Adopt. Don’t Shop.

According to the ASPCA, 3.3 million dogs enter shelters each year in the United States. In 2017, over 100,000 dogs came into Virginia shelters and rescue organizations. Of those, more than 10,000 were either euthanized or died while in custody. If you are considering adding a four-legged friend to your family, we encourage you to adopt, rather than purchasing a dog from a breeder or pet store.

You can find dogs of all ages, breeds (including plenty of purebred dogs), sizes, and temperaments in shelters and rescue groups. If you’re looking for a specific dog, chances are you can find one to adopt!

Reasons to adopt include:

  • You will save a life. The number of dogs euthanized could be drastically reduced if people adopted rather than buying a dog.

  • You will get a great pet. Animal shelters and rescue groups are full of amazing dogs. Most dogs in a shelter/rescue ended up there because of a human issue like a move or divorce, not because there is anything “wrong” with them. Many dogs in shelters/rescues are already house-trained, have basic skills, and are used to being a part of a family.

  • It will cost you less. Usually when you adopt, the cost of spay/neuter and first vaccinations (and often microchipping) is included in the adoption fee. Purchasing a dog from a pet store or a breeder is often significantly more expensive than an adoption fee and you are still responsible for the initial, out-of-pocket veterinary costs.

  • Adoption helps more than just one dog. When you adopt, you’ll save the life of your new family member and open up shelter/rescue space for another dog who might desperately need it. Not only are you giving more dogs a second chance, but your adoption fee goes directly towards helping those shelters/rescues continue to provide for the animals in their care.

  • You’ll change a homeless dog’s life.

“Saving one dog will not change the world, but surely for that one dog, the world will change forever.”
— Karen Davison

Adopt Locally