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Why
Adopt an Animal from an Animal Shelter?
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The best selection available!
Using the
MetroPets Adoptable
Pet Search Engine, you can view hundreds of animals who
are available for adoption in the DC area. From a Great Dane
to a hamster, all pets listed on the web sites of local animal
shelters and rescue groups can be found through our search engine.
It might surprise you that 25% of the animals in animal shelters
are purebreds. On the other hand, many people prefer mixed breed
animals in that often they have better health and calmer temperaments.
Please
think carefully before insisting on a puppy or kitten. Adult
dogs are easier to train than puppies (and are usually house-trained).
Adult cats are calmer and less apt to scratch. We do not
condone the de clawing of cats. But if you really would
like to raise a puppy or kitten, there are many available
in the local shelters as well as the cat and dog rescue groups.
A more
economical alternative
Rescued
animals are a bargain. Pet stores will charge you hundreds
of dollars for (perhaps) a purebred animal whose history is
unknown. Animals in shelters are evaluated for health and
behavior problems, and are given all their shots, wormed,
and in most cases, spayed or neutered. The adoption fee varies
from $35 to $200 and almost always includes all medical treatment
(vaccines, spay/neuter, etc.). Additionally, animals kept
in "foster homes" (temporary homes while a permanent
home is sought) are often given additional training and the
foster parent can tell you all about the animal's character,
preferences, and other very useful information.
Save
a life
Every year
between 4 and 8 million animals are euthanized in animal shelters
across the United States. Many of these animals are strays;
but an astounding number are animals given up or abandoned
by people who no longer want them. [Read
our section on giving up pets] You can save one of these
lives, and give love to an animal who has been sadly neglected.
The rewards of helping an animal in need are enormous.
Support
a community service
Local
animal shelters deserve your support. They operate on low
budgets, working tirelessly to take in and help animals who
are abandoned, neglected, and even abused. They provide many
educational and health services to the public, often at low
or no cost. Such groups are dedicated to the furthering of
humane treatment of animals, but they do need the support
of the public. Please adopt your next pet!
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