The Importance of Adopting a Pet

Lessons

• Adopting a pet can teach children how to live responsibily. Caring for a pet will help increase their self-worth. Having an animal companion can provide them with friendship and a listening ear, even if that ear is furry.

Benefits

• Adopting a pet is often much less expensive then merely buying one. Most these pets have already been neutered or spayed or the shelter will offer a lower cost for the prodecure. Generally these animals have already had their vaccinations.

Considerations

• When looking to adopt a pet there are things to consider: the size of your home, the ages of its occupants, and how much time you have to devote to the pet. Large dogs do not fit well in small apartments. Young animals demand more time then older animals. And large animals, or small loud animals, might prove more intimidating to small children.

Types

• There are many types of pets that can be adopted. Dogs and cats are the animals most readily available for adoption. But more exotic pets like guinea pigs and ferrets are also available. If one has a small house or apartment, or if one would prefer for their pet to be contained, a pet that stays in a cage or aquarium might be a better fit.

Where to Find a pet

• Local animal shelters and rescue services are a good place to begin your search. You can also find kittens and puppies every spring being given away in parking lots and in the paper.

The Importance of Adoption

• By adopting a pet you invite a new family member into your home and heart. You gain friendship and company. You help solve the pet population problems. You contribute to your community. You offer your children a chance to learn about love and responsibility. And, you offer a pet in need a new chance at life and a new family to love.