Reasons to Consider Adopting a Pet

It’s no wonder that – according to Mars Petcare’s “Pets for Better Wellbeing” report – more than one-third of non-pet owners are considering adopting a pet in the next 3-5 years, and 61% of them said they’ll turn to shelters or rescues. It’s a major decision for families, but also for pets, as there are still hundreds of thousands of cats and dogs waiting in shelters to find their forever homes.

If you’re still deciding whether to add a four-legged family member, consider these four benefits:

Improve Your Wellbeing
Few things compare to the joy of coming home to a loyal companion. Whether it’s a dog greeting you at the door or a cat purring contently in your lap, your pet is there to offer unconditional love. In fact, the survey revealed 92% of pet owners feel their relationship with their pets have improved both their mental and physical wellbeing over the last three years.

Serve as Your Social Sidekick
More pet owners are including their pets in their everyday routines, whether at work or during their leisure time. In fact, 85% of pet owners working from home all or part of the time said it’s important to spend at least part of their workday at home with their pets. People are also looking to hit the road with their pets by their side as 52% said they’re likely to bring their pets while traveling.

Provide Companionship for the Whole Family
A dog is more than just “man’s best friend.” The research indicated more than 9 in 10 pet owners agree their pets complete their families or households and they are a key part of how the family spends quality time together. When it comes to children, adults said they feel pets make a positive impact by providing companionship (75%) and teaching children about responsibility (69%).

Support Your Local Shelter
If you’re ready to add a pet to your family, consider adopting from the Humane Society of Broward County. Eighty-four percent of pet parents who adopted from shelters felt a boost in mental wellbeing from doing so. Adding a pet to your home can also support shelters in your community that are struggling to care for all the cats and dogs in need of forever homes.

Pet Spotlight
Twelve-week-old Kaluha (ID 664985) is looking for a family to love. Can you make her wish come true? This cutie has a lot of growing to do, so be sure you’re ready to devote the time needed to raise a puppy. While we are not sure what she is mixed with, we do know she is adorable, bubbly and would love lots of toys to play with. She is just one of many cute dogs hoping to be adopted at the Humane Society of Broward County.

Tony (ID A664918) is three years old and was abandoned by his owner when they moved away and left him behind. He loves to be pet, but like all felines, will need some time to adjust to a new home. We believe he would be ok in a home with another well-mannered feline but are not sure how he is with dogs. Thanks to a cat lover his adoption fee has been underwritten.

To meet Kaluha, Tony or any other pet, complete the pre-adoption application at www.humanebroward.com and then stop by the Humane Society of Broward County. The adoption kennels open daily at 11:00 a.m. and if you have questions call 954-989-3977 ext. 6. The shelter is located at 2070 Griffin Road, a block west of I95 in Fort Lauderdale. Call 954-989-3977 ext. 6 with any questions. If you can’t adopt but want to help the VCA Walk for the Animals is March 4. Learn more on the website: https://humanebroward.com