Once again, our shelter is full of healthy, loving pets of all shapes and sizes that are available for adoption. Here are some of the benefits of adopting a shelter pet.
A common assumption is that all the pets that are brought into a shelter must have something wrong with them. Not true. Pets are surrendered for many reasons. Owners might have moved to no-pet housing, or developed allergies to the pet. An illness, death, or other hardship can may have resulted in the family being financially or otherwise unable to properly care for the pet. Sometimes, an impulsive owner does not consider the time, effort, and money required to care for a pet.
Choosing a shelter pet has many advantages. There are purebreds, mixed breeds, big and small, active and laid back, young and adult. It may surprise you just what true friend you may find.
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 they’re healthy and ready for a new family.
Our employees at the Central Aroostook Humane Society animal shelter care for each animal individually. They love and pamper them all until that right person comes through the doors. We also “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.
Adopting from a shelter helps to combat pet overpopulation. There are simply not enough homes for all the pets that need a family to call their own. Many pets adopted from our shelter are already spayed or neutered prior to being released to their new homes, and state law requires a $100 refundable deposit on those that aren’t. Once proof of altering is shown, the deposit is returned.
One more advantage is that you are gaining 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 and secure home… while at the same time gaining a devoted friend.
Please stop by the Central Aroostook Humane Society or check out our Facebook page. We are open Tuesdays from 12 to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., closing for lunch from 12 to 12:30 p.m.
Please be responsible owners: spay and neuter your pets.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary for the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
