If you want to add a furry friend to your family, consider starting your search at the local shelter, humane society, or animal welfare center. By adopting, you’re giving a dog in need a second chance at a happy life. What’s more, you’re gaining a new best friend who’s sure to be loving and loyal. (And if you’re willing to do a little research, you can even find a purebred to welcome into your home!)

Here are some of the biggest reasons to adopt when you’re ready to grow your family by four little paws:

1. A Strong Bond

Dogs that are surrendered to shelters, humane societies, and rescue organizations are so grateful when they finally get to settle into their forever homes. This appreciation typically translates into an incredibly strong bond with a deep sense of loyalty to their new family. 

2. Adaptable

Dogs that move from home to home (or shelter to shelter) learn to adapt to new environments, making them more flexible to changes in routine than the average pup.

3. Diverse

Shelters and humane societies accept dogs of all shapes and sizes, so if you check back often, you’re sure to find one that will fit perfectly into your lifestyle. There are also breed-specific rescue organizations, so if you’re hoping to adopt a pup with a certain pedigree, you can definitely find him or her with a little effort. 

4. Trainable

A lot of families surrender dogs after the puppy stage, so many adoptable dogs are already house-broken and know some basic commands. This means considerably less work for their forever families. 

5. Therapeutic

Some adoptable dogs have been through trauma, which gives them an enhanced sense of empathy. This often makes them great candidates for therapy work. 

6. Affordable

Adopting a dog is fairly cost-effective. Since many organizations include the cost of vaccinating, microchipping, and spaying or neutering in the adoption fee, it ends up being incredibly economical in the long run.

7. Good for the Community

Adopting a dog from your local shelter or humane society will contribute to the ongoing welfare of all the pets in your community. At the end of the day, you’ll be supporting the organizations that support them. 

8. Environmentally Friendly

Puppy mills have inhumane breeding practices and subpar living conditions, and supporting these operations means furthering their damaging environmental impact. For example, they rarely handle feces in a healthy way, leaving it to release methane, which is a dangerous greenhouse gas. Adopting, on the other hand, reduces the demand for puppy mills, so fewer of them can remain operational. 

9. One-of-a-Kind

Every adoptable dog has a unique personality and a special backstory, making him or her truly one-of-a-kind. 

10. Companionship

Adoptable dogs are loyal and loving, so they’re great companions for people of all ages and at all stages of life. Whether you’re a senior citizen looking for an older dog that’s happy lounging around all day or you have a young family and want a rambunctious pup who can keep up on long hikes, you’re sure to find the perfect pooch at your local shelter or humane society.

Ready to adopt your new best friend? If you’re in northern New Jersey, here are some of the most reputable shelters, humane societies, and rescue organizations where you can start your search. These facilities offer a wide range of animals, and many also host training classes and offer behavioral support to ease the transition for both pets and people into the forever home.

• St. Hubert’s Animal Welfare Center
• Bergen County Protect and Rescue
• Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge
• North Jersey Humane Society
• Montclair Township Animal Shelter
• Mt. Pleasant Animal Shelter

By adopting a dog from one of these organizations, you’ll be giving an animal in need a second chance at a happy life. You’ll also be supporting a great cause. Remember to do your research and choose an organization that aligns with your values and has a good reputation.

When You Need a Pet Sitter for Your New Dog, Turn to ESP Pet Specialists 

By adopting a dog, you’re not only gaining a loving companion but also making a positive impact on the lives of other animals in your community. And once you finally do bring your new best friend home, you can count on ESP Pet Specialists for reliable pet care services. Our professional caregivers know pets are part of the family, which is why we alway treat them like our own. When you need a dog sitter, reach out on our website or call (973) 577-1110.