5 Pawsome Reasons to Adopt Your Next Fur Baby from a Shelter
October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month! If you're thinking about getting a new canine companion, adopting from a shelter or rescue is one of the best decisions you can make. Opening a home to a dog in need can be an incredibly rewarding and life-changing experience. In this post, we'll highlight the key benefits of shelter dog adoption and the considerations you need to make before adopting. Whether you're looking for your first ever pup or want to expand your doggy family, read on to learn why adopting is the way to go!
1. Feel Good by Doing Good - The Fulfillment of Saving a Life
Adopting a shelter dog is extremely fulfilling. Knowing you provided a second chance to an animal in need feels amazing. Despite some having challenging pasts, rescue dogs often show remarkable resilience, gratitude, and devotion to their new families. Their wagging tails and sloppy kisses are little reminders of the happy lives you've given them. Beyond the emotional rewards, you can find your ideal companion more affordably through adoption.
2. Save Money & Lives - Adoption Perks
The adoption fee at most shelters ranges from $50-$150, significantly lower than buying a bred puppy. Shelter dogs also come spayed/neutered and vaccinated, saving you hundreds more on initial vet costs. We all know that premium gear, accessories and treats can get very pricey. Adopting from a shelter offsets your other expenses. Plus, your adoption fee directly supports animal welfare programs to help more pets in need. It's a win-win!
3. Finding the One - Shelters Have It All
With so many different breeds, ages, sizes, and personalities, shelter dogs offer something for everyone. Maybe you've always wanted a Border Collie or a Beagle? Senior dogs, energetic puppies, medium or large breeds - shelters have them all! Mix-breeds or designer breeds like Goldendoodles also make up a significant portion of adoptable dogs. Shelter staff invest time getting to know each dog's unique temperament to help match prospective owners with their ideal furry companion.
4. Healthier Dogs Through Proper Screening & Care
Contrary to popular belief, shelter dogs are often healthier than dogs from pet stores or irresponsible breeders. Reputable shelters thoroughly vet each animal before adoption. Dogs receive a full exam, heartworm test, vaccinations, flea/tick treatment, and are spayed/neutered. Ongoing behavioral training and enrichment also helps shelter dogs thrive. Careful screening means animals with serious health issues seldom make it to the adoption floor. With proper care from shelters prior to adoption, rescue dogs are primed for happy, healthy lives in their new forever homes.
5. Support Your Local Shelter, Help Your Community
When you adopt a pet from an animal shelter, you're helping that organization continue their lifesaving work for homeless pets. Adoptions make space for shelters to take in additional animals otherwise left on the streets or euthanized. Local shelter support also keeps more of your adoption dollars within the community compared to purchasing from a breeder.
Things to Consider Before Adopting
While adopting a shelter dog is extremely rewarding, there are important things to consider before bringing one home. Be realistic about your lifestyle, time commitment, financial readiness to handle food, supplies, veterinary care, and training costs. Also properly prepare your home for a new dog by puppy-proofing and stocking up on essentials.
Don't Shop - Adopt
This October, open your heart and home by adopting a shelter dog in need of a fresh start. You'll be amazed by the fun, loyalty, and unconditional love they bring into your life. Before adopting, be sure to prepare your home for a new furry arrival by puppy-proofing and stocking up on pet essentials.
At BulkBullys.ca, our selection of premium quality dog treats is perfect for welcoming a newly adopted pet into your home. We understand that rescuing dogs may come with unique dietary needs or preferences due to their past experiences. That's why we offer a variety of nutritious treats made from high-quality ingredients that cater specifically to the well-being and enjoyment of rescued dogs.
We are passionate about promoting the adoption of shelter dogs. As advocates for rescue animals, we have launched the Wishbone Project, where you can add a wishbone treat to your order and support a local dog rescue with each purchase. We can also help you find a reputable rescue shelterthat you can support. This initiative allows us to give back directly to these organizations that work tirelessly to provide care for homeless pets.
