Bringing a pet into your home can be one of the most rewarding, loving and memorable experiences in life. But when you’ve made the decision to buy a furry friend, how do you go about finding the right one?

Going to the local pet store and picking out the cutest animal may not be the best way to go about it, as these pets often come from animal mills or irresponsible breeders. When you’re on the lookout for a dog or cat, consider adopting from an animal shelter.

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Read below to explore why rescuing an animal is better for you, and your pet.

1. Less Training Required

Often animals in shelters have been lost or estranged from their original owners. A family most likely loved and cared for these animals, meaning someone has spent time and effort teaching the pet how to behave. Choosing an animal from a shelter is a great option for those who are unable to put in the time and effort of training a pet from scratch, or may not be well acquainted with pet training techniques.

2. A Better Match

Most rescue pets have already matured into their adult character. By being able to observe the animal’s behaviour at a shelter, you can choose a pet with a personality type that’s best for you. In addition, adopting from a shelter gives you more information about your prospective pet. Some animals taken to a shelter could require special attention or care, which may or may not be right for you at the time. For this reason, adopting from a shelter can be a great advantage – you are given the ability to make informed choices relating to breed, size, age, colour, needs and temperament.

3. Great Family Companions

Source: Flickr.com

As mentioned, at a shelter you’ll find a range of animal personalities, needs and ages to choose from. Pre-loved pets from a rescue group are excellent additions to a family home. Rambunctious puppies or fragile kittens may not be suitable for a busy, hectic, household with children. However, animals that have been socialised may be exactly what you’re after.

4. A Cost-Effective Solution

Adoption isn’t free, but when you consider what’s included in your rescue fee, the value is apparent. For example, an average adoption fee for a dog from a shelter its between $200 and $800 dollars. This price includes general wellness fees like a veterinarian check-up, vaccination, micro-chipping, and de-sexing. If you were to buy an animal from a pet shop, expect to pay $600 to $1200 dollars just to take your furry friend home – health costs not included.

5. Access To Advice

The generous and caring individuals who run animal shelters and rescue groups are involved with the cause because they truly love animals. You can be sure that the employees and volunteers have the pet’s best interest at heart, so they will work with you to find the right pet for your home and lifestyle. Rescue groups have multiple resources and counsellors on hand to assist should you need advice, whether it be for both choosing your pet or once you’re back at home. Follow-up services and support from the shelter is a huge benefit of adopting also.

6. Your Actions Saves Lives

By adopting a pet, you’re giving a homeless animal a new beginning. The ethical choice of rescuing an animal benefits all parties involved. Saving an animal helps eradicate overpopulation and irresponsible breeding practices.

7. Pay It Forward

Your good deed of rescuing an otherwise unwanted and helpless shelter animal may inspire others around you to do the same.

Spot on Pet Enclosures can help create a comfortable home for your new pet. Contact them today at 1300 322 892.