Why shelter dogs are the best

Want to bring a dog into your life? Here’s why you should drive straight to the shelter to pick your furry life companion, rather than search out a breeder and a pedigree puppy. Shelter dogs are close to our hearts, and they should be close to yours too.

1. You’ll be saving a life

Shelter dogs are those dogs that have been abandoned or lost, or simply are without an owner (this can happen for many reasons – the owner moves cities, dies, falls upon hard times where they can no longer care for their dog, etc.). A dog at the shelter, then, is alone and lonely, and is waiting to be taken to caring and loving home. If you adopt a shelter dog, you know you’ll be giving them a second chance at life. This means your decision to get a dog with have two benefits – not only will you be welcoming a bundle of incredible joy into your home, but you will also be giving your bundle of joy the gift of love and security. It’s a sure foundation for many years of happiness!

2. You’ll get the right pick

Shelter dogs have been cared for by volunteers and shelter staff. Depending on how long the dog has been at the shelter, these people have a pretty good analysis of the dogs’ personalities. They know which dogs are playful, which ones are shy, which ones are more robust in their playful habits and which ones are more gentle. So when you wander into the shelter looking for a dog, these staff members are able to match you with your soul mate. Have children and want a dog that’s a gentle giant? They got you. Love sports and looking for a canine eager to go on all the hikes and play all the games? They got you. More of a couch potato yourself and just want someone you can love and cuddle? They got you!

3. They’ll be house trained

One of the trickier parts of getting a dog is house training them. There’s a whole series of steps and tricks to make sure your dog knows they need to poop and pee outside, as opposed to your tiles. With a shelter dog, you skip those steps. Shelter dogs are usually already house trained, which means it’s easier to integrate them into a home and work them into your life.

4. You won’t be supporting the puppy mills

It’s difficult to think of them, but puppy mills are a reality. In a puppy mill, dogs are treated with no care at all. They’re malnourished and under-fed, and they receive no medical attention even if they’re ill. They’re crammed into cages and viewed solely as commodities. Adult dogs are continuously bred until they can’t have a litter anymore, after which they are discarded. A puppy may be your bundle of joy, but these puppy mills certainly aren’t and we should do everything in our power to shut them down. Adopting a dog from a shelter is a sure way to not give business to these puppy mills.

5. You’ll be making space for more animals to be cared for

Giving a shelter dog a home is a beautiful thing, but it’s not just your dog you’ll be affecting. Shelters are often badly funded and with limited resources – those who work at the shelters want to love and care for as many animals as they can, but there is only so much space. Adopting a shelter dog means you’ll free up space for another dog to be taken off the streets and given the care and nourishment they require. You’ll be making a lasting difference.

6. It’s worth it

Becoming a pet parent is a magical experience. Imagine how much more magical it will be when that dog was abandoned and unloved, and you’re here now to give them that love. Research has shown that adopting a pet benefits both the adopter and the adoptee. Not only do you give a wonderful dog a home and lots of love, but you also benefit from the sense of purpose that adopting a dog can give you. Transforming an animal’s life is a transformative experience. Trust us, you’ll be the better for it.