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Adoption is the Most Rewarding Option

One of the things to consider when adding an animal to your family is where to find that special addition. While buying a dog or cat from a breeder ensures a pure bred and (hopefully) healthy animal, adopting from a shelter or rescue organization means that you will be saving a life. You will also be providing the dog or cat with a much better life than the one it had before. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that between 6 and 8 million dogs and cats enter shelters each year. There is an overwhelming need for these animals to be adopted. Before you adopt, there are things you need to consider such as, pure bred or not, your lifestyle, and cost.

If you are looking for a specific breed, rescuing is still an option. There are many breed specific rescues that have animals waiting to be adopted. Breed specific rescue organizations have a lot of knowledge on the animals they are placing, and like all rescues and shelters, will give you all the information on
the animal's history. Wherever you adopt from, you will get as much information about the animal's past that is known. This includes:

1. How the animal ended up at the shelter- was it found? or was it surrendered by the previous owner?

2. Any behavioral issues- this is especially important to consider when adopting a dog.

There are many shelters and rescue organizations to choose from, so do your research. Ask others where they have adopted from, and visit a few facilities. When you decide on where to adopt from, the agency from which you are adopting is going to be honest with you because they are dedicated to placing these animals in the right home. If they are going to be honest with you, it is important that you be honest with yourself. You might find yourself falling in love with an oh-so-cute dog, but don't let that be your only criterion for adopting. If he has behavioral issues that you know you won't have the time to work on, than you should consider not adopting him. It is important to find an animal that fits with your personality and lifestyle. It is heartbreaking to adopt a dog, only to have to bring it back because he wasn't a good fit.

Matching personalities is also important when considering cat adoption. Cats have very distinct personalities, and they are easy to read. If you are looking for a cat to cuddle with, the one that squirms and struggles in your arms, is probably not the best fit. Or, maybe you're looking for a more relaxed, mellow cat. Consider adopting an older cat that doesn't have as much energy as a young, frisky kitten. Whether you're adopting a dog or cat, make sure you take the time to find the best fit.

As with everything in life, adoption comes with fees. Many times, adoption fees include the cost of spaying or neutering. If you acquire a dog or cat that has not been spayed or neutered, please do so. Over population is one of the reasons that dogs and cats end up in shelters. There are many organizations(such as the Richmond SPCA), that offer free and low-cost spaying and neutering. You can also check out non-profit hospitals that do low cost spaying and neutering. Also, consider that dogs and cats require yearly visits to the vet, and possibly more if the animal becomes sick. Despite these costs, you will be paid back in more ways than one. Just knowing that you have given an animal a better chance in life is great payback.