If you are thinking about getting a family pet, start by looking at your local shelter or rescue organization. There are millions of great companion animals in shelters all across America, and they are just sitting there waiting for a great home like yours.
Shelter and Rescue pets are not troubled, rejects, damaged goods or second-class pets. They are just pets that have been turned in for various reasons. These pets have all kinds of different stories. Many were forfeited or given up for adoption because the owners didn’t realize the amount of work it was going to take to care for them until it was to late. Others were given up due to the illness of the owner, or because the owner lost a job or lost their place to live. My last rescue was because the owner lost his job. The one before that was a stray that someone dumped in the country. Both were great dogs, as you have read here.
Are you looking for a purebred? You can find many pure breeds in the shelters and rescues. All you have to do is ask!
So whether you want a puppy or an adult dog, a purebred or a great mixed breed dog, a rabbit or hamster or even a bird, your shelter has the best selection of animals anywhere. And rest easy; they have all been screened for good health and behavior.
Don’t fall into the trap like many people have. Stay away from pet stores and websites that offer dogs, cats and other pets. A lot of these animals come from puppy and pet mill facilities were the pet’s health and well being is the last thing on their minds.
There is an old adage: “Don’t Shop … Adopt! And when you adopt, you’ll be very glad you did because you will not only be getting a great pet, you will also be saving a life. The sad truth is, for every puppy or kitten born, one dies in a shelter because it doesn’t have a home.
When you’re looking to add a pet to your life, adopting a homeless animal from your local shelter or rescue makes sense. At the shelter or rescue a pet placement expert will help you get the perfect pet for you and your families lifestyle. They have compiled all the information you’ll need to take care of and train your new pet too.
To find your local shelters and rescue groups and to see all of the pets available for adoption in your area, visit the The Shelter Pet Project and Petfinder.com
A Better Dog 4U 
Thank you for writing about this! I think that it is so important to try and inform the public… I wish more people know that when you buy a dog from a pet store or online, 99% of the time you are supporting a puppy mill.
Please keep writing 😀
Adopting a pet is a great idea! I adopted a terrier from a shelter about 2 years ago. He is a cairn terrier and he has been such a good dog. It is a shame that somebody could treat any animal poorly. He was from a puppy mill. This dog has been excellent to my family and everyone enjoys him.
We saved his life by adopting him. Many people don’t realize that adopting a pet is completely normal. There is nothing wrong with him he is just how you would have gotten him from a breeder. The only difference is that he was mistreated and as a result had to suffer his whole life without a loving family until we adopted him.
My group for my class is currently trying to raise awareness of adopting animals. It is important that people see the benefits of adopting animals. Many people think that when you are adopting an animal you are not getting a real pet. This is completely false. We are teaming up with the local no kill shelter in Philadelphia, PA to raise money and awareness of adopting pets. We hope to give pets a new life with a loving family.
Very cool, I wish you great luck with your project. A lot of great pets will be very thankful for your hard work.
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