Every animal deserves to have a home. And every person deserves to have a loyal furry companion. In the U.S. alone, 66% of households own a pet. Having a pet can have a positive effect on one’s health as well. Pet owners have more opportunities to exercise, spend time outside, and socialize.
And what’s a better endorsement of adopting a rescue pet than seeing how their fellow ex-rescues are currently doing in their forever homes? Because it’s once again that time of the month when we’re presenting you with the most adorable and heartwarming pictures of pets who recently found a new home.
Bored Panda reached out to Tricia Montgomery, a pet industry expert and one part of the Pets Are Family podcast duo. We spoke to her about why it might be better to adopt than to get a pet from a breeder, what future owners should know before adopting, and how to ensure that your new best friend feels at home in their new forever home.
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We’re in luck because pet expert Tricia Montgomery recently adopted her new four-legged best friend: a one-year-old Labrador and Catahoula hound mix from Raskal Rescues in Hardeeville, South Carolina. Tricia is a proponent of the ‘Adopt, Not Shop’ philosophy, and she likens pet adoption to a ‘hero’s journey.’ “[It’s] challenging but oh-so-rewarding, without the constant glow of rainbows and unicorns,” she says.
Why does she personally opt to adopt and not shop? “It’s like a rescue mission!” Tricia says. “Adopting a pet is like being part of your own adventure story where you get to be the hero. Sure, buying a pet might seem like the easy route, but adopting? That’s where you make a big impact.”
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Tricia points out that it’s also not about the owner and the adopted pet directly. “Every pet adopted from a shelter frees up space for another animal in need, directly saving lives and fighting against the crisis animal welfare is facing and overcrowded shelters.” And let’s not forget the self-esteem boost adopting can give the owner. “It’s your chance to show off your superhero cape!” Tricia gushes.
While Tricia encourages more people to adopt, she says that folks should do so with caution. After all, it’s a living breathing being you’re taking into your home. Let’s continue thinking about adopting as an adventure. “Imagine you’re preparing for a quest,” Tricia begins. “First, you’d check your gear, right? Well, preparing to adopt a pet is similar.”
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“Do a lifestyle check. Do you have enough space? Enough time? Can you handle the extra expenses for your companion’s food, health, and toys? It’s not just about having a heart full of love; it’s about making sure you’re ready to provide a forever home. Prep your home like you would a fortress—safe and welcoming,” Tricia explains.
With owning a new pet comes new challenges. In some cases, the newcomer might be a new addition to the already-established pet family. In my family, two of our shelter dogs had to get used to living with two cats, who considered themselves the kings of the house. In other cases, a rescue might be the first pet for the household, and that comes with its own challenges as well.
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