Adopting vs. Shopping? Here Are The 8 Most Compelling Reasons to Adopt a Dog

Getting a dog is a big decision. Here are 8 reasons to adopt a dog instead of purchasing one.

Adopting a dog is a huge commitment—not only with time but also money. But that shouldn’t stop you from making the commitment that could change your life. The love and companionship people get from adopting a dog is priceless. Here are just some of the compelling reasons to adopt a dog.

Shelters can help you find a dog that suits your lifestyle and personality

Find your perfect match at a shelter

 

When choosing a dog from a shelter, people often consider the animal’s behavior with people, appearance of the animal, and their personality and temperament. Shelters will oftentimes ask you questions about your lifestyle and what type of pet you’re looking for. Obviously, some breeds of dogs will need a lot of exercise while on the other hand, some dogs don’t need as much. Shelters want to match you with the best dog so that both of you are happy and fewer dogs are returned to shelters because your energies and lifestyles don’t pair well together.

Adopt, don’t shop: it saves you money

Weigh the cost options of adopting vs. buying

When weighing the options between buying a dog from a breeder and adopting from a shelter, cost might be something for you to consider. Generally speaking, the cost of adopting a dog from a shelter is much lower than buying from a breeder. Buying from a breeder can cost upwards of $3,000 depending on the breed you buy. Since breeders sell dogs for profit, the price on dogs is much higher. 

Adopting a dog from a shelter can cost up to $300. Most of the time when you adopt from a shelter, your dog will already be spayed or neutered, microchipped, and up to date on all of their vaccinations. On the other hand, if you buy from a breeder, you’ll have to go to a vet to get their vaccines, microchips, and spaying/neutering done, which will add onto your cost.   

Adopt a dog and you’ll save more than just one life

Adopting saves more than just the dog you adopt

With overcrowding in shelters, some places have to make the unfortunate decision to euthanize animals because there’s simply not enough space or resources available to care for additional animals. By adopting from a shelter, you’ll not only save the life of the pup you’re adopting, but you’ll also open more space for stay or abandoned dogs that need shelter, thus saving an additional life. 

You can adopt the breed of your choice

Looking for a specific breed of dog? Look no further. 

If you’re looking for a specific breed of dog, there are many rescues that specialize in saving different breeds of dogs. If your local shelter does not have the dog you’re looking for, there may be a rescue close to you that has the type of dog you’re looking for. With shelters all across the country, the breed you’re looking for is not far away. 

Adopting a dog comes with many health benefits

Adopt a dog and improve your health

Mentally and physically, adopting a dog comes with many health benefits. According to the CDC, regular play and walks that come with having a pet can help decrease blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and triglyceride levels. The companionship can help manage loneliness and depression. 

When it comes to owning a dog, there’s much more opportunity for regular exercise and socialization. Before you pick a dog, though, the CDC recommends doing some research before getting a dog to make sure you can keep up with their energy levels, ensure you have enough space in your home, and can afford to take care of whichever dog you decide to adopt. 

A dog helps you feel more connected to your community

Harbor a sense of community with a dog

Especially if you adopt a younger dog or a more active breed of dog, you’ll likely be taking more walks in your neighborhood or in your community. In a study done by ScienceDirect, people who owned a dog were more likely to walk for at least 150 minutes per week and felt a higher sense of community compared to people who did not own a dog. So, in short, adopting a dog will get you out of your house more and into your community. Dog owners are more likely to make friends. A study done in 2015 found that owning a pet helped people build relationships that brought them social and emotional support.  

Work from home? Adopt a dog and alleviate work stress 

Don’t stress at work — get a dog!

If you’re one of the 4.7 million people in the United States now working from home, having a dog can only make your workday better. Studies show that people who have a dog around during work stress less throughout their day. Who wouldn’t want to take a break for some dog play time?

Having a dog can make you more attractive

Get more matches and more phone numbers

Having a dog in general makes you appear more likeable. In a study done in 2015, people thought with a dog, another person appeared happier and safer when they had a dog with them. Plus, people thought photos of others with a dog seemed better. In another study done in 2015, people with a dog were more likely to get someone’s phone number when asked rather than without a dog. 

Plus, if you’re on a dating app, you’re likely to get more matches if you have a dog in your profile. Women received 69% more matches and men received 38% more matches on apps Tinder and Bumble in a study done by Webbox. 

Adopting a dog is a big decision. Overall, the reasons to adopt a dog are clear. There’s so much to consider when thinking about getting a dog, but there’s no denying the happiness you’ll get from adopting a dog. When you adopt a dog, you’ll need to outfit them with the best gear for your adventures together. Check out Spruce Pup for all of your adventure pet gear needs.