Education Topic

1. Education Topic Reasons to Adopt Rescue Animals

2. Overpopulation • Not enough homes • Estimated 5-7 million cats and dogs enter shelters annually • Estimated 3-4 million are euthanized

3. Top Reasons to Adopt 1. You’ll save a life 2. You’ll get a healthy pet 3. You’ll save money 4. You’ll feel better 5. You won’t be supporting puppy mills and pet stores.

4. 1. You’ll be saving a life • Space is limited • 3-4 million dogs and cats are euthanized each year

5. 2. You’ll get a healthy pet • Most shelters examine and give vaccinations when animals arrive. • May spay or neuter before they leave. • Shelters screen for specific temperaments and behaviors

6. 3. You’ll save money • Much less expensive than buying a pet at a pet store or other sources. • Many shelter animals are spayed or neutered and vaccinated. • Adoption fee: • Dogs: $50.00-300.00 • Cats: $30.00-200.00 -Humane Society of the United States, catster.com and dogster.com

7. 4. You’ll feel better • Knowing you saved a life

8. 5. You won’t be supporting puppy mills and pet stores • Puppy mills • “Factory style” dog breeding facilities • Put profit above the welfare f dogs • Many puppies are sold in pet stores

9. Misconceptions • 25% of dogs who enter local shelters are purebred • Common reasons for being in shelters: • Divorce, had to move, lack of time, financial constraints. • Misconception that the animal is “abused” or done something “wrong” -ASPCA and Humane Society of the United States

10. Adopt!