You can save the life of a homeless dog and find a faithful lifelong companion by adopting a dog during American Humane’s Adopt-a-Dog Month. Big dogs, small dogs, mutts, purebreds, grown dogs and puppies – all types of dogs can be found at your local shelter or rescue organization. Whatever dog you choose, it will certainly enhance your life, make you smile and improve your overall health. And – you will be saving the life of a homeless animal and adding an important member to your family.
Millions of dogs are surrendered to shelters and rescue organizations each year, not because they are bad or unlovable, but because their owners just could not take care of them anymore. During these tough financial times, some owners can no longer bear the burden of properly caring for their pets or they move and cannot take their pets with them. Their dogs become homeless and are looking for a second chance at a happy life.
American Humane works with local animal welfare organizations, shelters and rescue groups throughout the country to promote adoptions and enhance the bond that people share with their companion animals. Each year, American Humane sponsors Adopt-A-Dog Month and gives shelters tools and resources to continue fostering lifelong relationships between people and pets.
American Humane encourages everyone to visit their local shelters, learn about the services they provide and see all the wonderful dogs looking for their forever homes. Click here for tips for promoting Adopt-a-Dog Month.
Research shows that owning a dog promotes good exercise habits, help lower blood pressure and prevent heart disease, and fight depression and loneliness. Additionally, dogs can serve as “social aids,” helping people get to one another, leading to meaningful conversations, and increasing social contact and greater bonds between people.
The American Humane website provides resources on the adoption process, behavior and training, and pet care. The organization works year-round to support animal welfare organizations, promote adoptions and enhance the bond that people share with their companion animals.
Here are a few reasons to make pet adoption your first option:
- Many shelters offer free services as part of the adoption package such as training materials, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and even microchipping and microchip registration;
- Most animal shelters are staffed with adoption counselors who are in trained making the perfect match between pets and people, based on lifestyle, other pets in the family and preferences.
- Most animal shelters screen incoming pets for major health and behavior issues and make sure applicants know of any potential problems.
For more information on adoption from the Best Friends Pet Care Library:
Photo courtesy of MorgueFile.com.