Top 10 Reasons A Dog Adoption is a Good Idea

1. You save money

Adopting a dog from a rescue or shelter is often much less expensive than getting a new dog from the breeder or pet store. The cost can be several hundreds dollars less, in fact. In addition, the dogs you get from a shelter or rescue have recently had veterinary care, are up to date on their vaccinations and are almost always fixed. This will only save you money down the road.

2. You get your pick of breeds

Shelters and rescues have all manner of breeds, and mixed breeds. If you are open-minded and are open to different breed possibilities, the shelter or rescue list of dogs will be like visiting a dog buffet. The choices are endless.

3. Your dog will be vet checked and healthy

You know when you take your shelter dog home that he or she has had all their shots, is without disease and has been checked at least once by a veterinarian. This not only saves you money (see item #1) but time as well.

4. Shelter dogs generally make excellent companions

Shelter and rescue dogs are often the result of something else. In other words, there was a divorce and the dog ends up at the shelter, or a new baby arrived and the new parents were overwhelmed and the dog had to go. Perhaps someone had the dog but realized they weren't cut out for dog ownership. Whatever is it, your new dog is grateful for his or her new home. It's like the dogs sense they've been given a second chance and will do everything it takes to ensure you enjoy their companionship.

5. You could save a life

If you adopt from a rescue or shelter, this is less likely the case, but if you adopt from a kill shelter, you are literally saving a dog that might have been put down within hours or days.

6. You help reduce pet overpopulation

The fees you pay for your adopted dog help to pay for spay and neuter services for other dogs, and since your dog will be spayed or neutered before you bring him or her home, you ensure that your dog, at least, won't be contributing to the problem.

7. You can get education and information about your new pet

The people at the adoption center or rescue will be happy to provide you with appropriate literature, information and help with your new pet. They might be able to recommend an excellent veterinarian in your neighborhood or a great dog trainer. They usually are dog lovers themselves, so they are more than happy to discuss your new dog with you.

8. You will have some confidence right out of the gate

Most rescue groups, in particular, "screen" prospective new dog owners. They will ask many of the same questions we asked earlier about your readiness to adopt a dog. Once they have approved you for a dog adoption, you will feel confident knowing that you were seen as a viable and reliable pet owner. This confidence will likely spill over into your interactions with your new pet and help you develop a good bond with your new dog.

9. You might be able to "return" your pet

In the unlikely and unfortunate scenario that you would have to let your dog go, for whatever reason, many rescues have an "open door" policy. They ask that if you must let your dog go, although that is discouraged on every level, that you call them first and see if they can take the dog. This is in keeping with the concept and philosophy of keeping dogs out of pounds and kill shelters.

10.You might likely get more time with your new dog before you adopt

Because you are not dealing with a large city pound or shelter, you likely will have more time to visit with your potential new dog, to get to know him or her and to be sure that this is a good match. Depending on the shelter or rescue, you might be able to take a "test drive" with the dog you have picked, where you might have the dog spend the night at your home so everyone is sure that this dog is the right dog for your family.