Every day, millions of shelter pets in the United States eagerly wait to find their forever family and a place to finally call home. Days, weeks, months, and sometimes, even years, pass before someone takes an interest in a homeless animal. Sadly, some pets may never get a second chance for a new beginning. Nearly 6 million cats and dogs entered shelters and rescues across the country in 2024. This is equivalent to the population of the state of Colorado.
Adopting a pet is a big decision and commitment. We spoke with experts to learn more about the benefits of adopting, shelter pet myths, and resources to find and care for your next animal companion.
Reasons to Adopt a Pet
Pet adoption is a rewarding experience that makes a positive impact in plenty of ways. Here are six reasons why adopting is the way to go.
1. Adoption Saves Lives
When you adopt a pet, you’re quite literally saving a life. “According to Best Friends data, more than 1,000 dogs and cats are killed every day simply because they don’t have a safe place to call home,” says Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society. “This is solvable if just 6% more people who are looking to add a pet to their family would choose to adopt rather than purchase a pet from a breeder or pet store.”
She continues, “Right now, there are thousands of deserving dogs and cats of all shapes, sizes, ages, and activity levels looking for loving homes to call their own. You can be their hero and help solve the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters.”
2. Adoption Supports Ethical Ownership
Along with saving lives, adoption helps discourage unethical breeding practices. “Most puppies for sale in pet stores and online are born and raised in factory-like, inhumane settings called puppy mills, where people see animals as a cash commodity rather than the way you or I do—as valued living beings deserving of homes that foster health and happiness,” Castle says.
Dogs who come from puppy mills may be deprived of socialization and exercise and in poor, unspeakable conditions where they’re confined to wire cages their entire lives, never knowing what it’s like to feel the sunshine on their face while out on a walk or even stand on solid ground.
At this time, it’s legal for licensed breeders to own 1,000 or more dogs. Puppies and dogs from mills have an increased chance of suffering from health problems due to factors, such as malnourishment, genetic issues from inbreeding, and overall poor health care, Castle says. Puppy mill breeders also provide pets with minimal human interaction, increasing the risk of significant behavioral issues.
“When you adopt, you are helping to reduce the demand that keeps breeders in business,” says Casey Christopher, director of programs at Lange Foundation. “…There are plenty of perfectly adoptable animals of all breeds in shelters and rescues. Adopting a pet helps to save lives and end the needless euthanasia of animals.”
3. Adoption Saves You Money
Adoption fees are typically much lower and cost-effective than breeder or pet store prices. Some shelters or rescues may even reduce or waive adoption fees to encourage adoptions. You can generally expect this low adoption fee to include the cost of spaying or neutering, vaccinating, and microchipping each pet.
“If you are looking to add a puppy or kitten to your family, shelters or even breed-specific rescues have them in all sizes and breeds, but these puppies and kittens have had veterinary care, and are fixed, vaccinated, and microchipped,” Castle says. “Choosing the adoption option is much less expensive than buying a pet and much more humane.”
4. Adoption Offers Variety
No matter whether your idea of the perfect pet is a cat, dog, pocket pet, bird, reptile, or fish, there’s bound to be one waiting to find their forever home near you. Whether you prefer a playful kitten or a calm senior dog, shelters offer pets of all ages to suit your lifestyle
“Shelter staff often have information on whether a pet is housetrained or known to be good with children or other pets, so that helps with finding a great fit for your household,” Castle says. “And if you choose to adopt a young adult or older pet, you can often get a jump start on house-training and avoid teething altogether.”
5. Adopting Feels Good
Giving a shelter animal a forever home and helping them live their best life is incredibly rewarding—for you and your new best furry, feathery, or scaly friend. Though you may wonder who really rescued who, you can rest assured that you’ve changed each other’s lives for the better.
6. Adoption Helps More Than One Pet
Adoption saves more than just the pet you bring home—it saves other homeless pets’ lives, too.
“When you adopt, you not only save that animal’s life, but you make space for the shelter or rescue to take in another animal in their place,” Christopher says. “So, you are actually saving two lives.”
Additionally, the adoption fees go right back to helping the shelter or rescue care for new animals in need. When you adopt, you’re giving back to homeless pets directly by both making valuable space for them and funding their care
Addressing Common Objections
There are many myths that surround shelter pets and can result in amazing animals being misunderstood and overlooked.
Some common misconceptions about shelter animals include:
“Shelter pets are damaged.”
Nothing could be further from the truth, Castle says. “Adopters should remember that most homeless pets were once part of a family, but through no fault of their own, ended up in a shelter,” she explains. “They just need a second chance. Adopted pets typically acclimate to their new home quickly after learning the new routine and are so grateful to be part of a family again.”
“You can’t find purebreds in shelters.”
While shelters and rescues have a myriad of mixed-breed pets, you could very well find a purebred. According to Castle, approximately 20% of pets at shelters and rescues are purebred.
You could also fall in love with another type of pet altogether when presented with several options at a shelter or rescue group. “It’s really about connecting with a pet and considering whether they would be a good fit for your lifestyle,” she says. “If you’re active, you may want an exercise buddy, while a homebody may prefer more of a couch potato pal.”
“Adopted pets have behavioral issues.”
Animals find themselves in shelters for various reasons beyond behavior, such as an owner’s financial challenges, relocation, or inability to meet their needs. There are countless shelter pets who are socialized and trained without any behavior issues.
Those who display certain unwanted behaviors, like excessive barking or reactivity, could be stressed due to being in an unfamiliar, overwhelming shelter environment. A nurturing, stable home and positive reinforcement training can make a world of difference to these animals.
“Adopted pets have health problems.”
There are perfectly healthy pets of all ages available for adoption. Although there are some who do unfortunately have health issues, this isn’t the case for all shelter pets. Illnesses and/or special needs are typically disclosed to potential adopters.
And remember—these pets deserve a home, too!