April is National Adopt A Shelter Pet month and today,
April 30th, is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day!
What could be better than going out and enriching your life by adopting a pet from your local animal shelter? Adopting a shelter pet can be one of the best things you do for you AND your new furry friend! Here are five reasons why we think you should adopt a shelter pet this month. It’s National Adopt a Shelter Pet Month!
Adopting a shelter pet helps you save a life
Shelter animals across the nation wait every day, every year to be adopted into a new family. On average, the ASPCA estimates that there are over 6.5 million companion animals in the United States that are housed in shelters every single year. That’s a lot of dogs and cats looking for homes! The sad truth is that over 1.5 million of these animals will be euthanized. If you step up and adopt a dog or cat from the shelter, you could be saving their life as well as the life of another animal who can come to the shelter and receive help.
You can help fight back against puppy and kitten mills
on National Adopt a Shelter Pet Month!
There are millions of dogs and cats produced every year through irresponsible backyard breeders and the abusive commercial breeding facilities known as puppy and kitten mills. These puppy mills force female animals to remain in a near-constant state of impregnation, producing litter after litter, to meet the demands of buyers and pet stores. Oftentimes, these poor animals remain in small cages, with inadequate bedding and food, and no access to true, happy life. By adopting a shelter pet, you can help put an end to the vicious cycle of puppy mill abuse.
Shelter pets are usually healthier than store-bought animals
Shelter pets will undergo a thorough physical exam, receive the necessary vaccines to keep them healthy, and are usually spayed or neutered before you adopt them. This thorough exam done by a licensed veterinarian helps to catch any serious medical issues that the animal may suffer from. Pet stores and breeders that are not reputable will not go to these lengths to ensure you receive a happy, healthy pet. Shelter pets are also typically microchipped before you adopt them.
Shelter pets are less expensive than purchasing
from a breeder National Adopt a Shelter Pet Month
If you are looking for a purebred dog or cat and feel that you just have to purchase one from a breeder, think again! Shelters across the nation are housing more and more purebred animals. If you remain patient in your search, you will be able to find the purebred pet you have been hoping for. You will also have a rescued pet that costs significantly less and comes with more veterinary care than a pet store puppy or kitten.
Adopting a shelter pet leads to a longer, healthier life
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have reported that pet ownership can help stave off feelings of loneliness, improve cholesterol levels, and reduce blood pressure. Having a pet also keeps you more active. Playing with your new cat or taking your new dog for a walk can help get you off the couch and away from the screen. The more active you are, the more you reduce your risk of developing health problems down the road. Plus, who can feel sad when you have a purring cat in your lap or a loving dog laying by your feet?
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Month –
Ready to Adopt a Shelter Pet?
Are you ready to bring a new furry friend into your family? Here are just a few of the local shelters in your area that have a wide array of dogs and cats waiting to join you.
Georgetown, TX – (512) 943-3322
Georgetown, TX – (512) 930-3592
The Georgetown Animal Shelter is holding a month-long adoption special where you can adopt a large breed of adult dog for only $20.
Leander, TX – (512) 260-7722
Austin, TX – (512) 961-6519
Please share your adoption picture on social media and tag us. We can’t wait to see your new fury friends! And again, thank you for visiting our directory!