10 Good Reasons to Adopt a Dog and Cat in a Shelter

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So you're thinking about bringing a new pet into your home. Why not avoid those over-priced "designer dogs and cats" and look to your local rescue group instead?

Here are 10 good reasons to adopt a dog and cat in a shelter.

1. A Second Chance

Animals that end up in the shelter have usually been through a tough time. Abandonment, abuse and neglect top off the list. But when you give a pet a second chance, you are giving it back the life it was meant to have and deserves.

2. Reduce Pet Population

Backyard breeders can make a lot of money from selling young animals. Many times these "facilities" are sub-par and the puppies and kittens can be sick and even inbred. One of the best ways of putting an end to this type of animal "farming or milling" is to stop buying the pets.

3. Older Pets Are GREAT, too!

Rescue shelters always have older dogs and cats up for adoption. When you give a home to a full grown pet, you already know what you're getting (size, weight, temperament etc.). Oftentimes these animals are already housebroken and will have been spayed or neutered before leaving the shelter.

4. Helps More Than Just One

Thousands of animals are given up or abandoned each year, by adopting from your local rescue; you are freeing up room and allowing for another animal to be given a second chance, too.

5. Shelter Staff Are Knowledgeable

The staff and volunteers that have dedicated their lives and time to helping animals are a wealth of experience and knowledge. Take advantage of their wisdom when you're looking for a new furry friend.

6. Less Costly

Good rescue groups will already have all their adoptable pets spayed or neutered and updated on their vaccinations. Depending on the condition of the animal when it arrived, many cats and dogs are also groomed and flea treated. This saves you money, so you can spend more on spoiling your new fur baby.

7. Many Different Adoptees

Shelters are never in short supply of animals, so you can most often walk in and have a great selection to choose from. Think you can't find a purebred in a shelter? Think again. Shelters often have purebreds that people have given up for one reason or another.

8. Bragging Rights

It's always nice to be able to tell folks you rescued your amazing dog or cat from a shelter. Plus, once they see how awesome your pet is, they will be encouraged to do the same.

9. Great for Seniors

Some seniors would love to have a pet, but may feel they won't outlive it. Shelters will have older pets that just need a place to relax and live out the rest of their lives in safety, comfort and a loving environment.

10. It Just Makes Sense

Adopting over shopping just makes sense. With so many dogs and cats in need of good homes, why not stop into your local rescue group for your next BFF.

If the shelter doesn't have quite what you had in mind, let them know at the front desk so they can document what you are interested in. Rescues want to adopt out their furry charges, so when that perfect pet for you enters through their doors, they will be more than happy to give you a call.