Setting the Record Straight on Shelter Pet Myths

Are you considering adding a new animal companion to your home soon? You may wonder if you should select your new addition from a pet store, breeder, or from an animal shelter. Unfortunately, there are many myths and misconceptions when it comes to shelters and the pets inside of them! Here, your Pickerington, OH vet sets the record straight.

Shelter Pets Are Old

Think that all pets housed in shelters are old, unwanted animals? Think again, because this couldn’t be further from the truth. Pets of every age––puppies and kittens, middle-aged companions, and senior pets alike––can be found in your local shelters! It doesn’t matter what age of pet you’re looking to adopt; you’ll probably be able to find it in a rescue facility.

Shelter Pets Are Dirty

Some make the mistake of thinking that shelters, as well as the pets who live inside of them, are dirty and unkempt. This isn’t true. In fact, it’s quite the opposite––with so many animals housed together, cleanliness and sanitation are of paramount importance for preventing the spread of disease and infection. Shelter staff work tirelessly to ensure that all shelter facilities, as well as the pets housed inside of them, stay clean!

Shelter Pets Don’t Behave Well

Some think that a pet wouldn’t wind up in a shelter in the first place if the animal was well-behaved. This assumes, though, that a pet is relinquished to a shelter because of poor behavior, and that’s not often the case. Issues like abandonment and uncontrolled breeding are much more common reasons that pets find themselves housed in rescue facilities. That means that the vast majority of pets in shelters are perfectly well-behaved; they’re just looking for a loving forever home!

Shelters Only Have Dogs and Cats

Are you in the market for a different kind of pet? Perhaps you’re not interested in owning a dog or cat, or you’re allergic to dander. You’re in luck, because many shelters run adoption programs for other types of animals. You might find pocket pets like rabbits, hamsters, and guinea pigs; birds; exotic animals like hedgehogs; reptile or amphibian pets like iguanas, frogs, or snakes; and much more! Try touring your local shelters to find the unique pet that’s right for you. Would you like to know more about pet adoption or animal-rescue efforts in your area? Contact your Pickerington, OH vet clinic. We’re always here to help!