If you’re thinking about getting a new dog, you’ve got options — from buying a puppy, to adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue. While the choice is yours to make, we’re very much pro-adoption here at Jinx.
And if you’re still on the fence about whether or not to get a dog, let us help you out a little. In this article, we’ll share a few of our top reasons to adopt a dog, and hopefully inspire you to check out your local shelters or rescues.
11 Reasons to Adopt a Dog
There are many pros of adopting a dog — from helping out a pup in need, to fighting against cruel breeding practices, and lifestyle benefits for you, too. Here are 11 reasons why you should adopt a dog:
1. You’re Saving More Than One Life
When you adopt a rescue dog, you're saving their life — but you're actually saving more than just one animal. Adopting from a shelter or rescue makes space for them to take in another dog in need, so they can give another pup a chance to become someone’s beloved pet.
2. You’re Fighting Against Cruel Breeding Practices
When you adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue, you’re supporting a community organization rather than a for-profit breeder. While there are definitely safe and reputable breeders out there, it’s hard to know for sure which ones are and which aren’t. Puppies purchased at pet stores almost always come from cruel breeding facilities where dogs are confined to small, dirty spaces and get little-to-no vet care, which is why many states have limitations or bans on selling dogs at pet stores.
3. You’re Giving a Second Chance to a Pup In Need
Many shelter or rescue dogs have been the victims of tough circumstances. When you adopt a dog, you’re giving them a second chance to start a new life with you — one where they’ll be taken care of, given a stable place to live, and maybe even get some delicious treats from time-to-time.
4. You’ll Increase Your Social Interactions
Why adopt a dog? Well, besides gaining a new canine BFF, adopting a pup can help you make new human friends, too. When you adopt a dog, you become part of a community of pet parents and dog enthusiasts — don’t be surprised if one of us strikes up a conversation with you while you at the dog park or your local dog-friendly cafe.
5. You’ll Increase Your Physical Activity
Adopting a four-legged friend helps you get out of the house more — on walks, hikes, trips to the dog park, and more. Maybe you're trying to live a more active lifestyle, or maybe you're just looking to spend more time outdoors — either way, your dog will be happy to join you.
6. You’re Helping Overcrowded Shelters
Approximately 6.3 million pets enter shelters nationwide each year. There’s simply not enough space for all of them, and shelters are in desperate need for families and individuals to adopt. When you adopt a dog who needs a home instead of buying from a breeder, you’re helping ease the overpopulation problem at shelters and rescues.
7. You’re Going The More Affordable Route
Adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue costs much less than buying from a breeder. Purchasing a dog can easily cost thousands of dollars — while adoption costs significantly less, and usually includes spaying/neutering and initial vaccinations (which can cost hundreds of dollars at the vet on their own).
It’s also important to consider that the cost to care for purebred dogs can increase drastically as they get older, since purebred dogs tend to have a much higher occurrence of genetic disorders than mixed breeds.
8. You’re Gaining The Advantages of an Adult Dog
Many dogs in shelters or rescues are adolescent or adult dogs. This means that they’re more likely to be housetrained or even know some basic commands — which can be very useful when you first bring your new pup home.
9. You’re Supporting a Community Organization
Shelters and rescues provide a valuable service to the dogs in their care. When you adopt a pup, your adoption fees contribute to the ongoing care of the other animals at the shelter.
10. You’re Adopting a Healthy Pet
Shelters and rescues often provide medical treatment, spaying/neutering, as well as any necessary vaccinations to the pups in their care — your adopted dog may even come to you microchipped!
As noted in a previous section, the same can’t be said for many of the breeding facilities that supply pet stores, which often provide their pups with little-to-no vet care.
11. You’re Improving Your Wellbeing
Pets give us unconditional love — which, in turn, is beneficial for our mental health. Pets have been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and loneliness. Turns out having a little buddy is one of the best things you can do for your own health and happiness.
Common Misconceptions About Shelter Animals
Unfortunately, several misconceptions about shelter animals often deter potential pup parents from adopting. Here are three myths we’d like to dispel:
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Shelter dogs have behavioral issues - While it’s true that some shelter dogs may require additional training or socialization, it’s important to note that purebred dogs can have behavioral issues, too. A dog’s history does not define their potential to grow and evolve into a well-behaved pup. With some training and patience, most dogs can become well-adjusted, loving companions.
- Shelter dogs are all older or less desirable breeds - Shelters and rescues are home to a variety of dogs, including purebreds and puppies. There are even rescue organizations that focus on particular popular breeds, like Golden Retrievers or Beagles. That said, mixed-breed dogs are known for their unique and charming characteristics, as well as their tendency to have less health problems than purebreds later in life.
Many people who adopt from breeders choose to do so because they want a puppy — but don’t dismiss the benefits of adopting an adult dog. Not only do adult dogs tend to have chiller personalities, they’re more likely to be housetrained. Adopting an adult dog definitely has its perks!
- Shelter dogs are less healthy - Shelters and rescues prioritize the health of their animals — providing them with necessary vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and regular vet care.
Where Can I Adopt a Dog Near Me?
Now that you know some of the many reasons to adopt a dog, hopefully you’re ready to get out there and find your new bestie. You might already know of some animal shelters and rescue organizations where you live — if not, here are a few suggestions for adopting a dog near you:
- Check out petfinder.com - Petfinder is the oldest and largest searchable online directory of animals available for adoption. Listings include photos, videos, and descriptions of adoptable animals, and shelter contact information.
- Try your local animal services shelter or humane society - If you don't know where it is, a quick Google search should do the trick.
- Research rescue organizations - If your heart is set on a particular breed, there’s probably a rescue group dedicated to it. To find breed-specific rescue groups, search on Petfinder or do a Google search (type in your location, the breed you want, and the word "rescue").
- Visit an adoption event - Many animal rescue groups hold regular adoption events at pet supply stores, parks, or other locations. Check with pet supply stores near you to see if they have any scheduled adoption events, or research adoption events online.
A note of caution: Beware of breeders posing as rescues online. While some online classified websites have prohibited ads for the sale of animals, they still allow people to post ads to rehome or adopt out dogs. If you respond to an ad like this, be sure to ask if you can visit the pup in their current home. If the person is “adopting out” several litters and has “more on the way,” or is charging unusually high adoption fees, they might be a breeder posing as a rescue.
So, Why Should You Adopt A Dog?
When you adopt a dog, you’re not only saving their life — you’re adding to yours. You’ll gain a best friend and adventure buddy, and become part of a passionate community of dog parents.
Ready to find your new canine companion? Start researching shelters and rescues in your area, and meet some of the adoptable dogs. If you’re still unsure if a dog is the right fit for you, you could always try fostering first.
Once you’ve found your perfect pup match, you’ll need to stock up on high-quality dog food and treats. From premium kibble to training treats and tasty meal toppers, Jinx has everything you’ll need to keep your pal nourished and happy.
At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.