10 Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Dog
Animal Chronicles
October 12, 2025
By Dan Barner
10 Reasons to Adopt a Shelter Dog
Our canine companions bring so much joy to our lives. If you have been considering adding a new pet to your family, now is a great time to do so, as October is Adopt a Shelter Dog Month. Let’s take a look at some of the many reasons why adopting a shelter dog is a wonderful decision.
Saving lives: When you adopt a shelter pet, not only are you saving its life, you are opening a space for another pet in need to enter the shelter so it can also find a forever home.
Unconditional love: It’s true — pets genuinely love their humans. When your day just isn’t going the way you wanted, you can feel comfort knowing there’s a loving heart just waiting to greet you at the door and spend some quality time with you.
Exercise partner: Your new pet will want to stay active — which means you get to stay active, too. Whether it’s a walk around the neighborhood, a weekend hike or playing fetch, your body will thank you for exercising with your pet.
Best friends for life: “Man’s best friend” isn’t just a saying, it’s the truth. Your pet will be your BFF through thick and thin, always there to lend a helping paw.
New social opportunities: Believe it or not, your pet can help you make new friends and see people more often. A day at the dog park is a great way to meet people who share your love of animals. Plus, you never know who you might run into on your daily walks.
Lower cost: Adopting a shelter pet costs less than buying from a breeder. In addition to monetary savings, when you adopt you are also supporting the good work of a local community organization rather than encouraging breeding.
Resources and support: The animal shelter you adopt from can be a valuable resource and support system for owning and caring for a pet. Many shelters offer programs such as wellness clinics, microchip clinics and training classes.
Quality care: When you adopt a pet you can feel confident knowing it has received high-quality care during its stay at the shelter. This puts the animal in a position to live a healthy life when it leaves the shelter for a forever home.
Adoption advocacy: By adopting a pet you are setting an excellent example for your peers who might also have an interest in adopting. Showing them how amazing your shelter pet is and how great life is with your new companion in it can be reassuring for those considering adopting.
An excuse to shop: Do you enjoy shopping but need a good reason to do it more often? Look no further — your new pet will happily accept being showered with gifts. Bring on the toys and treats!
Are you ready to adopt a shelter dog? There are many wonderful shelter pets waiting to meet you. Visit animalprotective.org/adopt-a-dog to see the great dogs available from the APF, or visit petfinder.com to see animals available from other shelters and rescues in the area.
