Why Adopt

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WHY ADOPTION IS SO IMPORTANT

We hear it all the time: adopt don’t shop. Besides being catchy, the phrase is popular for some very real reasons. Did you know that every year approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter shelters nationwide (3.3 million dogs and 3.2 million cats)? Sadly, each year, approximately 1.5 million animals are euthanized (670,00 dogs and 860,000 cats). Shelter statistics via ASPCA.

THE PAWSITIVES OF ADOPTION 

·  You are saving a life, LITERALLY!

·  Shelter animals come spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped 

·  Adoption fees are much less expensive than buying from a breeder or pet store (Plus, they’ve already been to the vet!) 

·  Most dogs sold in pet stores and online come from inhumane puppy mills, where dogs are overbred and kept in deplorable conditions

·  Shelter pets have been evaluated by a behaviorist, which means you have a very good idea of the kind of pet you will be bringing into your home

·  In most cases, basic obedience training has started

·  Many rescue organizations offer continuing behavioral and training support, when needed

FAR-FETCHED ADOPTION MYTHS, DEBUNKED

· You CAN adopt puppies

· You CAN adopt purebreds

· You CAN adopt a dog whose previous life history isn’t a mystery

· You CAN adopt a friendly dog that gets along well with humans and other animals

·  You CAN adopt non-shedding dogs

· There is no such thing as a “hypoallergenic” dog, but dogs with hair may cause fewer allergy symptoms