by Kayci Roert

Created on: April 21, 2009

So it's time to bring home a new family member. Before you jump in the car and race to your local breeder, let's discuss an alternative that may change your life and that of a rescued animal.

In America today there are thousands of animals located in animal shelters. These animals are brought in as strays,rescued from cruel situations or don't quite meet the guidelines expected from some breeders. Some have even been brought in from families that just can't care for them any more or they can be animals that have been displaced from their families because of natural disasters. These animals range from perfectly healthy and ready to go to a new home to needing a little extra care and support.

Why should you adopt one of the pets, here's the advantages. Most animals brought to these shelters have been spayed or neutered. They have had extensive health work-ups and have been brought up to date on their vaccinations.These animals have been put through testing to see how family oriented they are. They test them in all types of situations from how they respond to commands to how they are with children. And there is also a large selection of these guys that even come fully housebroke.

Adoption through a shelter is generally more cost effective than going through a breeder or pet shop. This leaves you free to spend your money on making your new pet comfortable in his new home rather than shelling out major bucks just for his purchase.

While there are fewer no-kill shelters than ever before it is still a reality for quite a few of these animals. It is sad to think of how many pets are put down every day due to lack of funding and and too few adoptions. While you can probably only bring one new pet home with you, think of the difference you're making in his life. He may have went from certain death, to a lifetime of joy and happiness as a member of your family.

It's not just about cats or dogs. Some shelters take in animals of all walks of life and make them available for adoption. For the most part these are rescue animals in desperate need of a loving home.

If you're looking for a pure bred animal and your local shelter does not have what you want, you can check out the many rescue groups that cater to one specific breed.

Not only will you be giving an animal a new lease on life, but an adoption from a shelter will make you feel like a million bucks. Adoption is a compassionate business. Think you've got what it takes to be somebody's hero?

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