Bringing home a new pet is incredibly exciting, and when your new furry pal is a shelter or rescue pet, it’s also a rewarding experience. Is there any better feeling than knowing you saved a pet’s life by giving them a loving, happy home? We don’t think so. Plus, there are so many benefits to adopting a shelter or rescue pet. Here are five of our Stone Ridge Conroe team’s  top reasons to give a homeless pet a second chance.

#1: You know exactly what you’re getting with a shelter pet

One of the top reasons dogs are surrendered to animal shelters is because people don’t realize how big they’ll get. While you might be attracted to a puppy at an animal shelter or rescue, adopting an adult pet won’t hold any surprises in terms of weight and size. 

In addition, you’ll be able to discover your potential pet’s personality, activity level, and attitude toward small children and other pets, which are key factors to consider when searching for the perfect companion. Plus, your entire family can have a meet-and-greet with your new pet to ensure everyone gets along, or you may be able to foster the pet before committing to adoption. Animal shelters and rescues want their pets to find the best possible fit for their unique personalities and traits, so they are often willing to go the extra mile to ensure each family member is compatible with a new pet. 

#2: Shelter and rescue pets are typically up to date on veterinary care

 A new puppy or kitten has to undergo a vaccination series, deworming, microchipping, and spaying or neutering. However, most adult shelter or rescue pets have already been fully vaccinated, microchipped, and spayed or neutered. They may have also been tested—and treated, if possible—for diseases such as feline leukemia, feline immunodeficiency virus, heartworm disease, and Lyme disease. Additionally, you’ll know if the adult pet has any chronic medical conditions that require lifelong treatment. Joint disease, allergies, eye conditions, organ dysfunction, and other conditions can require financial and time commitments you may be unable to manage, but you’ll know upfront if a potential pet has these issues. 

#3: A shelter or rescue pet likely already has some training

Training a new puppy or kitten requires an extensive time commitment. An older cat or dog, however, likely already knows how to behave in a household and is house-trained. Some dogs have also gone through training classes when younger, and can perform a variety of tricks or obedience commands. If you want to skip the house- or crate-training phase, search for an older pet to adopt.

#4: All pets are good for your health, but shelter pets offer an extra boost

Pet ownership provides a host of health benefits. Not only will your new pet encourage you to be more active, which is good for your cardiovascular fitness, but they’ll also improve your mood, lower your blood pressure, and help you battle feelings of depression, anxiety, or loneliness. Plus, when you adopt a shelter pet, you’ll receive an extra boost of love and undying devotion from your new furry pal. Rescued pets are typically incredibly appreciative when they’ve been saved and welcomed into a new family, and you can see it in their everyday actions. 

#5: You’re saving more than one life when you adopt a shelter pet

When you adopt a pet from an animal shelter, rescue, or foster-care situation, you’re not only saving their life, but the life of another pet. By freeing up space and resources, you can help more pets than just the one you recently adopted, so head to your local shelter and see which pet sneaks into your heart, your family, and your home.

Have you recently welcomed home a new rescue pet? We’d love to meet them! Contact our Stone Ridge Conroe team to schedule an appointment, and ensure your new furry pal is in tip-top shape.