Having a pet is a rite of passage for a lot of families in the United States. And usually, these families purchase their household pets from so-called reputable breeders and pet stores. Pet stores and pet breeders usually abuse, mistreat and exploit their animals to make a pretty buck. And while people spend hundreds to thousands of dollars to buy a pet, there are millions of adorable and in-need animals in shelters looking for their forever home. Animals in shelters often face a devastating reality and usually pay for it with their lives. So, find out why you should adopt a pet from an animal shelter. You just might save a life.

In the United States, there’s an estimated 6.5 million animals that go into shelters each year. And these animals face the cruel reality of losing their life if they’re not adopted in time. Because of this, thousands of pets each day lose the battle and are euthanized because shelters are overfilled with no resources to help incoming animals. So, if you’re willing to adopt a pet, you’re being a hero and saving the life of a deserving animal and making room for other rescues. And if you adopt, you’re not supporting pet retailers, and pet breeders who abuse and mistreat animals for a buck.

If you go to a shelter, you will find a large variety of sweet loving pets who were dumped by their owners. And because of this, pets are already house-trained and have socialization skills that’ll make life at home easier. But if you really want adopt a kitten or a puppy, shelters and rescue groups will often help you through bond with your new adopted pet.

Adopting an animal is a foolproof way to spend less money for a big return. Adoptions usually cost a lot less than purchasing a pet since they usually spay, neuter and cover first vaccinations.

And remember pets are forever and require a lifetime commitment. And what better way to make that commitment than with a pet who will forever change your life.

Seriously, they’ll love you forever.