If you’re thinking of adding a new pet to your family, have you considered visiting your local shelter or pet adoption agency? There are many reasons why you should consider these places before you “purchase” a pet. Below are a few reasons among many. Before you head to the pet store in your mall, take a minute to think about adoption.

The most obvious reason someone would want to adopt a pet is the fact that a pet’s life is essentially saved through adoption. Shelters and pet agencies do their best to keep animals alive and place them in good homes, but sometimes animals are euthanized; there are too many homeless pets and not enough loving homes. By adopting a pet, you can ensure that the pet you choose is safe, while opening up a spot at the pet agency for another pet in need.

A second reason to adopt rather than “buy” is cost. Most pets in shelters have received all of their shots and have been spayed or neutered. Although there is a cost associated with adoption, it is minimal compared to what it would cost you to obtain those veterinary services on your own. Plus, the amount you pay helps keep the shelter running so that other pets and families can benefit from the shelter’s programs.

Some people have misconceptions about pets in shelters; it is common for someone to think that the pet was sent there for bad behavior. In reality, many pets that end up in shelters were abandoned as a result of divorce, relocation, or the owner’s inability to care for the pet. So don’t think that shelters are full of misbehaving animals. Visit a shelter and spend some time with the animals. You may find a pet that fits your personality perfectly.

Believe it or not, there is often a better selection of animals at a shelter than at a pet store. Pet stores are more limited in the number and variety of pets they carry, while shelters accept pets of all ages and breeds. There are often tons of puppies to choose from, especially those that have been rescued. But, not everyone is looking for a puppy; and it’s easy to find a domesticated adult dog in a shelter. Many shelters offer websites with photos and information about all of their animals available for adoption. Visiting the website can save you a lot of time, especially if you have a specific pet in mind.
If you are thinking of bringing a pet into your home, check with your local shelter or pet rescue organization before going to a pet store. There are a number of benefits to adoption, including lower cost and a wider selection. Perhaps the biggest benefit of adoption is the fact that you’re essentially saving an animal’s life, while freeing up agency space for another pet in need.