Finally, decided to bring home a four-legged friend? Great! Dogs are “man’s best friends” for various reasons. But the best one is their unconditional love.
Now that you’ve gotten all the required pet supplies, you’re probably on your way to the pet store. But you might want to stop and consider adopting one from the shelter.
With the numerous advantages of adopting a rescue, many people prefer getting dogs from the shelter instead of buying from a breeder. And if you choose to do the same, you can enjoy the fact that you’re giving a deserving animal a second chance at love.
So, what exactly are the benefits of getting a rescue? Read on and find out.
You Can Choose From Different Dogs
One of the most common misconceptions about rescues is that they’re all mixed breeds. And while breeds don’t always play a huge factor in dogs’ temperaments, you can easily find purebreds–or any kind of dog you want–in shelters.
Want a puppy? Shelters have lots of pups. Prefer a more laid-back dog? There are lots of senior dogs waiting to be rehomed.
You’ll Get a Great Pet
A few other common misconceptions are that all rescue dogs have physical and behavioral issues. All purebred dogs are naturally healthy and easy to train.
Purebred dogs usually have health and personality problems unique to every breed. But with rescue dogs, you get to spend time knowing their personalities. Plus, mixed breeds tend to have a lower risk of health conditions than purebreds.
Another great thing about rescues is that a lot of them are already housetrained, fully vaccinated, and spayed or neutered. Also, they most likely have gone through behavioral screening and veterinary tests.
You Can Find a Dog That Matches Your Personality
Living in an apartment means having limited breed options to choose from. But one of the best things about adopting a dog from the shelter is that you can find one that suits your lifestyle.
As previously mentioned, rescue dogs are usually screened for any issues, which means that you can ask the people from the shelter about every dog’s behavior.
What’s more, you can take time to choose “the one.” You can walk around and play with dogs and take one home when you feel that it’s right.
You Won’t Be Supporting Cruel Breeding
These days, it’s hard to find a reputable breeder. Most breeding facilities use irresponsible or cruel means to raise dogs. And more often than not, dogs from pet stores come from puppy mills, where they’re kept in inhumane conditions.
So, when you do opt to get a rescue dog, you can have peace of mind that you’re fighting back against puppy mills. One less purchase from these breeders means less demand for their puppies.
You Can Spend More on the Dog’s Basic Needs
Speaking of breeders, responsible ones are few and far between. When you do find one, expect to spend a couple of hundred dollars for upfront costs.
When you get a rescue dog, the adoption fee could cost less. This includes the spay or neuter cost, vaccinations, and in some cases, housetraining and microchipping fees. And as most pet owners know, veterinary bills don’t come cheap at all.
You’re Saving More Than One Dog
By adopting a dog from the shelter, you’re not only saving that dog’s life–but you’re also saving another.
Because most shelters are already overflowing with strays and abused dogs, you’re helping make space for more animals in need when you take home a rescue. The adoption fee will also go directly toward supporting that shelter and caring for other dogs.
You’ll Change the Dog’s World Forever
They say that “saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
Rescues have so much love to give. All you have to do is open your heart and apartment home to one, and you get to explore a world of unparalleled loyalty and unconditional love.
Westmount at Forest Oaks Apartments in Arlington, TX