Loving pets of all sizes and shapes are waiting in animal shelters, hoping to find a permanent home.

Shelter animals can make wonderful, life-long companions if only given the chance. People often think shelters contain only the "rejects": pets who have a health or behavior problem. This is not true; shelters are filled with animals who would like nothing more a chance at a happy life, and their own family to share it with.

There are so many reasons for adopting from a shelter:

• Shelters have all types of pets: mixed breeds, purebreds, big and small pets ... pets are vet-checked and healthy, ready for their new homes.


• You save money. Shelter pets are far less expensive than those you would find at a pet store or a breeder. And make no mistake, there are lots of purebreds at shelters, if that is what you're looking for!  Pets are vet-checked, vaccinated, dewormed, and spay/neuter surgery is usually included as part of the cost. You also get literature on caring for new your pet, plus support and guidance from shelter staff if you have questions.


•  Shelter pets make wonderful companions. Some have never had a home, others were abandoned or surrendered by their previous owners. Some are the victims of divorce, illness, allergies, a new baby, inexperienced owners, a move that didn't include them, and many other reasons.  But most shelter pets are loving animals who are grateful to have a second chance at a happy life. They can and do bond with their new owners, and become the most devoted and loving of family pets.
  


• You save a life, and do your part in combatting pet overpopulation. A sad fact of life is that there are far too many homeless pets than there are loving homes to care for them. When you adopt from a shelter, you save a life and free up a cage for another needy animal waiting to be adopted. Your money goes towards running the shelter, pet education, and spay/neuter surgery. All of this, and you gain a loving companion too!