40 Times People Chose To Adopt A Pet And It Turned Out To Be The Best Decision (February Edition)

To get a better understanding of pet adoption, we contacted PAWS, or the Progressive Animal Welfare Society, a non-profit organization based in Lynnwood, Washington, dedicated to promoting animal welfare through various rescue, rehabilitation, and advocacy programs. Established in 1967, PAWS focuses on rescuing and caring for domestic animals, as well as injured, orphaned, and sick wildlife.

Commenting on recent trends, Bree Koch, the organization's Customer Service and Adoptions Manager, told Bored Panda, "Large dogs are experiencing much longer stays at the shelter than in past years. This appears to be related to rental properties implementing more breed and size restrictions. If you truly want to save a life, adopt a large-breed dog!"

If you feel inspired by these pictures, know that the process of adopting a pet isn't difficult and is designed to ensure the well-being of everyone involved, including the animals and their new families. "Typically, it starts with filling out a questionnaire about your lifestyle and what you're looking for in a companion," Koch said.

"An adoption counselor will [then] chat with potential adopters about any animals that may be a good fit before setting them up on a visit to spend time with specific cats or dogs. Most shelters will then hold the animal for a short period while the adopter gets supplies together before bringing the animal home."

Getting a pet can also lead to letting go of something else. For example, dog owners report that the biggest lifestyle sacrifices they made include:

1. 39.29% lived on a tighter budget to afford their dogs’ expenses.
2. 13.96% moved from an apartment to a house so their dog would have a yard.
3. 7.47% stayed at a job they disliked because it allowed them to work remotely or had a dog-friendly office.
4. 6.78% broke up with a significant other who didn’t like their dog.
5. 5.25% took a pay cut or accepted a position with fewer benefits to work remotely or have access to a dog-friendly office.
6. 4.57% left a job they liked because another company let them work from home or had a dog-friendly office.

"Costs are a major [factor]," Bree Koch of PAWS told us about the biggest concerns the organization has observed among (potential) adopters.

But it's better to think about and prepare for the challenges than it is to go in blindly and then potentially have to put the animal's (or your own) livelihood at risk. "Veterinary care can be expensive. Make sure you come up with a budget and select an animal with care needs that fall within those parameters."

"Of course, emergencies and unplanned expenses can happen, so be sure to investigate options like pet insurance or low-cost clinics in your area," Hoch added.

However, nearly all pet owners (97%) consider their animals part of their family, so if you can make it work, getting one is so worth it.