While most people will rush to their local pet shop upon making this decision, Dear Doctor suggests considering the benefits of adopting a shelter dog.
Shelter dogs are often given a bad reputation; that they are ill mannered or flee ridden. In fact, many of the associated stigmas attached to these fluffy darlings are not true at all. At any given time it is estimated that there at least 100,000 dogs without homes in the UK. Sources such as the RSPCA and PETA UK have all reported a flood in pets being given to shelters after poor treatment or neglect in the last few years. All of these abandoned dogs desperately need a home and are often seeking a friendly environment. Read below for the key benefits of adopting a shelter dog:
A second chance
Often, animals that have ended up in a shelter have been neglected or haven’t received the best care; therefore you’ll be giving a pet a loving home and a chance for a new life.
Calmer temperament
Dogs that have previously been owned are usually a bit older, calmer and better trained. They usually already understand the rules of a regular home and won’t need as much teaching from their new owner. Only in rare cases will a dog have behavioral issues. In these cases, the shelter will be able to inform you of this beforehand.
Save a life
Even though there has been a surge in no-kill shelters, some still exist around the UK. The Metro newspaper was appalled to report that the Battersea Dogs Home were euthanizing a quarter of their dogs each year in a feature the publication ran in January 2016. Adoption of a shelter dog may be saving a life.
A loving companion
There’s a reason why they are called ‘man’s best friend’—dogs can be loving companions for anybody; if you give your love and respect to a dog you will have gained a friend for life.
Mental health treatment
Dogs are really beneficial for those suffering from mental health issues or are old and lonely. Studies have suggested that individuals with conditions like autism show improvement in emotional and cognitive abilities when interacting with dogs over extended periods of time.
Shelters make clever pairings
Most shelters can give you advice on what breed is best for your lifestyle, meaning you’ll leave with a dog whose temperament you really gel with. Likewise, the dog itself will enter into an environment that meets its needs too.
See also: The Need-To-Knows of Pet Care
Long-term advice
A lot of shelters will act as a source of advice even after you’ve taken your furry friend home. Their helpful staff can give you all the information you need to care for your chosen pet. For example, they may specify how much exercise, food and play they require.
Up-to-date treatments
Another one of the benefits of adopting shelter dogs is that shelters will treat their animals for fleas, have them micro-chipped and fully vaccinated before you take them home. There are legal requirements for shelters to make sure their dogs are up-to-date on all necessary pruning.
Mixed breed = longer life
Many dogs within shelters are mixed breeds. Unlike pure breeds or pedigrees they usually have a longer lifespan.
Fight against illegal breeding
Investing in a shelter dog may even help to reduce the puppy farm industry. Illegal puppy mills where hundreds of dogs are kept in illegal conditions are on the rise, meeting the demand for pure breed puppies.
If you are interested in adopting a shelter dog, make sure to consult the workers there to get all the information you can. It’s a good idea to meet your potential pet a few times to get acquainted and comfortable with one another. Ask as many questions as you can so the shelter can make you aware of any important requirements the dog may have. If you have enjoyed reading this article on the benefits of adopting a shelter dog, click here to read more on Celebrity Angels about how to help your pet live longer.
