1. Healthy, loving pets of all shapes and sizes are available. A common assumption is that all the pets that are brought into a shelter must have something wrong with it. Not true! Pets are surrendered for many reasons, including: owners moving to no-pet housing; allergies; an illness, death, or other hardship results in the family being financially or otherwise unable to properly care for the pet; or simply that an impulsive owner did not consider the time, effort, and money required to care for a pet.

2. Lots of choice! Pure breeds, mixed breeds, big and small, active and laid back, young and adult ... there's plenty of variety to find the right pet for your lifestyle.

3. You will probably even save money. If you've ever been in a pet store or at a breeder, you know how expensive pets can be. Humane societies and rescue groups usually just charge enough to help cover the costs of caring for an animal until it goes to its new home. Pets awaiting adoption have been health-checked and may even have had surgery or other treatment to make sure it's healthy and ready for a new family.

4. You can receive more information and help about your new pet. Good shelters and rescue groups "screen" prospective adopters to help ensure that the pet suits their personalities and lifestyles. They can also offer support and guidance if you have questions about caring for your new pet. In some cases, your pet may have been in foster care prior to becoming available for adoption; if so, the foster family will be able to provide you with a great deal of of information about your new family member - his favorite food, where he likes to sleep, quirky habits, funny antics, and more!

5. You'll save a life. Instead of feeding an industry that continues to produce animals even while there are scores of homeless and unwanted pets, you can give a loving pet another chance at a happy life.

6. You help to combat pet overpopulation. There are simply not enough homes for all the pets that need a family to call their own. Pets adopted from a shelter or rescue are usually spayed or neutered prior to being released to their new homes.

7. You gain a loving and loyal companion! Pets of all ages can form a strong bond to a new family. You will be providing a deserving pet with a loving & secure home... while at the same time gaining a devoted friend.

This article is provided courtesy of The Paw Friendly Directory of products and services for pets and the people who love them! www.pawfriendly.com