5 Misconceptions About Adopting a Shelter Animal

When people begin to look for a new pet, there are a variety of options that await them. One of the best choices is adopting from a local animal rescue shelter. However, many people have lingering fears or misconceptions about shelter animals and they allow these to steer them away from bringing home a great new friend into their lives!

Here are five of the most common myths about shelter rescue animals, and the truths behind them.

#1: “I won’t find what I want there.”

Many people believe that only certain types of animals can make it to shelters, as if some animals wouldn’t be allowed in the door. Nothing could be farther from the truth. Everything from Pomeranian puppies to Siamese cats are brought into shelters- A staggering range of age and breed types can be found within the walls of your local shelter. What’s even more surprising is shelters are not all just dogs and cats as well. You can even find gerbils, guinea pigs and parrots sometimes! Make sure to contact your local shelter, as you’ll never know what they have in store for you!

#2: “I’m only interested in purebred animals.”

Would you believe that twenty five percent of all dogs that enter a shelter are purebred? That’s one out every four! Many rescues and shelters partner with breed specific rescue organizations in order to free up valuable space at the shelter. However, it has to be said that purebred or not, any animal can make a great companion if given a chance- something to keep in mind when looking for a new best friend!

#3: “It’s too expensive to adopt a pet.”

Adopting a pet can seem like a daunting upfront fee, compared to the relatively inexpensive acquisition of a pet from another source, such as a family friend. But what many people don’t take into account is the hidden cost of doing so. Things like spaying/neutering, vaccinations, flea and tick treatment, and even getting a pet micro-chipped are all fees the prospective owner will have to pay for their “cheaper” animal. Many shelters, on the other hand, offer these as part of their adoption prices, so you may find it is less expensive to adopt than you initially thought!

#4: “Shelter pets come with a lot of baggage.”

There are a lot of misconceptions about rescue animals, but this is one of the most enduring. The truth is, people give up pets for a variety of reasons: an owner having to move, rushing into getting an animal or the inability to afford to keep one, or even just having no time for a pet can all lead to a pet landing at a humane society. There are plenty of pets that have no behavioral issues, and are just looking to go to a new home. Additionally, with pets with behavioral issues, the staff are aware of what these issues may be, and in addition to working with animals to minimize these behaviors, can help prospective owners learn and adjust to the animals idiosyncrasies.

#5: “It’s too hard/takes too long to adopt a pet.”

When they decide they want a new companion, many people want to rush straight to the thrill of bringing home a new animal. Often, the slow and labor intensive background checks deter many who would be interested in adopting. But being thorough in matching a pet and owner together is done for the safety of both parties. Adoption is an attempt to create a lifelong pairing and rushing into it can lead to having to return an animal, which can cause undue stress of both parties at the failure. Bringing a new companion into your life is not like buying a new pair of shoes. Why not let the shelter staff make sure you and your new pet are the right fit for each other?

What other misconceptions have you heard about adoption? Let us know in the comments below!