Fostering and Adopting Pets Saves Lives

I am a huge animal advocate.  Every dog I have ever owned was a rescue.  Every cat I ever owned was either a rescue or a stray that decided to live at my home. Pets are such incredible beings and we, as humans, treat them so off-handedly and callously.  They are so much more than "just animals".  They are sentient beings with feelings, thoughts, and desires just like us.  They even understand some of our language. I have written about the need to adopt from shelters here and here before so this post comes as no surprise to anyone.

We as a nation have a serious problem with over-population of pets.  Because of this, thousands of pets are killed every year in shelters.  These innocent lives are lost because of the ignorance of some people.  There is such an aversion to spay and neutering in this country and I can't understand it.  Research clearly shows that preventing unwanted pregnancies increases the lifespan, the health, and the happiness of pets.

Breeders should have to be licensed and educated on safe and ethical breeding practices.  Backyard breeders need to be banned; with heavy fines for every unwanted animal they discard like trash.

The alternative is to foster and/or adopt pets from shelters and rescues. This has become increasingly popular in recent years, and for a good reason. The simple act of taking in a homeless pet and providing it with a safe and loving home can make a significant difference in the life of an animal. Not only does fostering and adopting help animals, but it also helps to reduce the number of animals that are euthanized in shelters every year. Now, let's explore the benefits of fostering and adopting pets, and how it can save the lives of dogs and cats yearly.

Statistics

According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million companion animals enter animal shelters in the US each year. Out of this number, 3.3 million are dogs and 3.2 million are cats. Unfortunately, not all these animals get to find homes, and around 1.5 million are euthanized yearly. The sad reality is that these animals end up in shelters due to no fault of their own. They may have been abandoned, lost, or surrendered by their previous owners due to a change in circumstances. However, with the help of foster and adoptive families, these animals can find a new chance at life.

When a dog or cat is taken in by a foster or adoptive family, it frees up space in animal shelters, allowing them to take in more animals in need. This, in turn, helps to reduce the number of animals that are euthanized due to overcrowding. By fostering or adopting a pet, you can help to save the life of an animal that might have otherwise been put down.

Benefits of Fostering and Adopting

Fostering and adopting also provide a wide range of benefits for both the animals and their new families. Animals that have been through a traumatic experience such as being abandoned or surrendered often have behavioral issues that can make it harder for them to find permanent homes. 

By fostering a pet, you can provide them with a temporary home and help them overcome their issues. This, in turn, makes it easier for them to be adopted by a permanent family. Adopting a pet also comes with benefits such as providing companionship, reducing stress levels, and even improving physical health.


Another benefit of fostering and adopting is that you can save money compared to buying a pet. Most animal shelters charge a small fee for fostering or adopting a pet, which covers the cost of vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and other medical expenses. In contrast, buying a pet from a breeder can cost thousands of dollars, and the pet may not even be guaranteed to be healthy or free from genetic disorders.

Breeders and responsibilities

As stated earlier in this post, we need to look backyard breeders who put money ahead of the animals. This is unethical and usually ends badly for the animal and/or the person who "buys" that pet. You can help to reduce the demand for breeding pets simply by adopting or fostering from shelters. 

The breeding of dogs and cats for commercial purposes often results in inhumane treatment of animals, and many of the offspring are sold to pet stores or online marketplaces, which perpetuates the cycle. By fostering or adopting, you can help reduce the demand for breeding and promote the adoption of homeless pets.

So you see you can help to save the lives of dogs and cats yearly by providing a temporary or permanent home for an animal in need and you can help reduce the number of animals that are euthanized in shelters due to overcrowding.

 Additionally, fostering and adopting come with many benefits for both the animals and their new families. So, if you are considering getting a pet, I encourage you to look into fostering or adopting from your local animal shelter. You could be saving a life and making a significant difference in the life of an animal in need.

Adopting a Dog: Things to Think About

The Definitive Guide to Adopting, Rescuing and Fostering Dogs from Shelters

Why you should consider Adopting, Rescuing and Fostering Dogs from Shelters?

Adopting, rescuing and fostering dogs from shelters can be an incredibly rewarding experience. It can also be a difficult and challenging process. Knowing the steps to take in order to ensure that you are providing the best possible home for your new four-legged family member is essential. From researching the right breed for your lifestyle, to visiting local shelters, and finally bringing your new pup home; there is a process that needs to be followed in order to ensure a successful adoption or fostering experience. By understanding what this process entails, you can provide your pup with the best possible start in life.

Adopting a pet is a big decision, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Not only do you get a furry friend to cuddle with, but you're also helping an animal in need. While some people choose to buy pets from pet stores or breeders, adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization can have many benefits.

First, adopting a pet is often less expensive than buying one. Many shelters and rescue organizations offer adoption fees that are much lower than the cost of purchasing a pet. Additionally, adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization means that you're getting a pet that has already been spayed or neutered and vaccinated, saving you additional expenses.

Another benefit of adopting a pet is that you're giving an animal a second chance at a happy life. Many pets in shelters are there because their previous owners couldn't care for them anymore, or they were found as strays. By adopting a pet, you're giving them a loving home and the care they need to thrive.

Puppies vs. Adult Dogs – Which Should You Choose?

Choosing a puppy or an adult dog is a difficult decision that requires careful consideration. Puppies are undeniably adorable and bring lots of joy, but they also require more time and attention than adult dogs. On the other hand, adult dogs have already been trained and can provide companionship for years to come. In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of puppies versus adult dogs so that you can make an informed decision when deciding which one to bring home.

Benefits of Adopting Senior Dogs From Shelters

Adopting a senior dog from a shelter can bring tremendous joy to the family. Not only do they provide companionship and unconditional love, but they also come with a host of other benefits that make them an ideal choice for families looking for a new pet. From being pre-trained and well-behaved, to being less expensive and easier to care for, senior dogs from shelters can be the perfect addition to any home.

When it comes to adopting a pet, senior pets can often be overlooked, but they can make wonderful companions. Senior pets may be slower or have special needs, but they still have so much love to give. Adopting a senior pet means that you're giving them a chance to spend their golden years in a loving home.

Fostering Pets - The Most Rewarding Experience

If you're not ready to commit to a permanent pet, fostering can be a great option. Fostering a pet means that you take care of them in your home for a short period of time, usually until they find their forever home. Fostering can be a rewarding experience because you're providing a pet with a safe and comfortable home while they wait to be adopted.

Fostering a pet is one of the most rewarding experiences you will ever have. It can bring joy, companionship, and a sense of purpose to your life. Not only do you get to give an animal a safe and loving home, but you also get to help the animal in need while getting all the love they can give back in return. Fostering pets is not just about providing food and shelter - it's about providing emotional support as well. From playing with them to teaching them basic commands or even taking them for walks, fostering pets can be incredibly fulfilling. 

In conclusion, adopting a pet is a great way to give an animal in need a second chance at life while also adding a furry friend to your family. Whether you choose to adopt a senior pet or foster a pet temporarily, you'll be making a positive impact on the lives of animals. If you're looking for an experience that will make a lasting impact on your life, consider fostering a pet today!