There are over 100,000 abandoned or stray dogs in the US at any time. So, if you’ve decided you’re ready (mentally and financially) to become the parent of a beautiful four-legged little creature, but confused on where to get one from, then I always recommend you save (adopt) a rescue dog. Here’s why:

1. YOU’LL BE SAVING TWO LIVES.

That’s right, not only will you be changing the world for your rescue dog, you’ll also be freeing up shelter space for another stray pup. Shelters are so overcrowded that they often have to turn dogs away.

2. YOU’LL BE BRINGING DOWN PUPPY MILLS AND IRRESPONSIBLE BREEDING.

Unless you choose a breeder very carefully, you can fall into the trap of buying a dog from a puppy farm or an irresponsible breeder, without even knowing. Millions of puppies are bred each year without care for the dog’s welfare. Meanwhile, their parents spend their whole lives cramped in small, dirty cages. By adopting a rescue dog, you won’t be paying into this awful business.

3. YOU’LL HELP FIGHT THE MYTHS SURROUNDING SHELTER DOGS.

It’s a common misconception (usually as a result of ill-informed media) rescue dogs are “broken”, “troublesome”, have health or behavioral issues and are much harder to handle. This is absolutely not true. In fact, the vast majority of dogs are given up because of problems their owners face. Like moving, having a baby, divorce, no time… it’s rarely because of the dog’s behavior or health. Most shelter dogs are perfectly well behaved and healthy.

4. IT’S CHEAPER.

Money saving shouldn’t be a decisive factor when getting a dog. But, as it turns out, adopting a dog from a shelter is much cheaper than buying from a breeder or pet store (don’t even go there). The adoption fee also covers your dog’s vaccines, microchipping, and spaying or neutering. It usually doesn’t even represent a third of the price you would pay to just purchase a puppy, without medical care included. It’s always a nice gesture to make a donation to the shelter in addition to the adoption fee to help other dogs in need.

5. ADULT DOGS ARE AWESOME.

Puppies are cute, but they are quite a handful and aren’t always the right choice (especially if you are a first-time dog owner). Plus, they don’t stay puppies forever. In just a few months they’ll be grown pups. By adopting an educated adult dog, you won’t have to worry about time-consuming issues such as potty training, leash training, or destructive puppy behavior. You’ll also greatly lower the risk that your recently adopted dog will fall ill, as puppy immune systems are much more fragile. You can still teach your adult dogs tricks and desired behaviors to bond with them!

6. YOUR HEALTH WILL THANK YOU FOR IT.

Dogs are proven to reduce blood pressure levels, stress and they give you a reason to get out and exercise. Imagine the rush of endorphins as a result of these health benefits, in addition to knowing you’ve saved a life in the process.

7. YOUR DOG WILL BE FOREVER GRATEFUL.

Shelter dogs quickly forget about their previous life once they’re comfortable and happy in their forever home. The gratitude towards the people who saved them and took them in always remains. Anyone who has ever adopted a dog will tell you that the bond with a rescue dog is strong and sincere. They are so thankful, and it shows in everything they do.

Help save a dog today and don’t let the little fella you would have owned become one of the 3,400 dogs killed annually!