Posted on September 08, 2010 by: WayCoolDogs

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Why Adoption Is a Win-Win for Owner & Pet

Although there are millions of pets in shelters needing homes each year, many pet-owners-to-be don’t think about “pet adoption” when they’re looking for their new four-legged friend. Often the case is that many people simply are not aware of how many great pets are available at shelters. They might also have the misconception that pets in shelters have something wrong with them.

In fact, most pets end up in shelters not because of any problem with pet behavior, but because an owner died, moved, or simply

didn’t have the time or money to care for the animal.  In some cases animals are lost and never found by their owners.  These animals are healthy and very eager to please.  Rescued pets are wonderful- just ask anyone who has one.

Another stereotype facing shelter pets is that some people are seeking purebred animals and believe these breeds are not available in shelters. Nearly a quarter of all animals in shelters are purebred. Often someone buys an expensive purebred animal and then attempts to breed that animal to recoup their money, the outcome is that these animals are not placed in homes, and end up in the shelter.

Here are five more reasons shelter pets are win-win for owner and pet.

1. When you adopt an adult animal, you can see his/her size and temperament.  This helps ensure that the pet is right for you and your family.

2. It feels great to know you have saved an animal’s life and everyone you meet will give you kudos for that for years to come.

3. Adopted pets are very loyal and know they have been given a new home. They understand the stress of moving from place to place and when they are introduced to routines they will really open up and appreciate your choice to adopt.

4.  Adopting a pet can be an important lesson to teach your children– both about the value of life, and also about civic responsibility and even recycling- in this case recycling a living and loving animal into a new home.

5. Choosing a mixed breed animal can help avoid many of the genetic health problems that have developed in purebred animals due over breeding and inbreeding.

The Top Five Things to Consider Before Adopting

1. You need to make a real commitment to care for your pet for its entire life, never adopt a pet on a whim or because you feel its love-at-first-sight. Ask the shelters to help match you with a pet. Normally shelters have a good idea for the animals temperament, habits likes and dislikes.

2. Plan on providing sufficient exercise and stimulation during the first few weeks, this will help the pet adjust, and release energy every day. Adopting has helped some people lose weight by walking every day.

3. Ask the shelter workers if the pet has all of its shots and if it has been spayed or neutered. Also inquire as to which veterinarian the shelter recommends. Always have a veterinarian number ready.

4. Verify in advance that you’re allowed to keep a pet where you live, or in the case you have a yard make any necessary modifications to your yard and fence for your pet’s safety.

5. Make sure you have planned fiscally for the pet, and considered the cost of pet food, checkup, and the potential for an emergency trip to the vet.

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This guest post is authored by Adopt-a-Pet.com. Visit our website to search over 9,200 shelters, and thousands of adoptable animals all over North America. Or learn more about pet adoption at our “blog”.

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