Most people agree that animals make their lives happier, but why not make the life of a dog or cat better by adopting. Adopting a pet is one of the best things you can do.

1. You would be changing and improving a life.

You would not only get a new best friend, but you would be making their life so much better.

2. You would be saving a life.

Too many animals go into shelters, and not enough come out. Too many animals are euthanized each year in shelters.

3. You know what you’re getting.

When you adopt a shelter animal, you’ll be able to get a better feel for an animal’s personality. So you’ll be able to find one that matches your personality or lifestyle.

4. Not only do you get a great pet out of adopting, but you also encourage others to adopt from shelters.

When people ask you about your amazing pet, you can encourage them to adopt.

5. There’s an advantage to being able to adopt an adult animal.

They are often already potty-trained and taught a few commands before being given up. So that means less time being in the training phases, and more time being able to enjoy and getting to know your pet’s personality.

6. You get a great deal.

When adopting your pet, the cost of spaying/neutering, vaccinations and sometimes microchipping are usually included in the adopting price. You also know that your new pet will be healthy when adopting them.

7. You’re not supporting puppy mills or unethical breeding.

There’s no way to tell if a pet from the pet store came from a place that practices ethical breeding. When animals are bought from unethical breeders, they often can produce problems later in life due to the mother’s poor health during pregnancy.

8. Pets are not only good for your health, but adopted pets are good for your self-esteem.

Animals give you unconditional love, but it has been shown that animals have psychological, emotional, and physical benefits for their owners. Caring for a pet can help provide a sense of purpose, and lessen feelings of loneliness.

9. Shelter pets have better temperaments.

Shelter animals have suffered from abandonment, neglect, and sometimes abuse. Once a pet is placed into a loving home, they come out of their shell. Once they are settled in, and begin to trust their new owners, rescue animals become the most loyal and loving companions you could ever want.

10. You’ll gain a fur-ever friend.

So next time you're looking for a furry companion in your life, adopt a shelter pet. You'll be improving two lives at once.