A Home Filled with Love: The Joys of Adopting a Pet
Pet owners know, or can easily guess, how their pet feels just by looking at them. Their body language helps to understand a pet’s preferences, apprehensions, and other emotions (like love and even gratitude).
Owners of rescue pets tend to emphatically agree with this. Perhaps more than other pets, those adopted from shelters or rescues seem to acknowledge a type of debt. The innate recognition that their new owners saved them from an unknown fate translates into years of unconditional love, constant companionship, and endless joy. The meaning of pet adoption is far-reaching and long-lasting for both pets and people alike, and we’re always happy to promote the experience.
All the Feels
Adopting a pet is one of life’s greatest joys. Not only does the experience make a huge difference in the life of the adopted pet, it frees up a bed for another homeless animal. Since animal shelters and rescues rely on donations to be operational, paying adoption fees goes toward important vaccinations and other medical costs. Adoption supports the missions of shelters and rescues, and enables these organizations to continue caring for pets in need.
The Benefits of Adopting
Shelter pets seem to know how perilous their situation was prior to their adoption, and they tend to shower their owners with excessive affection and attention. Sure, pet owners do the “saving,” but the benefits to humans simply cannot be denied. In addition to their constant companionship and unconditional love, pets improve our mental and physical health, enhance our social skills, and promote feelings of connection and well-being. Perhaps our pets do their fair share of saving us, too.
How to Know
Successful pet adoption can certainly happen spontaneously, but it’s always a good idea to research, prepare, and consider the many facets of responsible pet ownership prior to signing the forms. Since it’s a lifelong commitment, we recommend evaluating your lifestyle, living situation, future goals, and personal finances to assess how you can best meet a pet’s needs.
Shelters will list their adoptable pets by species, breed, age, size, gender, history, health requirements, and personality. If you’re not able to meet the demands of a puppy or kitten, consider the loving, sweet, calm nature of a senior pet. There’s nothing better than a loving senior pet that is utterly grateful for their new home.
Your Local Animal Shelter
The idea of animal shelters/rescues is about 150 years old. Today there are more than 5,000 animal rescues or shelters nationwide.
Locally, County of Placer Animal Services or Placer SPCA can help you find the perfect match. If you aren’t able to adopt, consider fostering a pet. Other ways to help support the missions of animal welfare organizations include:
- Donating money or items (check out their wishlist)
- Volunteering your time
- Organizing a fundraiser at school or work
If you have questions about the powerful impact of pet adoption, please give us a call at (916) 624‑PETS (7387). Our veterinarians are always happy to assist you at Rocklin Ranch Veterinary Hospital.