Every animal deserves to have a home. And every person deserves to have a loyal furry companion. In the U.S. alone, 66% of households own a pet. Having a pet can have a positive effect on one’s health as well. Pet owners have more opportunities to exercise, spend time outside, and socialize.
And what’s a better endorsement of adopting a rescue pet than seeing how their fellow ex-rescues are currently doing in their forever homes? Because it’s once again that time of the month when we’re presenting you with the most adorable and heartwarming pictures of pets who recently found a new home.
Bored Panda reached out to Tricia Montgomery, a pet industry expert and one part of the Pets Are Family podcast duo. We spoke to her about why it might be better to adopt than to get a pet from a breeder, what future owners should know before adopting, and how to ensure that your new best friend feels at home in their new forever home.
Adopted A Cat Today (Always Been Scared Of Cats) And I’m Absolutely In Love
Having Adopted Them Was The Best Decision 🥰
We’re in luck because pet expert Tricia Montgomery recently adopted her new four-legged best friend: a one-year-old Labrador and Catahoula hound mix from Raskal Rescues in Hardeeville, South Carolina. Tricia is a proponent of the ‘Adopt, Not Shop’ philosophy, and she likens pet adoption to a ‘hero’s journey.’ “[It’s] challenging but oh-so-rewarding, without the constant glow of rainbows and unicorns,” she says.
Why does she personally opt to adopt and not shop? “It’s like a rescue mission!” Tricia says. “Adopting a pet is like being part of your own adventure story where you get to be the hero. Sure, buying a pet might seem like the easy route, but adopting? That’s where you make a big impact.”
I Think Our Cat Was Meant To Be With Us
Our New Adopted Six-Year Old Freeloader. This Is Princess, And She Loves Everyone
Tricia points out that it’s also not about the owner and the adopted pet directly. “Every pet adopted from a shelter frees up space for another animal in need, directly saving lives and fighting against the crisis animal welfare is facing and overcrowded shelters.” And let’s not forget the self-esteem boost adopting can give the owner. “It’s your chance to show off your superhero cape!” Tricia gushes.
While Tricia encourages more people to adopt, she says that folks should do so with caution. After all, it’s a living breathing being you’re taking into your home. Let’s continue thinking about adopting as an adventure. “Imagine you’re preparing for a quest,” Tricia begins. “First, you’d check your gear, right? Well, preparing to adopt a pet is similar.”
What Did I Actually Adopt?
June Lost Her Owner Of 10 Years, And Now She’s My Baby
Gustav And Theodore
“Maybe it’s potty training, or perhaps it’s adjusting your new pal to their new abode. Your new furry friend might have some trust issues or hidden fears,” Tricia points out. “The trick? Patience, young grasshopper. Patience and maybe some training and treats.”
“Consistency is your best tool; regular training, health check-ups, and lots of love will help you both level up. If you hit a snag, don’t go [at] it alone—seek out a trainer or a vet like a wise old guide,” Tricia recommends.
Saw Her On Petfinder
We Thought We Were Adopting A Dog; Instead, He Looks Like A Goat Monkey
We Adopted A 10 Month Old Berner!
Meet Dobby!
So Proud Of My Rescue Gal
Some people blame the pandemic for such an increase. The surge in adoptions at the beginning of the lockdown also resulted in an increase in pet population. Usually, it increases by about 1% per year, but in the years 2020 and 2021, it was 6% and 4%, respectively. People also started bringing “pandemic puppies” to shelters simply because they weren’t ready for the commitment after the pandemic was over.
Today Is Hazel’s Second Gotcha Day!!
#24 I Guess The Kitten Can Stay💜💜
Yet animal advocates point out that it’s also rising pet care costs and housing insecurity that drive this crisis. Kim Alboum of the Bissell Pet Foundation told PBS that economic factors also come into play. “With the housing crisis, people are losing their homes and are having to downsize or move in with others. And this is a recipe for disaster for people [who] have larger dogs.”
This Sweet Boy Is Settling Into His Forever Home
Meet Franny!
Dogs Always Look So Happy After Adoption
Experts also say that the overcrowding at shelters is more of a dog problem than a cat problem. Executive Director of Shelters Animals Count Stephanie Filer told TIME that many shelters started turning dogs away simply because they don’t have more space.
“Shelters are quite literally at crisis and some of them are making the decision to close their doors or reduce hours of operation or reduce the kind of animals that they bring in.”
I Adopted My First-Ever Pet Three Weeks Ago. He Sleeps Like A Baby Kangaroo
Meet Thor, My New 7.5 Yr Old Best Friend
Adopted Husky!
So, the words of our expert Tricia Montgomery ring true here: consider your circumstances before committing to adoption. However tempting the cute noses and little paws are, keep in mind that every animal deserves the best care and a truly forever home!
Help Me Name My Tabby Boy! Just Recently Adopted Him From The Animal Shelter And I’m Having A Hard Time Finding A Suiting Name For Him
My Rescue Dog Hershey
My Sweet Boy
Adoption Is Official! I Think Edna Might Like It Here!
Meet Barbie! 💖
Reesecup Has Chosen Her New Bed
Adopted My First Cat 🙂 Meet Rosie 💓
#38 Adopted Cat
Adopted An Acd Mix, Turns Out Her Sister From The Same Litter Goes To The Same Dog Park. They Have, Uh, An Interesting Style Of Playing Together
So We Just Adopted These Two Brothers! We’ve Named One Prawn Cocktail (The One With The Heart Marking) And We’re Stuck On A Name For The Other One Please Help!we Like Silly Names, Our Other Cats Have Been Captain Sir Pantaloon, Chicken Caesar Salad, Paint Thinner, Dishwasher And Microwave
Hello! I Just Adopted These Siblings And I Cannot Settle On A Name. They’re Boy And Girl 😊 I Prefer Disney Names As My Dogs Name Is Meeko!
New Besties!
I Adopted Him Yesterday! He Loves My Bed!
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Name For Our New Baby?
