Pet Adoption Facts - Think Adoption First

Five to seven million pets sit in shelters nationwide, yet only 20-30 percent of cats and dogs found in loving homes were adopted from shelters and rescues, according to the ASPCA.

A newly released poll commissioned by the ASPCA reveals that individuals who adopt a dog from a shelter are much more likely to be happy with their experience than consumers who purchase a dog from a pet store. In addition, adopters are more likely to feel that overall bringing the dog into their home has been a positive experience compared to pet store dog owners.

Shelter dog adopters are also more likely than pet store dog owners to feel that the process through which they got their dog was honest and transparent, and they are twice as likely as pet store consumers to recommend the place where they got their new dog to a friend. The research also shows that dogs from shelters tend to require less veterinary care than those purchased from pet stores.

"The ASPCA's research confirms that adoption really is the best option when it comes to adding a new dog to your home," said Cori Menkin, senior director of the ASPCA Puppy Mills Campaign.

Source: ASPCA.org