Adopt, Don’t Shop: 5 Beautiful Perks of Adopting a Pet Over Buying One

Your family is ready for a new addition, so do you go to a shelter or a pet store? As the saying goes, adopt, don’t shop. Here’s what you stand to gain.

Looking for a new pet? Three words: Adopt, don’t shop.

We could give you all kinds of statistics showing how many dogs and cats die each year because they had no home. We’ll spare you that now.

But we will remind you that these beautiful souls live on the streets and in shelters. They wait, like orphan Annie, for the right person to come along and love them.

And if you adopt, you’ll feel so good about the move. Like, superstar good! So it’s a win-win situation.

Here are 5 beautiful perks of adopting a pet over buying one.

1. Your Carpet Will Thank You

Most shelter animals are already potty trained. If you’ve ever tried to potty train a dog or cat before, you know what a pain in the rear it is. Avoid that by adopting a pet instead of starting from scratch.

Also, if you adopt an older animal, they’ll be out of that biting, chewing, ripping-up-stuff stage of life. Your carpet will thank you!

2. Did I Adopt a Puppy or a Baby?

Puppies and kittens are cute and cuddly and all that. But they can be a real pain to deal with. Almost like adopting a human baby.

We’re not saying that puppies and babies are equal, but they have their similarities. Want to get up several times at night to attend to your new puppy? Want to wipe up accidents for the first few months?

And you never know when a puppy comes from a puppy mill. Puppy mills breed and raise dogs under terrible circumstances.

If you cherish your sleep and your flooring, adopt an older dog or cat. They’re already trained and you know you’re not supporting a puppy mill.

3. Bob Barker Had it Right: Spay or Neuter

It’s so important these days that we spay and neuter our pets. You never know when they might have a run-in with another animal. Especially if they are outdoor dogs or cats.

The good news about rescue animals is that they’re spayed and neutered already! Part of your adoption fee goes toward this. And it goes toward other medical treatment to keep them healthy for the long haul.

4. An Attitude of Gratitude

No animal is more grateful than one who’s lived in a shelter. Your new pet will love you with all their little heart.

Most of the pets in rescue centers are happy and healthy. They end up there because people couldn’t keep them for some reason. Not because of behavioral issues.

Looking for a way to show your gratitude? We are always looking for volunteers to help love these unwanted animals.

5. You’ll Save Lives (Yes, Plural)

Obviously adopting a pet saves their life. But it saves other lives too. By adopting, you’ve freed up space for another pet to come to the shelter and find a new home.

And your adoption fee goes toward the shelter activities. Every fee paid helps another unwanted animal receive food, shelter, and much-needed love.

Remember: Adopt, Don’t Shop

When you adopt a pet, you get a new best friend. Your carpet will thank you because your new pet will already be potty trained. And they’ll have had veterinarian care, including a spay or neuter.

Your adopted pet won’t keep you up at night as a puppy would. And they’ll love you unconditionally for giving them a home. Plus, you save many lives when you adopt, including the life of your new best friend.

If you live in the Kitimat, Terrace, Prince Rupert, or Smithers areas in BC, the Kitimat Community Humane Society has you covered. Click here for our adoption application and get the process started.

Remember friends: Adopt, don’t shop! Your next best friend could be waiting here for you to find them.