Why Adopt A Shelter Pet?

You have decided to add a cat or dog to your household, but where do you get your new pet? Why not adopt a shelter pet? Let’s take a look at all the great reasons why you should give these furry friends a new home and people to love.

Adopting a Shelter Pet Means …

Helping Save Animal Lives

According to the Humane Society of the United States, there are 2.4 million healthy cats and dogs put down in overcrowded shelters every year. By adopting a shelter pet, you are saving the life of a deserving animal. Most shelter pets are there because of human problems rather than something they have done. Adopting a shelter pet makes space for sick or older animals who will not find a forever home before their life ends.  Additionally, the adoption fee goes back to support shelter operations.

Stopping Animal Overpopulation

Shelters house an amazing selection of pets and most are spayed or neutered so future breeding is curbed. Places like puppy mills have poor living conditions and improper medical care. Shelter adoption is putting a dent in this atrocious business and offering a second chance for these needy animals.

A Lower Cost To You

The price of a purebred animal can start at $800 and can go well into the thousands. Adopting from a shelter is a far lower cost as the adoption fee is minimal. Shelters have already vaccinated, spayed or neutered all their animals and in some cases, the pets have been micro-chipped so you don’t have those added costs.

Unconditional Love for Singles & Families

Life can sometimes be lonely when you are single, and a cat or dog can make the perfect companions. They demand little other than food, water, shelter, and your love. They return your love unconditionally and also provide health benefits giving you the ability to cope with stress, anxiety, and depression and they take you into social situations like dog parks. Single seniors benefit greatly from having a shelter pet as the purr of a cat lowers blood pressure preventing a stroke or heart attack and a dog keeps them active, getting them out of the house to take a walk.

When a cat or dog enters a shelter they are evaluated to see what type of home they would best fit in by determining if the animal is laid back, energetic, playful, a couch potato, has an aversion to other pets, if they are housebroken and have had some basic obedience training. A family looking for a pet can rest assured that the one they chose is a good fit for them with the help of the workers at the shelter. Adopting a shelter pet teaches children compassion and responsibility. Older dogs who have lived with families before are good choices as they adapt easily to playtime and hugs and kisses their new young owners shower on them.

Welcoming Your Shelter Pet Home

Moving to a new home can be a scary experience for a shelter pet. They have already moved at least once before and now they are being introduced to a new environment again. Here are some things you can do to make the transition easier.

• Have everything you need for your new pet ready before you bring them home. A crate with a cushioned mat, a blanket, and a cuddly toy is the perfect bed for a dog while a box or basket lined with soft, washable cloths is perfect for cats. Always have bowls of food and water nearby. Both dogs and cats will try to hide when they first arrive, so don’t force them to use the beds. Eventually, they will go there on their own.
• Do not overwhelm your new pet with attention and demands. Allow them to relax and explore their new home. It is best to introduce cats to the house one room at a time.
• Show your cat where the litter box is. Establish a routine for your dog on the first day. Introduce a schedule for feeding and walking.
• Both dogs and cats experience fear with the change in living quarters and may try to escape. Make sure all windows and doors are closed and screens are secured.
• Be patient. It can take as long as a month for your dog or cat to adapt to their new home. There may have behavioral setbacks during this time. Keep calm, don’t shout and your new pet will eventually come around.

Proper Grooming and Diet

Cats are generally clean animals, but some, such as those with long hair may require regular brushing. Bathe your cat when she is most mellow and trim her claws. Dogs need a regular grooming routine. Long-haired dogs need to be brushed often to avoid tangles. Canines that love the outdoors will probably need bathing more often than dogs that prefer the indoors. Keep your dog’s nails clipped and ears clean. Regular trips to a professional groomer will benefit both cats and dogs.

Balanced nutrition is an important factor to keep your pet healthy and strong.  Enhance your dog’s health with dog food that contains easily digested grains and high-quality protein. Cats require more protein than dogs and can be finicky eaters. Tempt your new feline with chicken & rice cat food that contains a balanced blend of fish, poultry, and rice.

Bringing Home Fluffy

It takes a lot of patience and love to adopt a shelter pet, but the rewards are well worth it. Providing a safe and comfortable environment will help your new pet with the transition from shelter to forever home. Providing nutritious food, fresh water, lots of toys, and a comfortable bed shows Fluffy that this is where they belong and helps cement the new bond between you and your new companion. At Star Milling Co., we are dedicated to providing quality food for the pets in your life so they remain healthy and happy for all their days!