There are a number of good reasons to adopt from your local animal shelter
or rescue group:

Health
As a group, shelter pets are generally healthier than the animals flowing from "puppy mills" into local pet shops.

Temperament
Most shelters screen for temperament and work to match the pet with the right type of family. Who wants a cat that hides under the bed when your children try to pet her?

You by-pass infancy
Puppies and kittens are cute, but the paper-training, teething and obedience skills phase is exhausting. Besides, that cute 8-week-old furball might grow into a 90-pound eating machine!

Education and support
Many shelter and rescue groups provide literature, educational programs and support to help new pet owners make the adjustment.

Pure-breds
Shelters are filled with the most popular breeds in your community. Or contact the breed-specific rescue group in your area.

Economics
Shelter pets are a real bargain. Adoption fees are much less than an animal's purchase price at a pet store or breeder. You pay a nominal fee to adopt and most of those first year medical expenses - like spaying or neutering and vaccinations - are already taken care of.

information provided by www.bestfriendspetcare.com

Included in the adoption fee:

• Temperament screening
• Distemper and Parvo vaccinations
• Bordetella vaccination
• Worming
• Collar

Many pets at your local shelter are waiting for new homes because they were obtained by someone with unrealistic expectations of the time, effort, and money required to sustain a lifelong relationship with their pet. National figures indicate that about half of the animals in shelters must be euthanized for lack of homes. Animals at your local shelter are just waiting for someone like you to provide them with a permanent loving home.

Don't be discouraged if, when you first visit the shelter, there are no animals of the breed or type you want. We receive new animals every day and would be happy to call you when an animal matching your preference becomes available.