We love a good holiday as much as anyone but there are a few throughout the year that make us particularly excited. One of those holidays is celebrated this week — National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day!
Pets are such a vital part of any family adding unconditional love, companionship, and support. Any day dedicated to our furry friends is a day to celebrate!
National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day was established to recognize the millions of stray animals who end up at shelters. While the overwhelming majority of animals are dogs and cats, there are all kinds of pets in need of forever homes. Each year, over 6.5 million companion animals end up in shelters around the country. Only about half of them are adopted. Another 1.5 million shelter pets are euthanized. National Adopt a Shelter pet Day helps to bring awareness to the numerous benefits of adopting a pet.
If you’ve been thinking of adding a new addition to your home or want to know more about the adoption process, here are a few tips and things to consider.
Pick a pet whose personality and temperament will be a good match. You can check the general temperament and needs of each breed of dog or cat to get an idea what kinds to look for. Then, when you visit the shelter, get as sense for each pet’s distinct personality. If you are active and always on the go, choose a pet that loves action and adventure too. Do prefer a pet to sit in your lap and relax? Ask for a calmer pet that likes to cuddle.
While dogs and cats are overwhelmingly the most adopted pets, don’t overlook other shelter animals that might be more suited to your lifestyle. Many animals – like hamsters, lizards, and turtles – require less care and maintenance and may be a better fit for you and your family.
Most pets that get adopted are younger. Although there is no denying they are adorable, younger pets can be more work, especially if you have young children. They require lots of training — to sleep, go to the bathroom, and behave appropriately. Consider adopting an older pet who is house trained, often calmer, and ready to live with a family.
Just as you would prepare for bring a new human into your family, you need to prepare for your new pet before he or she comes home. This of course includes all the necessary pet supplies like food and water bowls, leashes, beds, and collars. But it also means pet-proofing your home. Do you need gates to section off certain parts of your home? Will you need a litter box or a crate?
Chew toys, like this suction cup dog toy, are a great way to keep your new pet occupied and away from chewing shoes or furniture.
And don’t forget to keep your new pooch or kitty looking sharp with all the necessary pet grooming supplies. Buying wholesale pet supplies at DollarDays will help you save money by ensuring you have enough supplies to keep you well stocked especially as your pet continues to grow. We’ve even got fun mobile pet grooming items so you can keep nails clipped even when your on a trip.
If you’re not quite ready to adopt but want to help a shelter, consider buying wholesale pet supplies to donate. This way you know that cute doggie in the window will be well cared for until you are ready to go back and bring him home. DollarDays has all kinds of wholesale pet supplies from food to toys and everything in between.
For more information on animal shelters, check out this post!
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