If you’re an animal lover and want to take in a furry best buddy, then you should opt for rescue dogs. Dog shelters are known to give stray dogs a second chance at a good life, while breeders and pet stores simply use them to make money. There are several reasons why you should consider adopting rescue dogs.
Here are some important reasons to consider adopting stray dogs from a dog shelter:
1. This Dog Will Genuinely Love You
We all know that every dog loves its owner, the person whom they see as their master. But in the case of shelter dogs, it is a bit different. Most of the shelter dogs did not get the love they deserved before coming into the shelter.
So when you adopt a dog from the shelter, you will most likely find a genuinely loving best buddy. That dog will love you passionately for the rest of its life.
Goldendoodle rescue operations are a great place to find your next best friend.
2. You Are Actually Helping That Dog
When you adopt a dog from a shelter, you’re not only providing a loving home for a dog in need. You’re also allowing the facility and its staff to care for more animals.
According to the Humane Society, every dog that isn’t acquired from a puppy mill reduces the incentive for irresponsible breeding.
3. You Will Not Have to Deal with the Puppy Stage
There are very few chances to find puppies for adoption in any dog shelter. Most of the dogs at shelters are adults who have previously lived in other households.
Many dogs are given to shelters just because their original owner did not have good pet-friendly housing. This is why most shelter dogs are adults.
4. Most Shelter Dogs Have Been Trained
Many older dogs have previously gone through the potty-training process and are aware that they should not perform their business in the house. However, any dog adjusting to a new living environment has the chance of accidents when settling in.
While adult dogs are physiologically capable of going many hours without bathroom breaks, newborn puppies need to go out a lot and be housebroken.
5. You Will See the Dog’s Real Personality
You may witness how a dog acts in a household environment when you adopt it from a shelter, especially if he has been with a foster family. The foster will be able to describe the dog’s behavior in a variety of scenarios in great detail. You’ll find out if it gets along with other animals, how it responds to youngsters and strangers, and how energetic it is.
6. You Will Even Find Senior Dogs
Adopting a senior dog may be a good option if you’re seeking a companion who doesn’t require extensive activity. Many adopters claim that senior dogs are more mature and easier to deal with.
All dog owners should be aware that animals can develop costly medical issues at any age. This is something to take into consideration with senior dogs, who are more liable to develop health problems.
7. You Can Get Purebred Dogs from Shelters
You may still start by looking at local shelters if you have your heart set on bringing a certain breed of dog into your life. You can find full-blooded breeds like bulldogs, Chihuahuas, and Labradoodles available for adoption.
So if you are looking for a purebred dog, consider starting by looking at your local shelter. Who knows, your desired breed might be there waiting for you.
8. There Are Mixed Breeds Too
Purebred dogs are more likely to suffer from genetic problems than mixed-breed dogs, according to research published in PLOS Genetics in 2018. There has been considerable progress in recent years in decreasing and eliminating several breed-specific genetic disorders.
These disorders include one that causes some border collies to go blind or an anemic disease in beagles. But the good news is that when compared to dogs from breeders, mixed-breed shelter dogs have fewer inherited genetic health concerns.
9. You Can Become a Foster to Get Used to It
Many shelters need volunteers to temporarily foster pets in order to free up room in the facility and give the dogs an opportunity to demonstrate how they would behave in a home setting. It can also provide hope for a dog that is not thriving in a shelter or has particular behavioral or medical requirements.
Fostering pets has become a passion for many volunteers. You could even find the dog you want to adopt permanently in the process. Even if you have no intention of fostering, many shelters will allow you to spend time with a dog you are interested in.
10. Shelter Employees Can Tell You Many Things About the Dog
When looking at dogs, don’t depend simply on your instincts. Workers and volunteers at shelters and rescue groups will be able to provide you with lots of information about their personalities, health, and behavior idiosyncrasies.
They’ll also know about the dogs’ former settings and if they’ve ever lived in a household. Staffers may also know how they get along with children and cats, as well as if they become anxious when left alone or bark when agitated. If you have a lot of questions regarding any of the dogs, don’t hesitate to ask.
11. Dogs from Shelters Are Less Expensive Than Dogs from Breeders
Adoption fees at shelters are often less than $500 and, in some cases, much lower. However, high-demand puppies and purebred dogs are often charged more. In contrast, elderly pets or pups with health or behavioral problems are often charged less. When shelters get overcrowded, they sometimes offer adoption promotions or fee-free adoptions.
Because some shelters and rescue organizations are non-profits, your “contribution” to adopt a pet may be tax-deductible. You’re obviously avoiding buying puppies from puppy mills through pet stores, flea markets, and classified advertising.
12. Most Shelter Dogs Are Neutered
If you are concerned about spaying or neutering your shelter dog, you will be happy to know that it is usually included in your adoption fees.
If you pay for it yourself, this surgery can cost a few hundred dollars, but it’s essential for keeping pet numbers under control, and it’s mandated by law in certain states.
13. All Shelter Dogs Are Vaccinated
Homeless dogs entering animal shelters are vaccinated to prevent them from infections that might spread throughout the institution. Once you bring them home, you’ll need to keep up with their vaccines.
Most dogs get boosters every year, but a dog acquired from a shelter should be ready to play with other dogs in your area right away. So make sure you are clear that your dog has had all of its shots.
14. Many Shelters Also Microchip the Dogs
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, a microchip is a little electrical chip enclosed in a glass cylinder around the size of a grain of rice that is implanted under the skin of your pet.
It is possible to recover your contact information from your dog’s microchip if they get lost and is discovered by an unknown person. Although most of the bigger, more progressive shelters include a microchip in the adoption packet, there are still some shelters that do not have the resources to do so.
15. You Are Free to Test Drive the Dog of Your Choice
Do you love dogs but also want to help them? You can consider volunteering at a local shelter to walk dogs or do other responsibilities.
There’s always cleaning, washing, and bathing to be done, and it’s always fun to help write adoption profiles and take photographs and videos.
Conclusion
People who work in animal rescue aren’t taking in rescue dogs for the money; they’re in it for the love of animals. They’ve seen a lot of abandoned animals, and the last thing they want is for one of their own to wind up in a shelter.
Don’t hesitate to ask questions or make a list of what dog you’re searching for. The more information the staff has about you and your lifestyle, the more they will be able to match you with the correct dog.
