Original Article: https://blog.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/adoptashelterdogmonth/
Since 1981, Adopt-a-Dog Month has been observed every October in an effort to help the estimated 3-4 million animals waiting in shelters every year get the loving, forever homes that they deserve.
According to American Humane, the local shelter is the perfect place to find dogs of every breed, size, age and personality — all waiting for a loving home.
Of course, it doesn’t have to be October to help a canine in need by offering them a loving forever home. As Total Veterinary Care reports, a new dog can help you feel good knowing you’ve helped saved another life. What’s more, a dog can help you lower blood pressure and deal with stress better.
Children also love to play with a happy-go-lucky dog. Not only does a dog encourage healthy play, they can teach young ones a good sense of compassion.
Many shelters even offer seasonal price reductions to encourage adoptions during particularly busy periods, the Richmond Road Vet Clinic reports. You can also get a better idea of which pet matches your temperament when you’re able to observe them at a shelter. Most shelters will allow you to take dogs out into their animal run so you can even “try before you buy.”
You don’t have to worry that a shelter will stop caring for a pet once it’s been adopted, either. If you open your home to a shelter pet, you can rely on the advice and expertise of the shelter workers to help you make informed choices about your pet’s care. And because most dogs in shelters are mixed breeds, they have a varied gene pool, which often results in better overall health for the dog.
Even if you don’t have pets of your own, you can still participate in Animal Safety and Prevention Month by volunteering at your local animal shelter. As the Puppy Up Foundation reports, you can also foster a pet until it finds its new forever home. For those animal lovers who don’t have a lot of free time, donating money or much needed supplies to your local animal shelters is always appreciated. This will help to ensure that pets waiting to be re-homed will get all the necessary care.
Click below to take the Adopt A Shelter Dog Month pledge and help us support these lovable animals year round!
Source: The Animal Rescue Site Blog
