Introduction
The problem of homeless animals is relevant worldwide; every year, the number of cats and dogs forced to live on the street is growing. Abandoned animal statistics report that the number of homeless animals in the US is as high as 70 million (Stancheva, 2021). Shelters do not always cope with so many pets, and although they try to provide everything necessary, the living conditions of animals are hardly promising. Shelter workers cannot pay enough attention to each animal, and dogs, accustomed to humans, need it especially. Nevertheless, if everyone chose dogs in shelters instead of buying an animal, most of them would have already found their home.
Argumentation
Those wishing to get a pet should pay attention to rescue dogs for several reasons. First, saving an animal is a good and kind act that the saved animal will never forget. If you are going to take a dog for the first time, then you can take a fully trained dog that will not cause any problems. Taking care of an adult, a well-mannered dog will be much easier than caring for a puppy. Another undoubted plus is that you can take a dog with a specific suitable character and not be afraid that it will not get along with family members or other animals.
If you adopt a rescue dog, you can be sure that it is healthy and has been tested. Many dogs have undergone extensive veterinary examinations and behavioral assessments (Menchetti et al., 2021). A critical plus will be a small adoption fee, given that the vaccine and sterilization of the animal have already been carried out. The average animal adoption fee ranges from $70 to $300 (Woman Animal Shelter, 2022). Some dogs in the rescue are purebreds so that rescuers can provide a large selection of desired characteristics. Finally, another benefit is the shelter’s option to take the dog for a test drive (Reid & Rehner‐Fleurant, 2022). If you have children or other animals at home, this is an excellent opportunity to see if they will get along with future family member.
Persuasion
Future dog owners should understand the responsibility that pet keepers take. There is nothing to worry about with rescue dogs: these are intelligent animals that have spent years in training and will not cause problems (Munkeboe et al., 2021). This is an ideal option for those who fear that the dog may grow aggressive. All a rescue dog needs are love and affection, and they will obligingly reciprocate you. Each dog taken from rescuers will open one more place for a new rescued life. If you adopt a dog from a shelter, you are not only giving it a home, but you are helping to give another animal a chance to find a family.
Conclusion
Adopting a rescue dog from a shelter instead of buying one has a considerable number of advantages. The price, the availability of veterinary checks, and the opportunity to choose a pet with a particular character is a significant plus. You can be sure that the dog is healthy, educated, and has passed all the necessary checks. Shelters also offer a wide selection of puppies, among which there are often thoroughbreds. But the most important thing is the opportunity to help not just one animal find a home but also make room for another saved life. Adopt, don’t shop!
References
Menchetti, L., Righi, C., Guelfi, G., Enas, C., Moscati, L., Mancini, S., & Diverio, S. (2019). Multi-Operator Qualitative Behavioural Assessment for dogs entering the shelter. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 213, 107-116.
Munkeboe, N., Lohse-Lind, A., Sandøe, P., Forkman, B., & Nielsen, S. S. (2021). Comparing Behavioural Problems in Imported Street Dogs and Domestically Reared Danish Dogs—The Views of Dog Owners and Veterinarians. Animals, 1
Stancheva, T. (2022). Stray Animal Statistics – What Are the Actual Numbers In 2021. Pawsome Advice.
Woman Animal Shelter. (2022). Adoption Process & Fees. Womensanimalcenter.org.