Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/shelters-small-pets/

Most people turn to pet stores when it comes to adding a small pet like a hamster or gerbil to their family unit. But would it surprise you to learn that many animal rescues are home to oodles of little fur balls and feathered friends that need a home even more? It’s true, animal shelters don’t just take in dogs and cats. They have birds, rabbits, turtles, chinchillas, mice, and the list goes on and on.

San Diego Humane Society

Take the San Diego Humane Society, for example. While they have a number of campuses, you’d likely be shocked at how many small pets are waiting there for adoption. And they’re young, so you don’t have to worry about whether they’re near the end of a relatively short lifespan. They have hamsters as small as 8 weeks old plus guinea pigs with straight hair and rosettes barely a year old.

Small Pet Adoption

Small pets are more commonly found at larger facilities rather than smaller all-volunteer-based rescues, but you likely have one in your area. Seldom called “pounds” anymore, your local government animal intake facility could be the best option for rescuing a small pet in need, and they’re just as lovable as those sitting in a pet store.

In fact, they may be an even better choice due to the fact they’ve been seen by veterinarians upon intake or surrender and are monitored daily by staff with a background in pet health and welfare.

Spay & Neuter

Another huge plus is that most, if not all, of these animals have been spayed or neutered, so if you bring home more than one or you’re looking for a companion animal to a tiny fur baby already living with you, you don’t have to worry about a large litter of offspring popping up like clockwork.

Adoption Fees

Another plus is low adoption fees. They can be as low as free but often average between $10 and $20. Those fees include the cost of their sterilization and any shots or vaccines that may have been deemed necessary. Depending on where you live, this is in line with pet store prices, and with pet stores, you have no idea what their health history is. So, what do you have to lose?

Adopt, Don’t Shop

Please at least consider adopting a pet in need rather than racing out and buying one. Doing so supports animal rescue and lightens the load of shelters that are already under a tremendous amount of pressure trying to handle the influx of dogs and cats that pour in daily.

Enjoy your new pet!

Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog