10 Reasons to adopt a dog

Rescue dogs have become quite trendy haven’t they? Graham Norton, Paul O’Grady and Lily Allen are just some of the British stars that have adopted their pets and actively advocate for rescuing. On a serious note, there are reasons why it’s now so popular to adopt. More and more people are waking up to the plight of dogs seeking homes, and the importance of giving them a loving, responsible and forever home so that they can finally relax and be comfortable and secure.

May 20th is National Rescue Dog Day and so it seems apt to shine a light on the rewarding experience of adopting a pup. It will be life-changing in so many ways and in most cases, a total win-win, here’s why:

You’ll save a life

There are around 100,000 dogs without homes in the UK at any given time, according to Peta. We do have many shelters in this country that take in homeless animals and give them care and accommodation but there isn’t space for all of them. This results in about 21 dogs being euthanised every day, something which is simply traumatic for all involved. By adopting a dog from a shelter, you’re literally saving a life because even if dogs are permanently housed in a shelter, it’s not quite the same as being in a home of their own.

Support with care

Many shelters not only ensure that dogs are fully vaccinated and health checked before adoption, they can also help with ongoing care. Whether you have some behavioral questions or health-related concerns, supportive staff and volunteers are generally there for you.

Reduce initial expense

The cost of adopting a dog is far lower than purchasing one. The fee for a specific breed can go into the thousands, but for a rescue it’s much much lower. Battersea, for example, charges a £175 rehoming fee which includes health check, initial vaccinations, microchip, name tag, collar and lead.

Pre-trained

 

The bonus of taking home a rescue dog is that often (not always) they will have been house-trained and be used to living in a family. The likelihood you’ll adopt an adult dog is much higher than when you purchase which can be a big plus for owners. Let’s face it, having a new puppy around, although a lot of fun, can be hard graft! 

Avoiding puppy mills and irresponsible breeders

By opting for adoption, you’re voting against puppy mills and irresponsible breeders. Puppy mills treat dogs abhorrently, putting profit before animal rights by perpetually breeding female dogs until they can no longer produce. Generally, the dogs are separated from the mother very early and live in poor conditions. Irresponsible breeders often disregard dogs’ welfare as well. Going to a shelter to find your dog means less demand for puppy mills.

A beautiful connection (they often choose you!)

Quite often when we decide to get a dog, we have an idea what our preferred pet might be like. But, this can quickly get turned on its head when we visit the shelter and you end up falling in love with the dog you least expected to! Based on your needs and lifestyle, staff at the shelter can pair you up with a dog you might never have thought of and it can turn out to be the most beautiful connection.
 

You’re supporting important work

Rescuing a dog from a local shelter helps sustain their important work. By paying the adoption fee or giving the appropriate donation you’re helping them further their cause and keep their organization afloat. When you have a positive adoption experience, you’re also likely to recommend the shelter to other friends or acquaintances that wish to adopt.

You’re helping with overpopulation

There are too many dogs without a home and by supporting shelters, you’re contributing to eliminating this problem. If dogs are picked up by shelters, they’re more likely to be spayed or neutered when the time is right. Unfortunately owners do not always take care of this necessary step and puppy mills contribute to the issue too.

Gain a friend for life

Dogs just want to be loved and cared for and are full of affection for humans who treat them well. A rescue dog will be your friend for life if you invest some time and patience into gaining their trust and respect.

Better health and longevity

Dogs improve human health and wellbeing, just by being there! They can help you get more exercise, reduce anxiety, increase confidence and meet new people. Rescue dogs can be particularly good therapy pets if they themselves have lived through hardships, and can be a great talking point in the neighborhood when out walking!