Shelter Pet Myths, Busted
The next time you’re in the market for a new pet, try setting your sights on your local animal shelter. Despite any negative stereotypes shelters may have, they actually provide a ton of healthy, happy pet options for your family to take home and love.
Here are 5 things you may have heard in the past about shelter animals, and what the actual truth is.
Myth: Shelter pets aren’t healthy.
Truth: In fact, shelter pets can be quite healthy. Dr. Jules Benson is the VP of Veterinary Services at Petplan Pet Insurance. When he recently analyzed Petplan’s claims data he found something interesting: Contrary to popular opinion, the claims data revealed that pets adopted from shelters or rescue organizations are actually 5% less likely to suffer an unexpected trip to the veterinarian compared to pets purchased through pet stores. In addition, many shelter pets are spayed and neutered, and some even come with location microchips.
Martha Smith-Blackmore, DVM, is the immediate past president of the Association of Shelter Veterinarians, interim president and director of Veterinary Medical Services and works for the Animal Rescue League of Boston. She stipulates that although there is much variety in animal shelters throughout the country, most good shelters almost always provide excellent vet care for their animals. “In well-run shelters, animals receive vaccinations upon in-take, and are fed a high quality food from a single manufacture so they don’t undergo digestive stress caused from a constantly changing variety of donated food on a daily basis,” she said.
Myth: I won’t be able to find a pure breed at a shelter.
Truth: According to Dr. Benson, 25% of all dogs in shelters are purebreds.
Myth: Shelter pets are unruly.
Truth: Many shelter pets receive training and socialization before adoption to help make the transition to their new family easier, says Dr. Benson.
For the complete article on shelter pet myths, visit petMD!
