There’s a furry friend out there for everyone. Even if you've never had a pet before, there's sure to be at least one cat or dog who will steal your heart. If you’re still on the fence regarding pet adoptions, consider the following benefits of doing so—and then consider heading to a local shelter.

Why You Should Adopt a Cat or Dog 

1. Save a Life

The grim reality of adoption is that the animals who don't find homes will likely be euthanized. Shelters have limited resources and simply cannot care for homeless pets indefinitely. By adopting a pet, you are not only saving that dog or cat’s life but also freeing up room in the shelter so another animal can move in and find a home, too. 

2. Find the Perfect Companion

Whether you’re interested in getting a rambunctious puppy or a mellow cat, you can find one at a pet adoption shelter. It might take multiple trips to multiple shelters to find an ideal companion for your family, but if you put in a little work, it will pay off a lot. Since the turnover at most shelters is fairly high, check back often; you never know when you might find that perfect pooch.

3. Improve Your Quality of Life

Researchers have found that people with dogs live longer. In recent years, scientists have identified a link between pet ownership, a reduced risk of heart disease, and greater longevity in general. It doesn’t hurt that dogs force you to be more active, but their friendly nature undoubtedly plays a role, too, and can ultimately help you lead a happier, more fulfilling life. 

Are you looking to adopt a furry friend? The friendly team at Cat & Dog Hospital of Columbia is proud to handle pet adoptions for families throughout Howard County, MD. All the cats and dogs available for adoption are up-to-date on their vaccinations, and many have been spayed or neutered. After taking your furry friend home, you can turn to them for quality care. As a full-service animal hospital, they provide everything from checkups and dog boarding to orthopedic surgery and diagnostic imaging. Check out their website to learn more about their pet adoption services, or call (410) 995-6880 to speak with a member of their team.