Why Adopt?
The Numbers Tell the Story
Animals enter U.S. shelters every year
Shelter animals adopted annually
Of shelter dogs are purebred
Cost of a life saved when you adopt
Top Reasons to Adopt
You Save a Life
Shelters across the country are overcrowded. When you adopt, you directly save the life of the animal you bring home — and make space for another animal to be rescued. Every adoption creates a ripple effect.
You Fight Overpopulation
Buying from breeders and pet stores fuels demand for more animals to be bred while millions already in shelters go without homes. Adoption is the most direct way to reduce the number of animals entering the system.
You Get a Healthier Pet
Most shelter animals are spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped before adoption. Shelter staff and foster families can tell you about the animal's personality, health history, and behavior — something a breeder or pet store often can't match.
You Save Money
Adoption fees are typically far lower than breeder prices — and they usually include spay/neuter, vaccinations, and a microchip. The initial cost of a shelter pet is almost always less than purchasing from a breeder or pet store.
You Support Your Community
Local shelters and rescues are community institutions. When you adopt locally, you support the organizations that care for animals in your area — and you keep your adoption dollars in your community.
You Gain a Loyal Companion
Many people who adopt report that their shelter pets seem to "know" they were rescued. Adopted animals are just as loving, trainable, and bonded as any other pet — and often more so. The connection is real.
Common Myths About Shelter Animals
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Shelter animals have behavioral problems.Most shelter animals are there through no fault of their own — owner surrender due to moving, allergies, or financial hardship. Shelters assess behavior and work with animals to address any issues before adoption.
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You can't find puppies or kittens at shelters.Shelters regularly have puppies, kittens, and young animals available for adoption. Litters are surrendered frequently, especially in spring and summer.
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Purebred dogs are only available from breeders.Approximately 25% of dogs in shelters are purebred. There are also hundreds of breed-specific rescue organizations across the country dedicated to placing purebred dogs in loving homes.
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Older animals are harder to bond with.Senior pets are often calmer, already house-trained, and deeply grateful for a loving home. Many adopters say their senior pets are among the most rewarding companions they've ever had.
"Pet adoption from shelters saves lives. Adopt, don't shop!"— People For Animals
Already have a pet? Make sure they're spayed or neutered. Spay/neuter is the single most effective way to reduce the number of animals entering shelters in the first place. PFA can help with financial assistance for qualified pet owners in our 7-county service area.
Where to Find Your Next Pet
Start your search at your local animal shelter or humane society. You can also search online through national adoption databases that aggregate listings from thousands of shelters and rescues:
- Petfinder.com — search adoptable pets from shelters and rescues nationwide
- AdoptAPet.com — another large adoption search database
- ASPCA Adoption — resources and shelter finder
- Your local county animal shelter — call or visit in person
Help More Animals Find Homes
Support PFA's spay/neuter assistance program — reducing the number of animals entering shelters is the best way to ensure every adoptable animal finds a home.