October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, and here are five reasons why shelters are the best place to find a canine companion.
Shelters everywhere are overflowing with loving, healthy and friendly dogs of every age, size, and personality.
Most shelters have adoption counselors available to help match prospective guardians with the perfect animal for their lifestyle, activity level and experience. Purebreds and puppies are plentiful at shelters, but mixed-breed dogs are free from many of the serious health problems that plague purebreds. Adopting an adult dog ensures that “what you see is what you get” in terms of the dog’s size, grooming needs, energy level and temperament.
Shelter adoption fees are typically hundreds less than what pet stores and breeders charge, and they usually include spaying or neutering, microchipping, deworming and vaccinations.
Adopting saves a life!
Lindsay Pollard-Post
The PETA Foundation
Norfolk, Va.