According to Robert Stravinsky Rescue animals are those that have been abandoned, neglected, or otherwise mistreated. Because of this, they often come with a host of issues that make them difficult to place in homes. As a result, millions of perfectly healthy and loving animals are euthanized every year in the United States.
If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, please consider adopting a rescue animal. Not only will you be giving an animal in need a second chance at life, but you’ll also be getting a loyal and grateful companion.
Here are the top ten reasons to adopt a rescue animal.
1. They’re more appreciative.
Rescue animals know that they’ve been given a second chance and are typically very grateful for it. This means that they’ll go out of their way to show you just how much they appreciate you—with lots of cuddles, kisses, and tail wags.
2. They’re good for your health.
Studies have shown that owning a pet—regardless of what type it is—can lead to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, increased levels of serotonin and dopamine (the “happy hormones”), and reduced stress levels. In short, owning a pet can make you happier and healthier!
3. They save you money.
Many people think that they need to buy purebred animals from breeders or pet stores in order to get a healthy pet. However, this simply isn’t the case. In fact, most rescue animals are already spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped—all of which can save you hundreds of dollars down the road.
4. You can find your perfect match.
When adopting a rescue animal, you have access to literally thousands of different animals—of all shapes, sizes, colors, temperaments, and breeds—to choose from. This increases the chances that you’ll find the perfect match for your lifestyle and personality much more easily than if you were buying from a breeder or pet store.
5. You’ll be saving lives.
Every year in the United States, approximately 2.7 million healthy cats and dogs are euthanized simply because there aren’t enough homes for them all—but YOU have the power to change that statistic by adopting just one animal!
6. You’ll be setting an example for others
By adopting a rescue animal instead of purchasing one from a breeder or pet store, you’ll be setting a great example for those around you and showing them that there’s nothing “wrong” with shelter animals—they make great pets too!
7. They’re easier to housetrain.
One common misconception about rescue animals is that they’re untrainable because they come from abusive or neglectful situations; however, this couldn’t be further from the truth!
8. You won’t have to worry about hereditary diseases
Purebred animals are more likely to inherit genetic abnormalities and diseases due to inbreeding; however, since mixed-breed animals have such diverse gene pools (thanks to their mixed ancestry), they tend to be healthier overall and less susceptible to these types of conditions..
9. Rescue Animals Make Great Emotional Support Animals!
If you suffer from anxiety, depression, PTSD, or any other mental illness/disorder, know that emotional support animals can make tremendous differences in your day-to-day life! And guess what?
10. They tend to live longer!
On average, mixed-breed dogs live 1-2 years longer than purebreds while mixed-breed cats live 2-3 years longer than purebreds So not only will you be providing a loving home for an animal in need—you’ll also get many years of companionship out of the deal!
