You’ve probably heard the phrase “adopt don’t shop” when it comes to finding a new canine companion. And you may have seen sad photos of dogs peering through kennel bars, longing for a family to take them home. Adopting dogs can completely change their life—and yours too.
Read on to learn more about why adopting dogs in need should be at the top of your list.
Why Adopting or Fostering Dogs is the Best Decision You’ll Make
Let’s talk through some of the key reasons to adopt, not shop…
Giving a Shelter Dog a Second Chance
Imagine this – a sweet doggie sitting in a shelter day after day hoping for someone to give them a chance at a new life. They watch potential families pass them by as they choose to buy other dogs instead. It’s heartbreaking!
When you adopt, you become their hero and get to take them out of that stressful environment. Watching them relax into your home, often for the very first time, is so touching.
You’ll give them everything they’ve been missing. A comfy bed, regular meals, toys to play with, and most importantly, loads of love and affection. It’s beautiful to watch them flourish in ways the shelter staff and volunteers could have only dreamed of.
How Adopting Dogs Can Combat Puppy Mills and Backyard Breeders
Here’s an unfortunate truth. Many pet stores and irresponsible online sellers support puppy mills and backyard breeders in order to profit off adorable puppies.
These breeders and mills often keep mother dogs in poor conditions. They live with little socialization, vet care, or affection shown to the puppies before being sold. The parents are also bred over and over in order to maximize profits.
As a result, it is a vicious cycle. A cycle that you can help break by adopting dogs instead. Why line the pockets of operations like this when so many great dogs are waiting for you at the shelter?
Choosing adoption reduces demand for these unethical breeders, redirecting interest towards the animals who need it most right now.
Saving Yourself Some Money in the Process
You’ll also be doing your wallet a favor when you opt to adopt rather than shop!
The adoption fees at most shelters and rescues cover initial vet care. Expenses range from shots, spays/neuters, microchipping, and more. All said and done, this can amount to $500-600 in services.
When you buy from a breeder or pet store, you take on covering all those medical costs yourself. So adopting really cuts down on expenses in the long run.
Plus, shelters and rescues often run adoption promotions and specials. For a fraction of a purchased puppy’s price, you could take home an amazing new furry friend!
Finding Your Perfect Match
Breeders would have you believe you need to go through them to get the exact look, size, age etc. you desire. But let me tell you – shelters and rescues have such a wide variety of dogs waiting to meet you!
Spend some time meeting adoptables in your area, having your desired traits in mind. More likely than not, you’ll come across multiple dogs who check all or most of your boxes.
And unlike a breeder who brings out one puppy at a time for you to consider, you can interact with multiple candidates in a shelter’s play yard until you find the right match.
It’s like the ultimate speed dating…for dogs! You’re bound to find the perfect pooch for your home when checking out all these loving adoptables.
A Feel-Good Experience from Start to Finish
Finding your new BFF at the shelter instead of a store or breeder’s website will fill your heart in ways you never expected.
The excitement builds as you tell the staff and volunteers about your lifestyle and preferences. Then you get to meet potential adoptees and watch their sweet faces light up with joy as you give them attention.
When you decide to move forward with adoption, the staff celebrate with you! It’s clear this is more than just a transaction – they genuinely care about finding forever homes for these pups.
They’ll send you off with all kinds of advice and support, promising to be there if any questions come up. So you won’t just get a dog, but an entire community cheering you both on.
And nothing compares to the excitement your new fur baby shows when you welcome them home for the very first time! It’s pure happiness from the moment you say “who’s ready for a car ride?” to watching them snuggle into their new bed.
You’ll go to sleep that first night feeling incredible about what you’ve done. This sweet pup is where they belong thanks to you. It’s the best feeling ever!
Building a Connection with Rescued Dogs
The bond between adopters and their rescued dogs tends to be extraordinarily close. That’s likely because adopted dogs seem to understand they’ve been given a second chance at life – and they appreciate it! Moreover, as an adopter, you’ll get to experience deeply fulfilling moments as you provide your dog with the love, patience and stability they’ve been longing for.
Here’s how to build an exceptional connection with your newly adopted dog:
● Allow a Period of Transition. At first, go slow and be patient. Give your shelter dog time to acclimate to their new surroundings before introducing anything overly stimulating. Be patient and understanding as they transition.
● Stick to a Routine. Establishing a predictable daily routine helps adopted dogs feel secure as they continue settling in. Feed, walk and interact with your dog at consistent times.
● Learn Your Dog’s Unique Needs. Pay attention to cues your dog gives regarding their preferences, fears, energy levels, etc. Also cater activities, training and affection to their unique needs so they really thrive.
● Shower with Positive Reinforcement. Make desired behaviors more likely to reoccur by enthusiastically praising and rewarding your dog whenever they demonstrate good manners and listening skills.
As your newly adopted dog gains confidence and trust in you, that unbreakable rescued dog bond will continue to deepen. You’ll be so glad you chose adoption!
Opening Your Heart and Home to a Senior Dog
In shelters, older dogs often get looked over in favor of younger pups and it’s absolutely heartbreaking. They have so much love left to give the right person. If you have the time, patience and compassion to meet their needs, adopting a senior dog can be extremely fulfilling.
Although their time with you may be shorter than a younger dog, the bond you share is incredibly special. You get to provide them comfort, security, and affection during their golden years.
So if you want to skip the high energy chaos of puppyhood, consider being a hero to a senior dog. You’ll treasure the special connection you share and give them the retirement home they’ve always deserved.
Benefits of Adopting Senior Dogs
There are so many good reasons to open your home to a gray-faced rescue dog!
Consider the following unique advantages:
They Tend to Have Calmer Temperaments
Typically lower energy makes senior dogs easier companions for people who can no longer keep up with a rambunctious puppy. Their mellow dispositions fit well into most lifestyle routines.
Housetraining Is Often a Non-Issue
Most adult dogs have already mastered housetraining and can hold their bladder and bowels for longer periods. Fewer accidents around the house!
They Require Less Physical Activity
Regular short walks and occasional play is sufficient exercise for many older dogs. Less time and energy spent on physical activity means more quality time with your mature companion.
What You See Is What You Get
An older dog’s personality and temperament is already well-established. Predictable traits and behaviors better equip adopting owners to match dogs with appropriate homes.
They Are Generally More Attentive
Senior dogs soaked up everything life taught them! Without some of that youthful distraction, they focus beautifully on their beloved human. You’ll feel truly cherished.
They Tend to Have Good Manners
Past life experience means most senior adoptees have mastered good manners. Less chewing, jumping up, and other annoying puppy behaviors.
They Give You That Grateful Look
That sweet, soulful expression in an older dog’s eyes lets you know they are well aware you’ve given them comfort and security in their silver years.
Fostering as a Temporary Solution
Fostering a dog from a shelter or rescue organization means providing a temporary home for a dog in need until they find their forever family. It’s a flexible way to do your part to reduce animal overpopulation without necessarily committing to full adoption.
Here are some of the biggest benefits of fostering homeless dogs:
Saving Lives Without Permanent Commitment
As a foster parent, you help save dogs from euthanasia without assuming the long-term responsibilities of ownership. Shorter-term housing is less daunting for some.
Setting Dogs Up for Success
Fostering lets dogs decompress from the stress of shelter life in a home environment. As they relax and show their true personalities, you can provide info to help match them with ideal adopters.
Easing the Burden on Shelters
Opening your home lightens the intense strain on shelter resources and staff. Fewer kennels needed and less financial pressure improves care for all animals in the shelter’s care.
Enjoying the Company
Fostering gives you the incredibly rewarding experience of providing nurturing care to homeless pooches without years of obligation. You get to enjoy all of the playtime, cuddling and companionship while it lasts.
Flexibility in Schedule and Commitment
Many shelters and rescues allow you to choose age, breed, energy level etc. based on what best suits your home and lifestyle. You decide how long to foster each dog.
Understanding Common Concerns About Shelter Dogs
Some worries might still be crossing your mind about adopting from a shelter. Let’s tackle a few common ones so you feel totally at ease with this decision:
“Aren’t shelter dogs aggressive or have behavior issues?”
Here’s the thing – shelters and rescues invest tons of time temperament testing each dog before they’re available for adoption. If any concerning behaviors do pop up, trainers immediately begin a customized plan tailored to the dog’s needs.
You’ll be matched with a pup having the temperament and activity level best suited for your lifestyle. The staff’s top priority is setting both you and the dog up for success in your new life together.
“Aren’t shelter dogs unhealthy?”
All adoptable dogs receive a full vet exam, shots, and any medical care needed before adoption. Most shelters and rescues even include free wellness exam vouchers for once you take your new pup home.
You’ll get a full report on any past or current health issues so you can provide appropriate care going forward too. Bottom line – you’ll know exactly what, if any, conditions your new furry friend has.
“Is a shelter dog really the breed they say?”
If breed is important to you, shelters and rescues do DNA tests on any dog whose breed mix is questionable. This way you’ll get an accurate breakdown before taking them home.
Most adoptable pups are visual breeds anyway, like Labs, German Shepherds, Beagles etc. But for any questionable mixes, a DNA test provides answers. Then you can feel fully confident in what genetic traits your new doggo will have!
“But I want the health and temperament guarantees breeders offer!”
Here’s some food for thought – breeders only observe puppies until they’re adopted, usually around 8 weeks old. There’s no way to guarantee long term health or temperament at that age!
Shelters and rescues care for adoptable dogs much longer. This allows their personalities and health to be observed as they mature. You get a much better idea of what to expect down the road with an adult or senior dog.
Many rescues also have foster-based programs, meaning dogs live in real homes before being adopted. You get the best understanding possible of the dog’s needs when they’ve lived in a home environment first.
Between vet exams, temperament testing, and home environments, you’ll have a complete picture of your adoptable dog before taking them home.!
Supporting Local Animal Shelters
Animal shelters operate on extremely limited budgets while undertaking a massive responsibility – caring for community pets in need. Support your local shelters in the following ways to improve resources and save more lives:
Donate Supplies
Essentials like pet food, blankets, leashes, toys etc. get used up quickly in shelters. Donate needed items to reduce overhead costs so funding goes further to help more animals.
Volunteer Your Time
With limited staff, shelters rely heavily on volunteers for critical daily care and maintenance. Donate your time to walk dogs, transport animals, help with adoption events etc.
Participate in Fundraisers
Check your local shelter’s website and social media pages for upcoming fundraising events. Participate in the fun while proceeds provide vital veterinary care, supplies and facility improvements.
Spread Awareness on Social Media
Share adoptable pet photos and shelter event info with your network to help dogs and cats find new homes faster. Use your platform to educate others about animal welfare issues.
Provide Professional Skills or Resources
Share special skills/resources with shelters. Photographers can take adoption photos. Lawyers can provide legal assistance. Teachers can educate kids on humane topics during shelter field trips. Every contribution counts.
Fostering through Shelter Programs
Become a foster parent to temporarily house pets from overcrowded shelters. Not ready for ownership but want to help save lives? Fostering is for you!
Transport Animals to Safety
Some shelters bring in dogs and cats from crisis situations in other regions. Volunteer to drive a leg of the journey to get at-risk animals into caring adoption programs.
Adopt Dogs – and Encourage Others!
Lead by example – give a deserving dog or cat a home! Encourage family and friends to adopt too. Word of mouth helps shelter animals find loving families.
Conclusion
There are so many excellent reasons to consider adopting dogs. You’ll be saving lives, gaining a loving dog with unique character, and supporting communities of animals in need. An adopted dog may be the perfect fit for which you’ve been searching! Check available dogs at your local shelter today. Lives depend on kind souls like you.
