The 5 Benefits of Adopting a Dog

If you’re considering bringing a dog into your home, look no further than an animal shelter for your perfect companion. Contrary to the popular belief that all shelter dogs are forced from their homes due to behavioral or health issues, most dogs are brought to a shelter because of changes in their owners’ lives, like divorce or relocation, not because of any fault of their own. Shelter dogs make great companions, and since there’s such a large variety, it’s very easy to find a personality that you connect with. There are so many great reasons to adopt a dog, the lifelong devotion is just a side benefit.

You Can Save a Life

According to The Humane Society of the United States, around 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized each year because there are more people giving their pets to shelters than people adopting. By adopting a shelter dog, you are guaranteeing that at least one fewer dogs will be euthanized this year due to lack of space. Not only is this great news for the dog you adopt, but it’s also very personally rewarding to know that your dog is alive and happy because of your decision.

Your Dog Could Already Be Trained

Because so many shelter dogs have previously lived in homes, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to find a dog that’s already house trained and knows how to be on their best behavior. This is great news for owners who don’t have a lot of experience training dogs or much time to devote to house training.

Shelter Dogs Will Save You Money

Although adopting a shelter dog isn’t free, you get more for what you pay for than if you buy a dog from a pet store or an online seller. In most cases, dogs who come from shelters have been given their shots, were previously spayed or neutered, and have had microchips inserted in case the dog happens to get lost. You’ll probably pay around $300 to adopt a dog from a shelter, including the cost of both the dog and all of these treatments. Compare that to spending up to a thousand dollars (or more) to purchase a dog, as well as paying for all of the treatments on top of that, and it’s clear which is the most economical choice.

You Won’t Support Puppy Mills

Puppy Mills are commercial dog-breeding operations that focus on profit over the well-being of the dogs they breed. Some pet stores and online retailers sell dogs that were bred in puppy mills, despite the terrible conditions both the breeding dogs and their puppies are kept in. The puppies that are bred into puppy mills are housed in cramped, unsanitary conditions that lead to disease and behavioral issues. Some puppies that come from mills are afraid of humans or other dogs, and can even develop extreme aggression, which you wouldn’t know without meeting the dog first.

Shelter Dogs are Clean and Healthy

Thanks to the treatments your dog receives while in the shelter, a dog that you adopt will be clean and healthy. Dogs that come from puppy mills could have some terrible health problems, like heart disease, blood disorders, or epilepsy. These problems are difficult or impossible to know about before buying the dog online or from a pet store because no one does screening for you before you buy it. People who work at shelters really care about the animals they are housing and will be sure to tell you of any health problems before you adopt to make sure you’ll be able to give the appropriate care.

We know that you’ll always have your dog’s best interests at heart once they’re in your home, but what about before? Do the humane and responsible thing by adopting a dog instead of buying one. Don’t forget the crucial step of having Jolly Pets toys waiting, for maximum new-home happiness!