Benefits of Adopting a Shelter Dog

Adopting a shelter dog comes with a long list of pet adoption benefits that make the experience rewarding and fulfilling. If you plan to adopt a rescue puppy, you’re in the right place. 

In this article, Paul Andrews, full-time pet parent and founder of The Upper Pawside, shares the top eight benefits of adopting a shelter dog.

Let’s dive in.

Top 8 Benefits of Adopting a Shelter Dog

Save a Dog’s Life

One of the best benefits of adopting a pet from a shelter is that you’re saving the dog’s life.

Shelters regularly get many new arrivals. This leaves them with no choice but to euthanize animals so they can care for the new ones. 

As per 2019 data from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), around 390,000 shelter dogs are euthanized every year.

By adopting a rescue puppy, you not only save that animal but also allow shelters to care for new rescues without having to euthanize old ones.

 Fight Against Unethical Puppy Mills

Puppy mills are breeders that follow unethical and inhumane breeding practices and treat their animals cruelly. They usually keep their breeding stock and litters in unsanitary, cramped cages and don’t offer them vet care and other basic facilities. They only care about making money and not about the health and well-being of their animals.

Buying a puppy online or from a store may cause you to bring home a pet from a puppy mill unknowingly. This not only promotes the business of these puppy mills but also gives you a poorly bred and socialized pup that may have health issues, especially in the long run.

Adopting rescue dogs helps you fight against these cruel, unethical breeders and use your hard-earned dollars for a better cause.

Get A Fully Screened Dog At A Reasonable Cost

Buying a purebred from a reliable breeder usually costs around $500 to $3,000—for the dog alone. You still have to pay for shots, spaying or neutering, and microchips. Meanwhile, adoption fees are much lower and range from $50 to $300. 

You get a fully screened dog for that price, making it a win-win for you, the dog, and your pocket. 

Rescue dogs usually need to get all their shots and undergo spaying or neutering before you can adopt them. 

Many also undergo behavioral tests to assess their behavior around food, people, and other animals. 

A few shelters also offer extras, like a free collar, leash, toy, bowl, or bag of pet food.

Get a Fully-Trained Dog

One of the top pet adoption benefits is that most adult rescue dogs are already house-trained. This makes them ideal for new pet parents.

Training a new pet can be stressful, especially for first-time dog owners. Adopting a well-trained rescue dog can reduce your stress and make the process of adjusting your dog to its new home all the more fun and enjoyable.

Bring Home A Best Friend For Life

“If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.”

                                                                                         — Mark Twain

Although all dogs are a man’s best friend, shelter dogs tend to know by instinct that you are their rescuer. Many rescue dogs have had bad experiences in the past or at least live in crowded shelters. Such dogs are often grateful for the second chance and will spend the rest of their lives showing their love and appreciation for you.

Understand Your New Dog’s Personality

One of the benefits of getting a dog from an adoption center is that you can understand its behavior and personality before bringing it home. 

You can see how it behaves around food and other animals. You can also ask its foster about its general behavior, needs, energy levels, quirks, and how it behaves around children and other people.

This will help you find a dog that fits well with your lifestyle and other needs. Many shelters nowadays also have matching programs. This allows pet parents to find their ideal pet with the qualities they’re looking for and ensure successful adoptions.

Choose Your Pick

Many people avoid adopting shelter dogs, as they usually want a specific breed and think they won’t find it in a shelter. But many breed-specific shelters help dog lovers find the breed they like.

You can easily find such shelters online and bring home your favorite breed. ASPCA also offers a local shelter search option to ease the process.

If you’re not finicky about purebred dogs, you may stumble upon many unique and beautiful mixes in shelters. This will help you get a one-of-a-kind pup that is yours to own and love. You can also get one with specific traits, like a bushy tail or spots. If you can’t find one right away, you can join a waiting list.

Moreover, you can choose from different dog ages, including pups, adults, or senior dogs.

Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy

Last but not least, we shouldn’t forget the health benefits of adopting a pet from a rescue!

 Getting a new four-legged friend helps you get outdoors more and lead a more active and healthier lifestyle. It also helps beat stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. You can vent your frustrations to your dog and be sure that it will always listen to you.

The best part is that it won’t judge you or let you down and will only lick away your worries. Spending time and playing with your furry friend also releases happy hormones like oxytocin and dopamine, which boosts happiness levels.

Conclusion

The pet adoption benefits are far-reaching as they improve your mental and physical health, are good for your pocket, and help you save lives and fight against puppy mills. You can also get a fully screened and trained dog who will be your best friend forever.