Every year in the United States 2.7 million adoptable dogs and cats are still euthanized. There are too many pets coming into shelters and not enough being adopted. This is because many unsuspecting buyers go to pet stores that get the majority of their dogs from puppy mills, “factory style” breeding facilities that put profit above the welfare of their dogs. The truth is that nearly any type of pet is available for adoption in a shelter or animal rescue. My family adopted my cat, Kody, from the Humane Society and one of our dogs, Ace, from Shirley’s Angels Boxer Rescue. Both of them are extremely loving and gentle with their own unique personalities. We see them as more than just pets, they are members of our family.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, twenty-five percent of pets in shelters are purebred and many rescue groups are breed-specific making it possible to find the breed you are looking for without going to a breeder or pet store. Shelter pets also carry the stigma that they are there due to their behavior but it is usually because of landlord issues or moving. With this being said, don't write-off elderly pets either. These animals already have their required vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery and cost less than pet stores (sometimes free) making adoption typically cheaper.

You’re probably thinking you will have to scavenge shelters looking for a specific pet, but websites such as The Shelter Pet Project and Petfinder will make your search super easy. Using advanced search options you can select the size, color, temperament and breed of the pet you are looking for. If you have trouble finding what you’re looking for be sure to check your local shelter’s website. So, the next time you or a friend are searching for a new pet I hope shelters and rescue organizations are your first and only choice. In the end, you’ll have a new best friend while changing the life of a homeless animal.