1.Adopt a Pet,Save a life.

Between 3-6 million animals are euthanised in shelters across the country each year.  When you adopt an animal from a shelter or rescue group you save a life.

The number of euthanized animals could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets instead of buying them. When you adopt, you save your animal and open up shelter space for another animal who might need it.

2.Say NO to Pet stores, breeders, and puppy mills

Puppy mills are commercial kennels where animals are bred in order to sell them for money.  All too often these puppy mills abuse the animals, kill the mothers after they are no longer of breeding age, and deprive the puppies of the chance to learn normal behaviour. The puppies are taken away from their mothers at an early age and shipped to dealers. Don’t support puppy mills or the vendors they work with.

3.Choose from a great variety of animals.

Your local shelter is full of incredible dogs and cats (not to mention rabbits and other pets) available for adoption. Not interested in a “mutt” or “alley cat”? … No problem! Shelter pets come in all shapes and sizes, including many purebred animals. Always wanted a black and white long-haired male cat? You can find exactly what you’re looking for at the shelter.

4.Save money while you save a life.

Purebred pets from breeders or pet stores can cost anywhere from Rs500 to Rs 12,000. There’s no need to spend that kind of money when you can get a shelter pet for a nominal adoption fee, sometimes as little as Rs 250…even for a purebred dog or cat!

5.Give an adult pet a new loving home.

Don’t feel like going through the puppy and kitten stage with a new pet? There are lots of adult dogs and cats just waiting for a new home at every shelter. Some of the sweetest animals at shelters are the adults. Often you will find a loving, mellow dog or cat whose elderly owner died or went into a nursing home who is patiently waiting for a lap and a cuddle!

6.Support your local community.

Your local animal welfare organisation is an important part of the community. Besides taking in and adopting out homeless pets, they also perform valuable services such as low cost spay/neuter and humane education. Your adoption fee enables these non-profits to help more pets.

7.Put an end to pet overpopulation.

There are millions of homeless dogs and cats in shelters across the country. Unfortunately, many owners haven’t gotten the message about the importance of spay/neuter, and there are many more kittens and puppies born than homes to take them. You can help break the cycle of pet overpopulation by adopting a homeless pet.

8.Your new shelter pet will be healthy.

Shelters and rescue groups put a lot of effort into making sure that their animals are well taken care of. Very young animals are often sent to foster families for nurturing in-home care. Your new pet will be spayed or neutered and up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. Many are also microchipped. Make sure to get a copy of your new pet’s health record from the shelter.

9.Your new shelter pet will be socialised.

Animals rescued from the streets or less than ideal living conditions can have behavioural issues. Shelters take the socialisation process very seriously. Volunteers come to the shelter and work with shy dogs. Shelter dogs get excellent socialisation and training from dedicated and experienced volunteers to ensure successful adoptions.So go ahead and adopt a pet for your home.

10. Help spread the word about pet adoption.

Go ahead, Become a dogSitter Host and participate in the “Sit a Dog, Save a Dog Program”. DogSitter is a community of local DogSitters which work with various local NGOs, animal shelter for betterment of these pets. A portion of your earning will be go to the shelter for taking care of these pets. Wear that  “Never shop, always adopt” t-shirt, put that pet rescue sticker on your car, and tell everyone on Facebook and at the dog park where you got your amazing pet! Spread the good word about adopting a shelter pet.

11. Unconditional love

Adopted Pet knows he has been “saved” and is grateful, loyal, and unconditionally loving. He is eager and content to become a beloved member of your family.

Adopting a rescue dog may require more time, attention, effort, and patience from an adopter than a dog that has not been abused or neglected. However, the joy and gratification to be derived from saving a dog in need are boundless.

12.You will be an example to others.

Currently only about 20% of people adopt their little buddies from shelters and rescue groups.  Many people do not realize that there are so many loving and adoptable animals in shelters and in the care of local rescue groups.  By adopting a pet you can spread the word to those who are unaware of the wonderful animals awaiting homes in shelters and rescue groups.

13.Sense of fulfillment

It is very fulfilling to adopt a pet and  save a life and watch it blossom and flourish with love, care, appreciation, and respect.

I hear all the time that rescued pets make the best animal companions. Did you adopt from a shelter? I’d love to hear your story!

Source: dogsitter.in