April 30th is National Adopt A Shelter Pet Day. The day was created as a way to spread awareness for the many pets that are waiting to be adopted from shelters. 

According to the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), each year, approximately 1.5 million shelter animals are euthanized. Adopting a pet from a shelter means saving a life, but it also means years of companionship and happiness. Here are the top 4 reasons to adopt a pet:

1.) You save a life.
The number of euthanized animals could be significantly reduced if more people would adopt pets. When you adopt an animal, you are saving the life of a loving creature and giving them a second chance at a happy life in a loving home.

2.) You get an amazing companion.
Shelter animals are typically healthy and happy pets waiting for their forever homes. Oftentimes they wound up at the shelter because of something to do with their owners and not the animals themselves. Many shelter animals are housebroken and used to living with a family. Shelter animals also make for some of the most loving pets as many times they are extremely grateful to be adopted.  

3.) It will cost you less. 
Adoption fees are typically much lower than the cost of buying cats or dogs that are sold for profit.

4.) Adopting an animal helps more than just that animal.
Sadly, every year, over a million shelter animals are euthanized, because there is simply not enough room for them all in shelters. By adopting an animal, you are then making room for other animals in the shelters. Additionally, the cost of the adoption fees goes towards helping the shelters care for the animals they house. Not only are you giving the animal you adopted a second chance at life, but you are also giving other animals a second chance at life.