Did you know that for every homeless person in the U.S., there are five homeless animals? These animals usually end up wandering the streets or living in animal shelters. When animals are in shelters (many of which are non-profit), a number of problems present themselves. First, there just aren’t enough shelters with enough funding in the U.S. for every homeless animal to have a place to stay. Some shelters solve this problem through euthanasia, or “putting down” animals. Recently, however, “adoption guarantee” or “no-kill” shelters have been becoming more popular and accepted, but this doesn’t take care of the overpopulation problem.

However, animal overpopulation has two solutions, and this is where you, a person who cares about animals, come in. If you already have a pet, you can make sure your pet is spayed or neutered so that they don’t accidentally have a litter of kittens or puppies. This reduces the number of unwanted animals born into a world that doesn’t have the space or resources for them. Your other alternative is something you may have already done, or may be considering: adoption! Here are some great reasons from the Humane Society why adopting a pet is the best choice.

1. Adopting a pet brings a person in need of a companion and an animal in need of a home together.

This is Quinn, available for adoption at the Humane Society of Delaware County. She is a sweet cat with a lot of love to give.You’re receiving an animal who has lots of love to give and is grateful for everything you’ll give them. Over the years, you two will develop a deep bond.

2. Adoption, as compared to purchasing from a breeder, pet shop, or even finding a “free” pet on the side of the road, is much more cost-efficient.

The average cost of a shelter pet is between $100 and $200, while breeders will charge you up to $1000 for the pet, sometimes not including vet fees. And don’t think that getting a “free” pet from a neighbor’s litter or as a stray is much cheaper either—your “free” pet will need all these things:

1. Vet wellness visit ($50-100)

2. Spaying or neutering ($150-300)

3. Multiple vaccinations, including rabies, distemper, deworming, heartworm for dogs, and FIV/Feline leukemia for cats ($170-220)

4. Flea/Tick treatment ($50-200)

5. Microchip ($50)

6. Collar and ID tag ($5-10)

As you can see, these necessary expenses on your “free” pet can cost you between $425-800, a price that few if any shelters would ever ask for. Comparatively, $100-200 for a shelter pet with all veterinary needs taken care of is very reasonable.

Your shelter will always be there to support you and your new friend. Some shelters, including the Humane Society of Delaware County, offer affordable veterinary care to pet owners as well as tips on how to make the adjustment between shelter and home easy.This is Toes, the world's sweetest big boy. He was adopted from HSDC and has just blossomed in his new home with my parents! This is his second featured article; read an exclusive interview with him here.

3. When you adopt a pet from a shelter, you know almost exactly what kind of pet you are getting.

Sometimes you can pick a specific breed or appearance of animal, depending on the shelter’s selection of pets. Other pets spend time in foster homes, where their foster parent spends 24 hours a day learning about their likes and dislikes, habits, preferences, and personality. This information is critical when searching for an animal whose presence will complement your daily routine.

4. You will save the lives of multiple animals by adopting one or more pets.

First of all, you’ll save the life of your new furry friend, but also the life of the animal who comes to replace them at the shelter. By adopting, you create more space in the shelter to get more animals into a safe and loving home.

5. You’ll skip the house training and decor-destroying phase.

Most animals from a shelter come already house trained, so that means your couches, rugs, and floors will escape damage. Many shelter animals already know simple commands like “sit, stay, heel”, etc. Just make sure to provide your cat with plenty of scratching posts or boards and your dog with chew toys!This is Stripes, also at HSDC, who has been waiting for over a year to get a home! He is fully house-trained and would be a great sofa companion.

6. Adopting pets takes business away from mass breeding facilities like puppy and kitten mills.

There’s no other way to say it: these institutions are abusive toward animals in the name of profit. These animals spend their wholes lives in cages without affection or quality care and are usually killed when they can no longer produce offspring. Say no to inhumane conditions, take the profit away from people who think this is OK, and adopt a pet instead.Here's Jack, who belongs to my dear friend Leo. Jack is a loving, vocal kitty adopted from a shelter who gets along well with his family. His favorite hobby is being on the screen porch or looking out the window and watching birds and chipmunks. Who knows? Perhaps you'll find your Jack at a shelter!

7. Adopted cats, especially adult cats, can usually be left to their own devices while you're away at work.

These faithful felines do love your attention, but will not need constant monitoring and training the way a kitten will. If you're a busy person like I am, you'll appreciate a pet who's able to entertain themselves for a few hours. Just don't forget to pay attention to your pet when you're home!

8. Puppies and kittens don't stay small forever.

We all love cute, cuddly baby animals, but what happens when your 10lb puppy becomes a 100lb adult dog? You know the maximum size of an adult animal when you choose to bring it home, and if you're adopting a mixed-breed dog, you won't have to worry about it growing out of kennels or collars. Cats, too, can be varying sizes--take the guesswork out of your selection and adopt from a shelter!This is Lady, a social kitty that enjoys being pet and sitting companionably with you. She's been at HSDC for almost a year now. Could she be the cat for you?

Finally, you and your animal's lives have become better, and your animal will find ways to thank you from the bottom of their heart. So open yours today, and consider shelter adoption before purchase. Change the lives of animals and make a difference through adoption!