Why rescue
If you're here, you probably have an idea about why adopting a dog is the better choice. But if you're on the fence, or not quite sure, here is some information that you may find useful in making your decision.
Approximately 2 million shelter animals are adopted each year (ASPCA)
Approx. 1,000 cats and dogs are euthanized daily across the country due to lack of shelter space (Humane Society)
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Many rescue dogs are in shelters or foster homes through no fault of their own and are not "damaged" or "defective"
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Many rescue dogs are already vaccinated, spayed or neutered, and housebroken! They receive necessary medical care in the shelter or through their rescue.
Adopting a dog frees up space in the shelter or with a foster family so that another dog can be saved.
Low adoption fees (that go to support the shelter or rescue organization) are often times a fraction of the cost of buying a dog from a breeder or pet store.
When you adopt from a rescue, chances are the dog has lived in a foster home- you will have information about how the dog behaves in a home environment, their energy level and if they like other dogs, kids, etc.
Some shelters and rescues allow you to foster a dog first to make sure they're a good fit for your family before you make the final decision to adopt them.
By adopting, you're not supporting puppy mills or the suffering of mother dogs who are purposely bred only for their babies to be taken from them.
Purebred dogs are more likely to have genetic problems due to being bred for specific purposes over many generations. Mixed breed dogs are less likely to have genetic health problems.
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