When you think about getting a dog, a local animal shelter or group that specializes in dog rescues will offer you plenty of choices. There are lots of different breeds of all ages and sizes looking for a home.
You will find a wide variety of purebreds and mixed breeds at a shelter. Some dog rescue organizations focus only on certain types of breeds. Some focus on dogs that have difficulty being adopted. Beagles, for example, can be very hyper and some people turn them back in because they can’t handle their behavior. Beagles, like other breeds, however, can be easily trained with a good, loving pet owner and family.
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Animal shelters do the best they can to find homes for dogs, but they can only do so much.
Some 2.7 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year in the U.S. because homes can’t be found, according to the Humane Society of the United States.
One advantage to adopting instead of purchasing a dog is that you’ll be saving a life and giving your new pet a new start in a nice home. By adopting a pet from a shelter, you save the dog you adopt and make room for another homeless animal.
The Humane Society encourages adopting dogs from shelters instead of buying them from puppy mills and pet stores. Some dogs from puppy mills are discarded or sold at auction when they are no longer profitable for breeding purposes. If you are buying a dog, do the research and make sure it's from a reputable breeder.
Dogs from animal shelters and dog rescue organizations are healthy and provided with medical care. They are usually vaccinated and spayed or neutered before adoption.
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Animals sent to shelters are often the result of conflicts faced by their former owners, such as financial constraints, moving, or divorce. Animal shelters screen animals or their behavior to make certain adopters receive the type of dog they desire.
People who adopt from a shelter usually pay a fee, but it is still less expensive than buying a dog at a pet store. Fees may include spaying or neutering costs, unless that pet has already had one of the procedures performed. Requesting a fee is another way shelters and rescues ensure adopters aren't making an irrational decision to take on a pet.
Adding a dog in your life improves your physical and emotional health, especially when you know you have saved the dog from a short life and built a lasting friendship with a faithful companion.
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