Save a Life, Make a Friend for Life

Adopting a dog, either from an animal shelter or a rescue organization, is one way to be part of the solution to the problem of unwanted or abandoned dogs. The most obvious benefit of taking on a rescue dog is knowing that you are providing a much-needed service--and that you may have saved a life. Here are some other perks to adopting:

1. Adopted pets form a strong bond with their owners.
Many dogs that arrive in the shelter have never experienced a stable home environment or the affection and kindness of an attentive family before. Once these dogs become more comfortable in their new surroundings and come to trust their owners, they show their appreciation by forming a tight relationship with them. It’s also extremely rewarding for the owners to watch the dog come out of its shell and blossom into an amazing animal.

2. Older dogs present fewer challenges.
The majority of shelter dogs tend to be older. While puppies are adorable, they require housetraining, plus they tend to chew, potentially destroying furniture, shoes, and whatever else may be within reach. An adult dog will already be through the teething phase, will generally be calmer in temperament, and may already be housebroken or have the benefit of some obedience training.

3. Basic healthcare is often included in the adoption fee.
Shelter employees can’t attest to the prior healthcare of animals in shelter. However, most animal shelters and rescues will include a basic veterinary exam with the adoption fee, which usually includes vaccinations (rabies, DHLPP, and bordatella) and de-worming. Most importantly, shelters spay or neuter your dog upon adoption to assist in the pet overpopulation problem.