Did you know having a furry best friend is proven to make you happier? Without a doubt, people have been spending more time at home recently due to the global pandemic, and are taking to pet adoption to bring some more joy into their life. Perhaps getting a new puppy or kitty has been on your mind recently? That’s why we created this list of Top 5 Reasons to adopt from an Animal shelter, or even a Pet Rescue organization!

1. Because you’ll get a great animal. 

Animal shelters are full with happy healthy pets just waiting for a loving family to take them home. Most shelter pets wound up there because of human problems like moving or family changes, not because the animals did anything wrong. Thus, many shelter pets are already house trained and used to living with families. 

2. Because adopting costs less than Buying and comes with perks!

Usually when you adopt a pet, the cost of spay/neutering and beginning vaccinations are included in the adoption prices, which can save you a good amount of up front costs when adding a pet to your family. Depending on the pet you may also save on training expenses. 

3. Because adoption helps more than just one animal.

Overtaxed shelters take in millions of animals from all backgrounds every year, and by adopting an animal, you’re making room for others to be saved. Not only are you giving an animal a second chance, but your adoption fees go towards saving more animals and helping those shelters take better care of the animals they rescue.

4. Because Pets make you feel better. 

Pets have a way of putting a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Not only do animals give you unconditional love, but research confirms that pets provide us humans with psychological, emotional, and physical benefits. During these stressful times in which a lot of us are dealing with some sort of isolation, pets give you a sense of purpose and reduce feelings of loneliness. Pets aren't just good friends; they're also good mental health medicine and can improve a person's well-being in many ways. The world needs more love, so bring more love into your life with a new dog or cat!

5. Because you get a lifelong resource with shelter employees. 

People who work at shelters devote a lot of time to providing a good life to animals so they are great resources for information about your pet. If you have never had a pet of your own, don’t be afraid to ask for help in choosing the right shelter pup or cat for you. Additionally, many shelters have local community partners in which you can get great deals on pet care services to make being a pet parent much easier!

Looking to adopt a dog or cat in Atlanta?

For those of you who are looking to adopt dog or cat in Atlanta, the good news is that you have plenty of great options to choose from.

Laskey’s Lucky Ones & Volunteers, LLOV, is a total rehabilitation rescue. They have a dedicated team that rescues, rehabilitates, and re-homes homeless dogs and cats. We encourage you to adopt one of their dogs or cats, or view their website if you would like to volunteer. Additionally, Pack Leaders ATL, is offering a $100 credit towards dog walking, pet sitting, grooming, and pet taxi services in Atlanta.

The Altanta Humane Society is a great place to find all different kinds of dogs and cats that fit your family and they are located close to Midtown. Check out their Website to find your new best friend!!