Guest Blog Post by Garrett Yamasaki, Blog Writer & Founder of We Love Doodles
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA ®) recently released a study that states approximately 3.3 million dogs enter a shelter or rescue each year. While it might be tempting to buy the cute looking purebred dog, chances are you can find a similar dog or better at your local shelter. There are several benefits for adopting instead of shopping!
If you’re looking to adopt a dog, there are two many sources available to you: your local shelter, like HSNT's four Adoption Centers in North Texas or breed specific rescues (i.e. Poodle Rescues). Going to your local shelter will offer you many options to finding a wide variety of breeds and sizes of dogs!
Rescuing a Dog
Many people are surprised to learn just how many dogs become homeless every year. There are several reasons that people need to put their dog up for adoption and it’s typically not because they are a bad dog. People commonly surrender their pets due to: financial hardship, health issues, moving to a new location, lifestyle changes, or they can’t identify the owner because they found the pet as a stray. Many people assume that dogs end up at a shelter or rescue because of behavioral issues. This is simply not the case. Most dogs are great canine citizens and just need that chance to be with a family in a furever home. If you decide to welcome a shelter dog in your life, there are some major benefits!
The Benefits of Adopting a Dog
1. You’re giving a dog a second chance
People surrender their pets for a variety of reasons. If you adopt a dog, you are giving them a chance at a new loving home. When you take a dog home from a shelter, you are saving lives by allowing the shelter to utilize resources to save more pets.
2. Cost effective
Adopting a dog has a lower price point than purchasing from a breeder. Oftentimes, you’ll see breeders charging $5,000+ for a purebred dog when you can find a similar one at a shelter. Typically, adoption fees from a shelter will be less than $500 and your dog will be up to date on the latest vaccinations and health records, with a microchip, and even spayed/neutered. Shelters are registered as 501c3 non-profit organizations that rely on volunteers and donations and they are able to offer a lower price point than a breeder or pet shop. They aren’t looking to profit off their puppies, but instead are trying to place their dogs in a forever home.
3. Shelter dogs are often more mature
Many breeders and pet stores will focus solely on selling newborn puppies at 8 weeks old. However, not everyone is ready for the energy and time needed to train a newborn puppy. Shelters are a great alternative because they have adult dogs that are calmer in personality and temperament and often are already potty trained! If you're someone who doesn’t want to deal with potty training, nipping, or the constant training that comes with a young puppy, then consulting with a shelter could be a great option for you to find your perfect companion!
4. Availability
Chances are that if you go to a purebred breeder you will need to wait on a waitlist for 6+ months for a newborn puppy. One benefit of going to your local shelter or rescue is that they typically have dogs that are available to go home today. You’ll also be able to interact with and meet various dog breeds to get a good understanding of which dog will be right for you. This is a huge benefit to finding a dog that fits your lifestyle and personality!
5. Unconditional love
Well, just about all dogs offer unconditional love, but we have gotta say, shelter dogs give love so freely.
Adopt, Don't Shop
If possible, please try to adopt a dog before purchasing from a breeder. We know that having the cutest purebred puppy may be tempting, but the reality is that many dogs need to find a home today. You are very likely to find several purebred dogs at your local shelter if you pay a visit. There are so many benefits to adopting your new best friend!
Guest Blog Post by Garrett Yamasaki
Garrett is an avid animal lover and takes care of two family pets: an adopted cat and a goldendoodle dog. In his free time, he volunteers for the Humane Society of Silicon Valley where he fosters pet’s prior to them getting adopted and helps train them to prepare them for a forever home.
Garrett enjoy’s writing about pets which is the main reason that he started We Love Doodles.
Pets and People, Saving Each Other™
HSNT’s mission is to act as an advocate on behalf of all animals and to ensure their legal, moral and ethical consideration and protection; to provide for the well-being of animals who are abandoned, injured, neglected, mistreated or otherwise in need; to promote an appreciation of animals; and to instill respect for all living things.