Animal rescue groups largely function independently at the  community level.  The animal rescue movement has no national tracking standards in place, so it can be challenging to calculate how many unwanted animals are part of the shelter system.

However, looking at the real numbers makes an important case for searching shelters for furry additions.   ASPCA and Humane Society estimates establish consistent snapshots of annual trends across the U.S., confirming that roughly

• 6-8  million dogs and cats enter animal shelters annually
•  2.7 million adoptable animals are euthanized each year
• 2.7 million shelter animals are adopted each year

Think about those numbers: More than 1 million adoptable dogs and 1 million adoptable cats are euthanized each year in the U.S.  “Adoptable” means healthy, friendly, loving animals of all ages, and millions – nearly half of the total numbers of animals in shelters – die, unclaimed and unwanted.  Yet myths persist that often keep people from exploring adoption.  Here is a look at five of those myths – realities, and flip sides.

Myth #1 – All rescued animals have emotional troubles.  Reality: Although many shelters provide behavior assessments, the notion of the behaviorally challenged shelter animal persists.  Though the stress of a shelter experience may mean an adopted animal needs extra time to feel settled and comfortable, this is true of many animals entering a new environments.  Time, patience, training, and love are necessary every time a new animal joins the home.  Animals are released to shelters for all sorts of reasons, often involving human need or crisis (like death, relocation, divorce, illness) more than animal behavior.  The flip side: the myth reinforces the idea that sociability is exclusive to purebred animals.  However, intentionally bred animals are not free from quirky personality traits, bad behavior, or abandonment issues.  Don’t let a common misperception keep your family from helping a homeless animal find a forever home!

Myth #2 – Shelters won’t have “the kind” of animal we want. Reality: All kinds of animals end up in shelters- all ages, temperaments, and sizes of dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, rabbits, small animals, and more.  In addition to the great variety of animals in local shelters, there are numerous breed rescue organizations that work to with shelters to place animals in forever homes.  The flip side, is that specific breeds aren’t always a guarantee for animals that will act in certain ways.  Don’t leap without looking- do your homework and find out what kind of animal is right for you and your family!

Myth #3 – Shelter animals are unhealthy.  Reality: Shelters provide vaccinations, spay/neuter procedures, and general medical care prior to adoption.  Animals with special medical needs are not intentionally “hidden,” and quite the opposite, if an otherwise adoptable animal has a serious health condition, reputable rescue organizations typically disclose such details.  Why?  Because it’s important for foster or adoptive families to consider their ability to meet special needs before bringing an animal home.  The flip side reminds us that bred animals are not immune to serious health conditions.  “Health” is not a status reserved for bred animals.  To the contrary, sometimes as a result of over-breeding, health ailments can become genetic and breed-related.

Myth #4 – buying an animal isn’t problematic.  Reality: Some animal lovers wince at the suggestion that they “own” their companion animals, and assume a level of committed responsibility more akin to friendship or family status for adopted animals.  Even without questioning the idea of ownership, it is difficult to establish the necessity of purchasing a bred animal when millions of animals are killed each year because no one wants to care for them anymore.

Adoption also supports humane choices.  While it’s true that there is a difference between reputable breeders and puppy mills, overpopulation remains a contributing factor to the high number of animals in shelters.  Spaying and neutering responds to overpopulation by preventing unwanted litters; adoption responds by reducing the number of people buying animals.  The flip side: Maybe the final link in the chain of reducing massive animal overpopulation, homelessness, and euthanasia involves recognizing that the choice to welcome an animal into the family is a commitment.  Forever homes provide safety, comfort, and care throughout an animal’s entire lifespan.

 Myth #5 – shelters are too depressing.  Reality: Seriously?  The Queen may simply say, “try it from the other side of the cage,” but let’s acknowledge that it can be sad to go into a shelter.  The flip side reminds us that puppy mills are depressing, too, but you aren’t as likely to visit one because they hide the conditions in which the animals are bred.  It is heartbreaking to enter a shelter knowing you can’t save all of them.  But you can save one!

Love Responsibly – Adopt