The Benefits of Adoption

If you’re thinking of adding a furry friend to your family, there’s no need to look any further than your local animal shelter. Contrary to popular belief, all dogs in shelters are not “damaged” or “problematic.” In fact, the vast majority of dogs in shelters are healthy and well-behaved. So why not Adopt today? Here we’ll discuss some of the many benefits of adoption, and dispel some of the myths that keep people from considering adoption as an option.

The first thing you should know is that adoption fees are generally much lower than purchasing a dog from a breeder. For example, a mixed breed dog from a shelter may cost you around $200, while a purebred from a breeder could cost upwards of $1000. In addition to saving money, adopting also gives you the opportunity to choose from a wide variety of dogs. Animal shelters typically have all breeds and sizes of dogs available for adoption, whereas breeders usually only have one or two types of dogs.

When you adopt a dog, you’re not only giving that particular dog a loving home – you’re also helping to reduce pet overpopulation and the number of animals euthanized in shelters each year. According to the ASPCA, approximately 670,000 dogs are euthanized in shelters every year. This number could be significantly reduced if more people adopted dogs from shelters instead of purchasing them from breeders or pet stores.

Adopting a dog also has health benefits – both for you and the dog. According to a study conducted by the National Institute of Health, owning a dog can reduce your risk of heart disease by reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The companionship that comes with owning a dog can also help to reduce stress and anxiety, and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. And dogs provide valuable assistance to those with disabilities or special needs – acting as loyal companions and offering emotional support.