According to ASPCA, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. In a world where millions of pets are waiting patiently to find a loving home, adopting pets from shelters, rather than buying from a breeder, presents itself as an overall beneficial option for all those involved.  Adopting pets not only transforms the lives of animals in need but also brings endless joy to their new owners. 

Something to keep in mind before adopting, though, is that pets can be a much greater responsibility than anticipated. Oftentimes, pets fall ill and become a financial burden to owners who do not adequately prepare to take in an animal.  Sadly, these animals are surrendered to shelters. It is also important to make a plan if the original owner can no longer care for their pet.  According to olddoghaven.org, “Many senior dogs that end up in shelters were cherished companions of elderly people who died or had to move to an assisted living facility that won’t allow dogs.”  These are a few of the leading causes of the increasing number of pets in shelters.

Unprepared owners also commonly release their pets (oftentimes not neutered) into the wild, which leads to an increase in the stray population. Tragically, an animal that is used to living in a home struggles in the wild.  Furthermore, strays can pose environmental issues, as they potentially carry and spread diseases, such as ticks, rabies, and ringworm.    

Peggy Adams Animal Rescue League, the local pet shelter in West Palm Beach, Florida, provides a Trap-Neuter-Vaccinate-Return (TNVR) program in an effort to decrease the number of stray cats born outdoors.  According to their Instagram page (@peggyadamsarl), in 2024, 13,770 animals at just this shelter alone were neutered, including 4,778 community cats. The program works because volunteers capture outdoor cats without causing them harm. Once captured, veterinarians neuter the cats, vaccinate them, and insert a microchip. Then, the fixed cats, which are discernible by an ear-tip, are returned outside to roam free. This program is beneficial to decreasing the number of strays because it ensures that they will not reproduce, thus lessening the community cat population. While some animal advocates may not agree with releasing feral cats back into the community, it’s the only home the animal knows, so it is more humane than letting it languish in an already overcrowded shelter.  The prevention of new litters results in lower rates of euthanasia.  Sadly, about 920,000 shelter animals are euthanized in the United States each year.

If adoption seems like too big of a commitment for you, but you still want to contribute to animal rescue, fostering may be a more suitable option. The Tri-County Animal Rescue Shelter is a 100% no-kill shelter in Boca Raton, Florida, that offers a foster program in which any necessary medical expenses are covered. Fostering involves caring for an animal for a shorter time period, which is perfect for someone who travels frequently or wants to see if an animal fits into their lifestyle.  

Also, fostering is a great option for those who don’t have the money to take in a pet full-time or just aren’t sure if they can take on the responsibility of owning a pet. Foster programs provide animals with loving homes and the care they deserve while allowing foster families to participate in animal rescue efforts without the pressure of a lifelong commitment.

The benefits of adopting pets include reducing the number of innocent animals in shelters, keeping strays off the streets, and giving animals a second chance at receiving the love and affection they deserve; however, if you’re unable to adopt, consider contacting your local shelter to foster, and if you see feral cats in your community, consider becoming active in TNVR.  If you’re considering bringing home a new furry friend, adopting is the way to go!