From dogs and cats to rabbits and reptiles, there is no shortage of pets in need of rescue across the U.S. During the pandemic, many people brought new pets into their homes and didn’t consider their long-term needs when returning to work. This led to many pets being surrendered at shelters and rescues, resulting in a rescue crisis. Rather than buy from a pet shop, consider adopting your next pet. Here’s why.
1. Rescuing Saves Two Lives, Not Just One
When you rescue a pet, you are not only saving their life, but also the one who takes their place. Shelters and rescues can, and often do, reach capacity. When that happens, they are not able to take in any more surrenders and those pets often end up in less desirable situations or are abandoned on the street. By adopting from a shelter or rescue, you open a spot for another homeless pet. Resources, such as the Shelter Pet Project, can help potential adopters search for available pets in their area and connect them with local shelters and rescues.
By rescuing a pet, you are also not contributing to the demand for purchased pets. Pets that are purchased from stores or online perpetuate the breeding cycle for new pets while so many homeless ones sit unadopted.
Puppy stores, often source their puppies from large-scale breeding operations known as puppy mills. These puppy mills are frequently cited for cruel and unsanitary conditions. While there are reputable breeders out there that don’t do these things and follow proper standards, they are harder to come by. More often, the pet market is saturated with puppy stores and “backyard breeders” that breed with little concern for the pet’s health or breed standards.
The adoption fees paid for rescue pets also help the facility operate and provide food and medical care for the animals. Fees paid to pet stores are mostly for profit.
2. Many Pet Species Are Available for Adoption
People tend to think of rescue pets as just dogs and cats but there are rescues for almost every species of common pets. Looking for a guinea pig or a reptile? There’s a rescue for that! Unfortunately, like cats and dogs, there has been a rise in other species of pets being surrendered as well. There are rescues for rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, reptiles, and many more. Those looking for these different types of pets can use resources like Pet Finder to find the specific species they are looking for in their area. Some shelters are also known to have birds, rabbits, hamsters, and other small mammals.
Some states also have herpetological services through their local wildlife agencies. These services take in unwanted reptiles to cut down on illegal releases. Those looking for specific reptiles should reach out to their closest herpetological society.
3. You Could Find Your Perfect Match
The staff and volunteers at rescues and shelters want to make sure that you and your pet are a good match. They are dedicated to helping homeless animals and will do everything they can to ensure each rescue is a success. Many also have a network of contacts for other shelters, rescues, and foster homes in their areas. If they don’t have the perfect pet for you or a specific breed you are looking for, they may refer you to a place that does.
The staff and volunteers will work with you to discuss what characteristics you are looking for in a pet to help match you to the right one that fits your lifestyle. They will help educate you on your chosen pet’s needs and how to help them adjust to their new home. The staff and volunteers spend a lot of time with these animals and evaluate their temperament and personality. The staff at a reputable shelter or rescue will also:
- Know which of their pets are good with kids and which pets will do better in homes without
- Understand which dogs have higher energy levels and need an owner committed to exercising
- Recognize which dogs are more low-key “couch potatoes”
- Evaluate potential adopters to make sure they can provide a suitable environment for pets
4. Rescues Must Adhere to Regulatory Guidelines
Most rescues and shelters have pets evaluated by a veterinarian prior to putting them up for adoption and follow Guidelines for Standards of Care in Animal Shelters. They assess the pet’s health as well as their personality, temperament, and any available history. Pets that have health or behavioral issues that need special handling will always be disclosed to potential adopters. The last thing they want to see is a pet returned due to undisclosed issues or an animal not having their needs met. Occasionally pets can develop health or behavioral issues soon after adoption, but the staff will never knowingly place an ill or distressed animal in a new home.
For those willing to adopt pets with special needs, staff will make sure potential adopters are aware of and able to work with the animal’s limitations, healthcare needs, etc. Most shelters and rescues will also spay or neuter the pet and give their first set of vaccines before sending them home.
While some pet stores and online pet sellers do have their pets evaluated, it’s much more common for these animals to develop health issues. This is due to the conditions they are often transported and held in. Parvovirus and other outbreaks of disease have been well-documented in puppy store chains. Kittens can also be susceptible to respiratory infections during transport.
5. You Could Find Your New Best Friend!
Adopting a pet not only vastly improves their quality of life, but yours as well! Studies show that pets can help improve your health. Dog owners, tend to take more walks which have many health benefits. Pet owners of all kinds can experience reduced stress and lowered blood pressure when spending time with their beloved pets. Mental health experts also say pets can reduce feelings of depression and help lower stress and anxiety. Overall, having a pet can be good for your physical and mental health.
Whether you adopt a dog, cat, bird, or rabbit, you’ll have a new friend to bond with, care for, and experience life with. Animals have so much to offer and the bond we build with them is unbreakable.
