So, you're considering introducing a pet into your life. It's an exciting and life-changing decision, but one that shouldn't be made half-heartedly. There is much to think about. Is your home safe and suitable for a pet? Can you afford to look after an animal? How much time can you devote to your new four-legged friend? Will you buy or adopt a pet?
At Worldwide Veterinary Service (WVS), we treat and care for animals who have no one else to turn to. While some animals have loving homes to return to and others can safely rejoin the community, many need extra care, attention, and a new home. They may be older, have lost a limb, or simply be unable to fend for themselves. No matter the reason, we help them find the perfect place to call home.
We may be biased, but we believe adopting an animal is one of the best things you will ever do, for both the animal and yourself. To help convince you, we quizzed our team – many of which are proud rescue mum's and dad's – and put together a list of 10 reasons why you should adopt a pet from a shelter or rescue centre.
Reason 1: You are saving a life
This may be the biggest reason of all. You’re giving a dog, cat, horse, or another animal, a second chance at life. In their past life, some may have been abused, abandoned, or had to fend for themselves on the streets. By adopting, you are giving the dog a safe and loving home in which it can learn to be a happy and healthy dog again.
A life beyond treatment. We treat animals suffering from horrific injuries, cruel diseases, and heart-breaking neglect. But we don't stop there. Learn how we support animals without a home.
Reason 2: You won’t be supporting backyard breeders
Many dogs are forced to breed as often as possible and kept under cruel conditions in puppy farms. By choosing to adopt, you are avoiding these organisations and supporting animal welfare in the process.
Reason 3: You help prevent overpopulation
By choosing to adopt rather than go to a shop or breeder for a specific type of pet, you are caring for a dog that already needs support, instead of bringing another puppy into the world. It's one of the best ways to help ensure all animals can receive the care they deserve.
Good things come to those who wait. Read about Chloe, Fanta, and Lilly, three dogs in Thailand who spent years in our care waiting for their forever homes.
Reason 4: You might find your dream pet
With thousands of shelters and so many pets who just want to be cared for, there’s a good chance you'll find the one that fits into your family just right. After spending time at a shelter, you may also find that the pet you fall in love with is completely different from the one you thought you wanted.
Reason 5: You gain the advantages of an adult dog
Many dogs in shelters are adolescent or adult dogs, rather than puppies. This means they are likely to already know some basic commands or be housetrained, making your life a lot easier when you bring your dog home.
Reason 6: You get the lifetime support of shelter employees
No one knows more about the dog you are adopting than the people working at the shelter each day, providing care and support for them. They will be able to assist you with the move and help you carry on any training or behaviour work.
Reason 7: You support a valuable community and charitable institution
It’s always good to show support and help out a local organisation, and these shelters are providing a valuable service to the dogs in their care, so by adopting one, you’re also contributing to the ongoing care of the animals left at the shelter.
Reason 8: You adopt a healthy pet
Shelters often provide excellent medical treatment, as well as any necessary vaccinations. They may have also been sterilised or microchipped, making them ready to join your family.
Rescue, Rehabilitate, and Rehome. Read more about how we help animals in need like Ben the dog and Kiki the kitten.
Reason 9: Adoption is good for your wallet and soul
This leads to a financial reason why you should consider adopting shelter pets. It costs far less to rescue a pet from a shelter than it does to buy one from a breeder or pet store. As virtually all shelters spay or neuter the animals in their care, keep vaccinations up to date, as well as offer other services at a reduced cost, this will also save you some money.
Reason 10: You'll improve their life and yours!
Adopting an animal need doesn't just help that support the health and wellbeing of the animal. Studies show that having a pet can help you live longer, whilst improving your overall happiness and health. Having a loyal companion also helps people with depression, stress, anxiety, and many other ailments.
A home: The greatest gift of all. Right now, with more pets being abandoned and adoptions being delayed due to the pandemic, we’re caring for more animals, for longer, and the costs are mounting. If you can, please donate today and help us feed and care for animals whilst they wait for their fur-ever homes.