Save a Life: Adopt a Shelter Dog
October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! There are sooooo many advantages to adopting from a shelter instead of buying from a pet store or a breeder. Check out our list we’ve compiled of the best reasons you should check out your local shelter when you’re ready to add a 4-legged friend to your family!
Overpopulation of Shelters
Approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year with approximately 3.3 million of them being dogs. Shelters can quickly become overpopulated and the level of care they receive starts to decline. Dogs placed in kill shelters must be adopted within a certain time frame before sadly being put down. By adopting from a shelter, you are not only helping the dog you choose, you are also helping the shelter by having one less dog to care for.
Adopting from a Shelter Saves Money
It has been said you can get two shelter animals for less than the price of one from a pet store or breeder. Adoption fees are very reasonable and range between $50-$200 depending on if the dog comes from a city shelter or a rescue group. The cost of buying a dog from a pet store is upwards of $1,000 and that amount is only for the dog itself. Unlike shelters, pet stores do not spay and neuter animals which is an additional cost ranging anywhere from $55-$300. If you’re looking to buy from a breeder, you better get ready to spend some big bucks. The average cost can be anywhere from $500 all the way to over $3,000 if you’re looking for a specific breed or a purebred. Bottom line, save a dog’s life and yourself some money, and adopt from a shelter.
Adopting Helps Put an End to Puppy Mills
The last, and quite possibly the most important reason to adopt from a shelter, is to help put a stop to puppy mills. A puppy mill is a breeding facility that breeds puppies for profit without regard for the welfare of the dogs. They are run like factories, with profit being their only goal. Puppy mills typically have horrible living conditions including malnutrition, starvation, and little to no veterinary care. The adult dogs are bred continuously, until they are no longer able to produce and are then destroyed. The more people adopt from shelters, the less the demand for puppy mills, which in turn, shuts the mill down.
All dogs deserve a loving home. Adopting a dog from a shelter will not only change its world, but yours, as well. Are you ready to change a life? Adopt from your local shelter today!
