Happy Tails: Adopt a Rescue Pet
The benefits of rescue for pets and owners alike
While buying a pet from a breeder or a pet store might seem like the most obvious option, adopting a rescue pet from a shelter should not be overlooked. Adoption can be incredibly rewarding and offers benefits to both pets and owners that extend beyond just gaining a new companion.
It's truly a choice that yields plenty of positives, and the statistics show there's a need. According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.3 million companion animals enter U.S. animal shelters nationwide every year. Of that 6.3 million, approximately 4.1 million shelter animals are adopted, while 920,000 are euthanized. (1)
As you can see, these calculations show a staggering number of pets left at shelters or euthanized each year. To encourage adoptions and reduce rescues, pet-loving organizations and businesses like Pangel™ make it their mission to raise awareness and support the efforts of worthy shelters and adoption programs.
Advocating for Adoption
Pangel™ strives to use its platform to promote and support organizations that prioritize pet adoptions.
A great example is The Vanderpump Dog Foundation, a rescue in Los Angeles, California. Their initiatives include pushing for legislation to end dog abuse and neglect as well as extensive public education programs and low cost spay and neuter services.
Perhaps most impactful is their impressive rescue and adoption center where they’ve placed thousands of dogs into their forever homes. The Vanderpump Dog Foundation’s commitment to rescuing and rehoming dogs aligns with that of Dagmara Chasse, co-founder of Pangel™.
"It has always been our mission, personally and professionally, to advocate for pet adoptions," says Chasse.
In fact, Pangel™ has structured its business model to award monetary support to rescue organizations and shelters that help decrease the number of animals left in shelters each year.
Chasse adds, "At Pangel, we're committed to philanthropy for rescue and adoption organizations. One of our main goals is to continue to scale donations that assist in increasing pet adoptions."
The Vanderpump Dog Foundation is just one of many organizations Pangel™ hopes to help. It's a motivating factor as they grow their business and become a preeminent voice in pet protection services.
For Chasse and the Pangel™ family, though, it's mostly about appreciation for the unconditional love and intense bond between pets and their owners. To say that Chasse's life has been enriched by her pets is an understatement.
"We can't imagine life without our rescues! Chasse passionately expresses. "Part of spreading awareness about shelter adoptions is spreading the unique joy that we've experienced as rescue parents."
The pet-owner relationship is an inspiring dynamic that has not only led the Chasse family to support worthy adoption and rescue organizations, but it's at the core of their innovative safety app for pets.
When an unforeseen circumstance nearly caused the Chasse family to leave their beloved pets abandoned and alone, their solution was to create a tool that would put comfort and security in the hands of every pet parent.
The Pangel™ app is designed to become a helping hand for pet owners if they find themselves unable to reach their pets due to an emergency. The app allows owners to set up predetermined guardians who will be alerted in case an owner can't return to their pet.
If you are already a pet parent or planning to adopt a pet, the Pangel app should be on your priority list of supplies. Other things to consider if you're adopting?
In an effort to help potential pet owners become well-informed when it comes to adoption, here's some information that outlines the process and provides plenty of tips for new pet parents and veteran owners alike who are looking to adopt.
What to Expect
If you've never been through the pet adoption process before, you may have questions. The Animal Humane Society offers a helpful step-by-step guide (2) that informs owners of what to expect when considering pet adoption.
An overview of pet adoption:
Introduce Yourself- Get to know prospective pets by visiting your local shelter or adoption center. During this time, you can interact with animals and ask questions of team members or volunteers.
Request a Consultation- Most shelters will offer an opportunity for you to review the animal's behavior and medical records, advise you on choosing and preparing for the appropriate pet, and discuss the next steps. Depending on the shelter, you may be asked to complete an adoption application or sit for an interview process.
Finalize the Adoption- Usually, a final contract will be presented to owners, who will acknowledge their commitment to caring for and providing for their new pet. At this time, a small adoption fee may also be collected.
More Details: The Dos and Don'ts of Adopting
To be a well-informed adopted pet parent, consult this list of dos and don'ts for preparing before, during, and after the adoption process.
When Considering Pet Adoption:
1. Do research before adopting a pet. Learn about the breed, age, and temperament that would be most suitable for your lifestyle.
2. Do adopt from a reputable animal shelter or rescue organization. These organizations often have adoption counselors who can help match you with the right pet.
3. Do consider adopting an older pet. Older pets are often already trained and settled into their personalities, making them a great choice for many households.
4. Do make sure you have the time and resources to properly care for a pet. This includes providing food, water, shelter, exercise, and medical care.
5. Do introduce your new pet slowly to other animals and family members. Give your new pet time to adjust to their new surroundings.
When Considering Pet Adoption:
1. Don't adopt a pet on impulse. Take the time to consider whether you are ready to take on the responsibility of pet ownership.
2. Don't adopt a pet if you are not able to commit to their care for their entire lifetime. Pets are not disposable and should not be given up when they become inconvenient.
3. Don't adopt a pet if you have not considered the financial costs associated with pet ownership. Pets require food, medical care, and other supplies that can add up quickly.
4. Don't adopt a pet if you live in a space that is not suitable for the pet. For example, don't adopt a large dog if you live in a small apartment.
A successful and sustainable adoption is possible for most. Knowledgeable preparation is key and will ensure everyone is happy with the result.
The Benefits of Adoption
There are several benefits to adopting a pet rather than buying one. These include benefits to pets and their new owners.
Dogs that are up for adoption are usually already trained and socialized, making the transition into your home much easier. It's also highly likely a shelter pet has already been spayed or neutered, vaccinated, and perhaps even microchipped.
Cost is a significant consideration when weighing the adoption option. Adopting is often far less expensive than buying one from a breeder, and you'll also be supporting a worthwhile cause.
When you adopt a pet, you are supporting the work of animal rescue organizations, which play an essential role in promoting responsible pet ownership and caring for animals in need.
Perhaps one of the most worthwhile benefits is the knowledge that you've helped reduce the number of animals abandoned in shelters or euthanized each year due to overcrowding.
There are countless animals in shelters waiting for a loving home. By adopting, you are giving them a second chance at life while also freeing up space in the shelter for other animals in need. It's a selfless action that any rescue pet owner should be proud to have taken.
Pangel™ Celebrates and Supports Pet Adoption
Adoption advocates like Pangel™ are here to support families and individuals looking to rescue a shelter pet and be part of the solution to alleviate the number of rescues left in shelters each year.
With the right preparation and support, rescue pet ownership will decrease abandoned pet populations in shelters and increase the number of pets who find their forever homes.
Gain the pride and positivity that comes from being an adopted rescue parent. If a pet companion is something you seek, be sure to explore adoption as an option.
"Pet Statistics." ASPCA, www.aspca.org/helping-people-pets/shelter-intake-and-surrender/pet-statistics.
"How adoption works." The Animal Humane Society, www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/how-adoption-works.
