1. When you adopt an animal, you're saving their life.

You're not only physically saving their life, but you are giving them the chance to love and be loved again. Compared to sleeping in a shelter every night, giving them a stable home will make your animal feel so much more comfortable and safe. You are saving their life in more ways than just one. Not only will they have a new best friend and companion, but so will you.

2. It is cheaper than buying.

Pet stores charge hundreds and sometimes even over a thousand dollars for their dogs, but when you adopt a dog the price is nowhere near what pet stores charge. Usually at shelters, pets will already have their first round of shots and will be spayed or neutered, so you will end up just paying for an adoption fee.

3. They are often already housebroken and potty trained.

Since dogs in shelters normally aren't newborn or puppies, they have been through the potty-training phase. So having a dog that is already potty trained is another plus of adoption.

4. You're helping with the overpopulation of animal shelters.

Animal shelters can get extremely overpopulated. Some animals even end up getting killed once the shelter reaches the capacity. By adopting a pet you help cut down on the overcrowding.

5. Last but not least, you will be encouraging others to do the same.

When friends, family or even social media acquaintances see what a difference you have made in your new pet's life, it will encourage them to go out and do the same. By saving one animals life, you could be actually saving many.

So remember, adopt, don't shop!