Why You Should Adopt a Pet
5 Common Myths About Adopting From a Shelter: Insights from K9reproduction
The next time you’re in the market for a new pet and wondering where to buy a cat, dog, or other animal, try setting your sights on your lo
cal animal shelter. Despite any negative stereotypes animal shelters may have, they actually provide a ton of healthy, happy pet options for your family to take home and love.
Here are 5 things you may have heard in the past about shelter pets, and what the actual truth is.
Myth #1: Shelter pets aren’t healthy.
Truth: In fact, shelter pets can be quite healthy. According to recent data analysis, pets adopted from shelters or rescue organizations are actually 5% less likely to suffer an unexpected trip to the veterinarian compared to pets purchased through pet stores. In addition, many shelter pets are spayed and neutered, and some even come with location microchips.
Although there is much variety in animal shelters throughout the country, most good shelters almost always provide excellent vet care for their animals. In well-run shelters, animals receive vaccinations upon intake and are fed a high-quality diet from a single manufacturer to avoid dietary stress caused by constantly changing food varieties.
Myth #2: I won’t be able to find a pure breed at a shelter.
Truth: Approximately 25% of all dogs in shelters are purebreds. This means you can find a purebred pet in need of a loving home if that’s what you’re looking for.
Myth #3: Shelter pets are unruly.
Truth: Many shelter pets receive training and socialization before adoption to help make the transition to their new family easier. These efforts ensure that pets are well-behaved and ready to join a loving home.
Myth #4: I won’t be able to properly get to know my pet from the shelter before I take them home.
Truth: Many shelters offer online pet profiles so that you can get to know the animals that are available before you even step foot in the shelter. Additionally, it’s always a good idea to schedule a “get-acquainted” session with your prospective shelter pet. Having a list of questions to ask the shelter staff and the staff veterinarian can also help you make an informed decision.
Myth #5: All the pets in a shelter will be older.
Truth: Shelters and rescues have pets of all ages, including puppies and older pets. Older pets are usually trained and less initial work for the new pet owner, making excellent companions.
Something else to consider: The cute and appealing puppy in the window of that pet store came from somewhere. Unfortunately, more than likely, its birth mother spent the majority of her life in a very small cage having litter after litter. Adopting from a shelter or a well-known breeder can help to eliminate commercial puppy enterprises.
Final Thoughts
Deciding where to get your brand-new family member from is a big decision, but with the right information, it can be made a bit easier.
When you adopt a pet from the shelter, it is important to immediately establish a relationship with a veterinarian to care for that new addition to your family. Your pet needs to be examined at least yearly by a vet even if it appears healthy, as many diseases are hidden and not apparent. Remember, it is much cheaper to prevent disease than it is to treat it!
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