of your family and your lifestyle. Many of the dogs at shelters are mixed breed, but you can find pure bred dogs there as well. If you don't have the time to take care of a puppy, adopting from a shelter also gives you the option of adopting an adult dog that won't be as difficult to train or as time consuming.