what are the benefits of adopting a pet

5 benefits of adopting a pet

1. You are saving a life. Adopting an animal from a shelter or another rescue organization saves their life. You are...
2. Adopting one helps another. With every animal that is adopted, their space in the shelter becomes available for...
3. Rescuing an animal is more affordable. Adoption fees are usually cheaper than the cost of a new pet.

Full Answer

What is the difference between adopting and buying a pet?

Process of Adopting a Dog from a Shelter

• You surf your local shelter’s website or personally visit the shelter to look for dogs and find a dog that interests you.
• You get the details about that dog from the adoption coordinator or the person at the shelter desk.
• They’ll find a volunteer or staff member who will take you to meet the dog. ...
• They will put the dog back in the kennel.

What to know before you adopt a pet?

but it's important to be aware of their care needs before adopting. From enrichment to companionship, there's a lot to consider about bunnies. The Animal Humane Society's Sarah Bhimani joined the FOX 9 Morning News with what you need to know about adopting ...

Why do people buy pets instead of adopting them?

There are tremendous benefits of getting a puppy who has never known anything but safety, having been born into the hands of a breeder who has dedicated decades to improving the quality of a particular breed and bringing healthy puppies into the world.

Why is adopting a pet so expensive?

Why is adopting a dog so expensive? Even though you may be handing over a few large bills to take home your new pet, you’re likely saving money. Shelters and rescue groups typically cover initial veterinary costs, which may be high for an animal in poor health. They also pay for the animals’ food, transportation and other expenses.

What are the pros and cons of adopting a pet?

Should You Adopt a Dog?ConsProsLonelinessAffordablePossessivenessMany OptionsUnknown BreedsSensibleApr 13, 2022

Why adopting a pet can save a life?

When you adopt a pet from a shelter, you'll give that animal a second chance at life – and save them from potential euthanization. You'll save money and receive a healthy animal. Animals that have been placed in shelters are usually spayed or neutered, as well as vaccinated.

Why adoption is better than buying pets?

You'll Save Lives The number of euthanized animals could be reduced greatly if more people adopted pets instead of buying them. By adopting from an animal shelter or rescue group, you'll help save the lives of two animals—the pet you adopt and a homeless animal that can be rescued because of space you make available.

Can pets save your life?

Dogs have made headlines over the years for saving their owners from imminent death. In July 2014, a 2-year-old pit bull saved a deaf boy from a house fire. The pooch licked the sleeping kid's face, and the two made it out alive.

What are good reasons to get a dog?

Read on for 10 science-backed benefits of having a dog.Dogs make us feel less alone. ... Dogs are good for your heart. ... Dogs help you stop stressing out. ... Dogs help us cope with crisis. ... Dogs encourage you to move. ... Dogs make you more attractive—even virtually. ... Dogs make us more social.More items...•

What do you call a person who adopts an animal?

adopter - a person who adopts a child of other parents as his or her own child. adoptive parent.

What is the difference between adopting and buying a pet?

The most common difference between buying and adopting a dog is that dogs for sale are pure breeds, while rescued dogs are more often of mixed breeding. Dogs and other animals available for adoption through a shelter, rescue or via an individual may be pure breeds too, from time to time.

Why shelters are better than breeders?

You won't have to go through that expensive puppy year, unless you adopt a puppy. Also, shelters usually spay or neuter all of the dogs leaving their facility, saving you those extra expenses. It's much less expensive to adopt than purchase from a breeder. Most shelters charge $150 adoption fee.

How do dogs make the world a better place?

Because of a dog's skilled senses, they're often able to detect changes in a person's odor, breathing, or even behavior before their human counterpart even realizes what's happening and give the trained signal to let their pet parent know what's coming (a bark, a nudge, etc.) or even fetch medicine or a phone.

Why You Should adopt not shop?

It costs less: Adopting a pet is much less expensive than buying one from a breeder or a pet store. What's more, the money you pay is helping a non-profit organization, which means more animal's lives can be saved.

What is in animal euthanasia?

The euthanasia medication most vets use is pentobarbital, a seizure medication. In large doses, it quickly renders the pet unconscious. It shuts down their heart and brain functions usually within one or two minutes. It is usually given by an IV injection in one of their legs.

What happens when you adopt a pet?

When you adopt a pet, a funny thing happens. You don't become a pet owner. You become a pet parent. (All you pet parents out there know exactly what we're talking about.) It's not as high-stakes as being an actual parent, of course, but the onus remains the same.

Why is it important to be around your pet?

According to a 2002 study from SUNY Buffalo, being around your pet significantly reduces stress levels while doing a stressful task, like trying to meet a deadline at work. In fact, being around your pet reduces stress more than being around a family member does. For more ways to slash stress, be sure to avoid the 20 Mistakes That Are Only Compounding Your Stress.

How to lower cholesterol in cats?

Here's your three-step plan for reducing cholesterol: Cut back on red meat. Eat more omega-3s. And pet your cat. Yes, according to the CDC , consistently being around a household pet will significantly lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels.

Why do dogs help with blood pressure?

Dogs help keep blood pressure down. According to the American Heart Association, pet parents have a significantly lower risk of developing heart disease, especially if their fur child is a dog. Dog owners are apparently 54 percent more likely than non-owners to get the daily recommended amount of physical activity.

How long can you live with a dog after a heart attack?

According to research in the American Journal of Cardiology, pet-owning victims of cardiac arrest are likely to survive at least an additional year after the heart attack. In fact, dog ownership may be the most helpful medicine for a post-heart attack life.

Can you adopt a pet after being discharged from a rehab?

In fact, the doctors at PTC encourage most of their patients to adopt a pet once they're discharged.

Does being around your pet help you?

According to a 2002 study from SUNY Buffalo, being around your pet significantly reduces stress levels while doing a stressful task, like trying to meet a deadline at work. In fact, being around your pet reduces stress more than being around a family member does.

Why do people adopt animals?

Adopting an animal from a shelter or another rescue organization saves their life. You are giving them a second chance at a better life than the one they had before. There are many reasons an animal may end up at a shelter. Usually it is from abandonment, neglect, or after being found as a stray. These animals are brought into shelters filled with fear and uncertainty. Their world has been turned upside down with confusion. Adoption will fill their hearts with the love and hope that they deserve.

What do you see when you look at a shelter animal?

When you look into the eyes of a shelter animal, they have these glassy pleading eyes. They are longing for the love and care you can provide. All they want is to be loved. You can see a life of potential in their eyes. These animals express so much gratitude for you and their life with you. Giving that rescue animal a second chance at life will mean the world to them. They will continue to teach you each day and make you see the world differently. Enjoy the little things in life and appreciate everyone that cares for you.

Is it cheaper to adopt a pet?

Adoption fees are usually cheaper than the cost of a new pet. But more importantly you should be aware of what your money is supporting. Adoption fees cover necessary resources and support rescues and shelters in their work helping and caring for as many animals as possible. Often included with your adoption fees are up to date vaccinations, spay/neutering, and micro-chipping. Some organizations also offer a trial period with the animals to make sure you are both suited for each other.

Is having a pet good for you?

Animals bring a lot of joy, adventure, and love into your life. There are many benefits of owning a pet but could you improve the animal’s life experience by a simple choice you make? Below are 5 benefits of adopting a pet.

Why do vets recommend adopting a puppy?

Because puppies require a lot of attention that seniors and those with mobility issues may not be able to handle, veterinarians recommend adopting a mature, calmer pet. Mature animals require less maintenance and are eager to share their lives with their owners who will appreciate becoming the center of their furry, forever world. ...

Why is it important to care for a pet?

Caring for any pet also requires daily feeding, cleaning litter boxes for cats and rabbits, and the pleasure of holding and petting which can help improve arm movements. • Companionship with a Purpose: In addition to having a constant companion which reduces the sense of loneliness, a pet adds a reason for caring.

What is a good pet companion for a cat?

Be sure the selected cat has all of its shots. • Birds: Small feathered parrots and parakeets are great pet companions. They live in cages but can be trained to sit on a person’s shoulder or the back of chairs. They are self-sufficient with their daily grooming and when talked to they provide calming chirping sounds.

Is it safe to adopt a rabbit?

• Rabbits: Rabbits are safer to adopt from an animal shelter. They are soft and cuddly and can even be trained to use a litter box.

Do seniors need help with fish?

Seniors may need help from a caregiver or another person living in the house when it is time to clean the tank or add more water. Always ask about maintenance care before getting fish. Health Benefits Associated with Pet Adoption.

Why do shelter animals surrender?

As mentioned, many are surrendered simply because their former owners didn't feel that they could care for them anymore, due to factors such as financial constraints, moves, and health problems— not because there was anything inherently wrong with the animal.

Is pet overpopulation a problem?

Pet over-population is a real problem in America. There are actually more homeless animals than there are homeless people! These stray and feral cats and dogs can spread diseases, harm other pets, and even harm humans in your community.

Can you adopt a cat or a dog?

Of course, welcoming a new cat, dog, bird, fish or even a reptile into your family is a big decision that should be thoroughly discussed and carefully considered. Sadly, many of these adorable animals that end up in shelters have been relinquished by adoptive parents who decided that they could no longer handle the responsibility of being pet owners.

Why is it important to adopt an animal?

There are many well-known positive effects of having a pet, but adopting an animal exacerbates these effects because of one thing: compassion. By choosing to adopt an animal you are saying no to the inhumane treatment of animals, and you offer help to some of our society’s most mistreated friends.

Why do people adopt dogs from shelters?

Shelter animals, especially dogs, often come from abusive homes where they were mistreated. By adopting an animal from a shelter you give these animals another chance at being loved and cared for.

How does homelessness affect wildlife?

Homeless animals, especially cats, can affect local wildlife stability. Free-roaming stray cats kill billions of small animals every year — the population loss has a ripple effect on other animals. Choosing to adopt prevents this number from being any higher.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog?

While you can expect an initial fee upwards of $1000 for a breeder dog, adopted dogs rarely cost more than $250 and come with perks.

Do animal shelters give free vet visits?

This saves a lot of money in vet bills, and some shelters offer another free vet visit after adoption.

Do rescue animals need attention?

Rescue animals just beg for attention. As many shelter animals were not given the affection they need, they will be eager to learn from a new owner. Online resources like Pet Educate can be valuable when adopting for the first time.

What does it mean to adopt a rescue pet?

By adopting, you’re helping make space for another animal in need and helping to give them the opportunity to become beloved pets. 2. Unconditional Love!

When is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month?

October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and as we honor this month, we encourage everyone to open their minds and hearts to shelter dogs in need. Even if you are unable to officially adopt, there may be something you can do at your local shelter or rescue to help animals in need.

What to say to a rescue dog?

One thing that’s for certain, is that life with a rescue dog brings big changes—in the best way! Say goodbye to predictable nights and your boring routine and say hello to a new lease on life. Your new pet will keep life exciting, fresh and full of love.

Can a rescue dog judge you?

Life is full of stresses, but your rescue dog is always there to listen. They won’t ever judge you or let you down. Taking some time to destress with your furry friends can help you unwind and keep you at peace.

4. Owning a shelter dog has a lot of physical, emotional, and mental benefits

On top of doing your part to save a dog’s life, having a pet is beneficial to your life as well. For one, they help keep you fit and active. Dogs love outdoor walks and playful activities.

5. Owning a shelter dog is fulfilling

Lastly, having a dog at home will keep you fulfilled and purposeful. Your daily responsibility as a pet owner will force you to stay productive.

In Conclusion

Owning a shelter dog offers countless benefits for both you and your new pet. You will live with a new purpose knowing that you saved a dog from unfortunate circumstances. In turn, they will give you a lifetime of joy and companionship.