Why adopt from a shelter, and how to do it right

The Nevada Humane Society has announced that it desperately needs dog adopters, as they’re at 90% capacity. Here are some things to consider!

Why adopt from a shelter?

Because you can save a life. Well, two, actually. When you bring home a dog or cat from a shelter, you are actually saving two animals: the one you brought home, and the one who gets to take the kennel she vacated. Far too many healthy and behaviorally sound pets are euthanized in shelters every year because of a lack of resources to look after them for more than short periods of time.

Because a shelter pet is a great bargain.

Most facilities also do thorough health checks and behavior screening. They vaccinate, spay or neuter, and microchip dogs before they put them up for adoption, adding up to a great bargain for you (those things are normally so expensive!).

Because the majority of pets who end up in shelters do so through no fault of their own.

Often, their former guardians took ill, or died, or had to move to a place that doesn’t allow pets, or didn’t have the money to care for them any more. Sometimes someone in the family developed severe allergies, or perhaps were overwhelmed caring for a new baby or sick relative. These and many other twists of human fate land perfectly lovely pets in shelters every day.

Because they likely have the exact personality or breed of pet you want.

Shelters usually have a great variety of animals – specific breeds, marvelous and mysterious mutts, puppies, kittens, bunnies, energetic youngsters, and mellower adults. Almost all of the adult (2+ years old) dogs up for adoption from shelters are healthy and affectionate, and have the basic socialization and cooperative skills needed for harmonious family life – because they’ve done it before. No matter what brought them to the shelter, they probably lived in a home with humans before. They may need some training to fit into your particular lifestyle well, but you can often bypass the difficult bitey-puppy-chewing-your-carpet-potty training stage.

BUT, there’s a catch!

The key to reaching new-pet Nirvana is to think like a matchmaker when visiting the local shelter. Don’t fall in love with the first cute face that catches your attention. Factor in your lifestyle and daily activities with your new pet’s breed, personality and activity level and make sure they’re a match, and you’ll set yourself up better for a happy, lifelong love story. Don’t be shy – talk to the staff and volunteers (especially the volunteers!) at length about any pet you’re interested in. They know them best and are happy to spill the beans about their likes and dislikes. Preparedness and knowing what kind of dog or cat will fit best is the best defense against the urge to take home every pet in the shelter.