Few people realize that nearly 4 million adoptable animals are being euthanized in US shelters every year. Yet of the 141 million owned animals that share American's homes, only 1 out of 5 has been adopted! It is often thought that abandoned animals are animals with problems. Unfortunately, the truth is that the only problem most of them have is owners who were irresponsible! In fact, countless homeless animals who are euthanized are friendly and lovable animals who would make wonderful pets. This terrible waste is due to the fact that there are just not enough people adopting. If you really love animals, why buy from a breeder or pet store, which only contributes to the pet overpopulation problem, when you can adopt and save a life?

Admittedly, shelters can be overwhelming. Many people would like to adopt, but can't face the noise and depressing nature of municipal animal control facilities. Although in years past there were few alternatives to shelters, that has changed. With the inception of thousands of rescues and progressive humane societies in recent times, there's just no excuse for not adopting any more! Millions of animals of all kinds are available to adopt all over the country, and these organizations will help you find exactly what you are looking for. Whether it be a rambunctious pup or a trained adult, or a mellow older small dog, rescues have it. And if you are set on a purebred, well, that's no problem, either! It is estimated that between 25 and 33% of all dogs in shelters are purebred, and there is a rescue for nearly every breed there is. Often these groups are willing to go the extra mile in getting you the pet you are dreaming of.

So you can save a life and be helped in finding the perfect pet for you...if that isn't enough incentive, many animal organizations have foster trial programs, where you can take an animal home on a temporary basis to get to know it a little better and see how it does in your home. Although many rescues know their animals quite well, foster trialing offers a fantastic chance for you to see how the animal interacts with the entire family and other animals, and allows the animal to relax and let its personality emerge. Fostering an animal can help you make the right choice about which animal is best suited to your lifestyle. And, thanks to foster trial programs, you will likely know a rescued pet far better than any you could buy from a breeder or pet store...before you even commit to adopting! How's that for a great opportunity?

In addition (as if that wasn't enough!) most animals in rescue organizations have been medically cared for. Tested for disease, vaccinated, and spayed or neutered, their adoption fees amount to far less than what you would pay in vet bills to have this done yourself. Many groups also offer behavioral advice and other training programs. What a deal!

So if you are ready to make a lifetime commitment to an animal, why not adopt? Between the variety of animals available, trial adoption programs, health care and behavioral advice, adoption is a fabulous option. Best of all, you will be saving a life. Please adopt, and together we can put an end to the killing of adoptable animals.

Sources:
www.hsus.org