f you are in the process of looking for a new addition to your family, then you may be overwhelmed with all of the adoption options.  Each of your options has its own advantages and disadvantages, so no one choice is best for everyone.  There are plenty of reasons that a shelter or dog pound is a great place to adopt a new pooch.  Here are a few benefits of, and suggestions for, shelter adoption.

The most obvious advantage to picking a pup from a shelter is that you are freeing up additional space in the shelter, keeping one less animal from being euthanized.  Many people worry that the animal is in the shelter because of a bad behavior or illness.  In fact, most animals are living in shelters because their previous owners could not take care of them.  Even purebreds end up at shelters!  For instance, a person may buy a purebred Australian Shepherd from a breeder without realizing the energy level of the breed.  The person soon realizes that he or she cannot devote enough attention to the dog; thus, it ends up at a shelter. 

You can also rest assured knowing that a shelter will not allow you to adopt an overly aggressive or ill animal.  This is another great benefit of adopting from a shelter.  Many shelters may even make you go through a screening process before they allow you to adopt.  The process may consist of an application and an at-home interview.  The shelter cares for the animals that it houses; therefore, the staff may not let just anyone take home a pet.

Another advantage to shelter adoption is cost.  Perhaps you have checked on the cost of buying from a pet store or breeder.  A puppy can be anywhere from a couple of hundred dollars to thousands!  Plus, the price does not normally include any veterinary care.  At a shelter, you can usually adopt for less than $100.  This may still seem pricey, but you must understand that it covers the dog’s stay at the shelter.  The money helps keep the shelter running in order to help other animals.  In addition to overhead, the money may also cover vaccinations or spaying and neutering.  If spaying and neutering are not covered, the shelter will require you to have the procedure done, possibly at a discount.  Spaying and neutering help prevent more homeless animals!  Shelters are not out to make money by selling dogs and cats; they are looking for good homes for the animals.

If you are considering adopting from a shelter, then it’s a good idea to know what you are looking for before you arrive.  For example, you don’t want an overly rambunctious pooch living in a small apartment.  Once you get there and see all those cute doggy eyes, then you may forget what you are looking for!  Research the different breeds and their habits.  Even though you are necessarily getting a purebred at the shelter, you can still get insight into how the mixed breeds will act.  Age is also a factor to consider.  Yes, many people are drawn to those adorable puppies, but not everyone has the time and resources to care for a puppy.  In other words, don’t rule out adopting an adult pooch.

When you get to the shelter, spend time playing with all of the prospects.  Ask the staff to let you spend time with each dog one-on-one.  Don’t get your feelings hurt if your first choice does not seem to enjoy your company.  “Shop around” and find the one that is right for you.  You don’t have to walk away with a pooch on your first visit.  Instead, use the visit to get a better idea of what you are looking for.  Then, check out other shelters or return to the first shelter later on.

Shelter adoption is a great choice.  You are essentially saving a pet’s life, without breaking your budget.  Shelters take good care of their animals; they won’t let you adopt an aggressive animal, and they won’t let just any person adopt.  Before you visit the shelter, have an idea of what you are looking for.  Once you get there, spend time playing with the dogs until you find the one that’s right for you.  It may take more than one visit, but you’ll find the perfect pet in no time!

About the author:
This article was provided by Pet-Super-Store an online pet store featuring dog carriers, dog doors and dog crates.