As college students and adults that are just starting out, we’re all excited about the prospect of getting a pet of our very own and getting to choose that pet.
Many of us have an idea of the pet we want, we may even have the specific breed we want picked out, but here’s why you should adopt your next pet from a shelter rather than shopping for one.
When looking for a new pet, there are plenty of breeders everywhere that have pets at the ready and while they do need to make a living and those pets do need a home, look to the shelters before buying from a breeder.
One of the most obvious reasons to adopt from a shelter rather than buying a pet is the price. A new puppy from a breeder can cost hundreds, maybe even thousands depending on the breed. As college students, not many of us can afford that much. If you have a specific breed in mind, your mind be able to find one at an area shelter or one that needs a home from an online friend, you may just have to be patient when looking. You can always buy that specific breed later in your life when you can afford to.
By adopting a pet, you could save its life, literally. There are plenty of shelters that euthanize the pets that don’t get adopted by within a certain time frame or the older pets. Even if the pet is at a no-kill shelter, that pet knows where it is and they aren’t happy, which can be damaging to its health over an extended amount of time.
This may be something college students don’t realize, but you don’t need a puppy, adopt the older dog or cat. Pets around two – five years old are great because they come already trained, with their own personality, a long life and they will love you so much more because they know how much better their life is with you in it. They’re also the ones that need love but not a lot of attention.
Puppies and kittens are a big commitment and need a lot of training and attention and if you can dedicate that time to them and their training that’s great, but if not you can find a wonderful pet that’s a few years old and will love you for giving them a home. Plus, many older pets have reduced adoption fees or shelters waive fees during certain times of the year for older pets.