Everyone wants a furry friend in their life. Having a pet is such a beneficial experience. Having a pet means you have something that loves you unconditionally which feels great, and something that you love unconditionally. However, adopting a pet is a much better experience than going to a breeder or getting them at one of those God-awful pet stores in the mall.

1. You'll feel better about it.

When you adopt a pet, you're taking a homeless animals and giving it a loving environment where it can thrive and enjoy itself. This will make you feel good because you'll know that you did a great deed. You wanted a pet, the pet wanted a home. Both parties win and both will feel wonderful.

2. It's cheaper.

Sure, money isn't everything... but it's definitely important. Staying on a budget is crucial for some perspective pet owners. By adopting a pet instead of seeking out an alternative, money will definitely be saved. Adopting a pet can range from $30 to $400. Buying a pet from a breeder starts at $500 and can go all the way up to $2000, or more. Clearly huge savings come from adopting a pet.

3. You're saving a life

There are still many shelter animals which are euthanized if they are not adopted, about 2.7 each year. By adopting your pet, you could potentially save the life of an innocent creature.

4. You (most likely) won't have to travel

Animal shelters are everywhere. Chances are, if there isn't one in your town, there is one in the next town over. People buying dogs from breeders typically have to travel hours away from where they live. If you get your pet from a shelter, you eliminate travel time and maximize the time you can spend with your new pet.

5. You're sure to get a healthy pet

Animals from shelters are always kept up to date on their vaccines and they are typically spayed or neutered. This means that when you go to adopt your new pet you will get a healthy pet, completely ready to go live in your home. Of course, you'll have to continue with the animal's healthcare throughout your life, but you can rest easy when first embarking on you and your pet's new life.

6. There's so many options

Shelters will always have various ages, breeds and genders of animals. So if you want a hypoallergenic puppy, a shelter will have many choices for you. If you prefer a cat on the older side of the age spectrum, there's sure to be some felines that suit you.

7. They're already housebroken!

Though this can't be true for every single pet at shelters (recently born/young animals will not be housebroken), if you adopt a pet that isn't extremely young then all the work will be done for you. You will not have to deal with your new pet doing their business in your house, and your floors and furniture will thank you.

8. You're supporting a great organization

By adopting your pet, you're supporting an establishment that takes care of homeless animals and helps them find homes. Even if you're not looking to adopt a pet, you can support your local animal shelter by donating or volunteering. You can find animal shelter near you by searching your town or zip code here.