Did you know that shelters in Canada intake roughly 157,028 animals each year? There is an opportunity for you to make a difference in the lives of these animals through the simple act of adopting a shelter pet.
Thousands of homeless and abandoned animals find refuge in shelters, waiting for a chance at a better life. When you choose to adopt, you change an animal’s life.
This holiday season, our team at REM Web Solutions has partnered with the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth in an effort to find a loving home for as many shelter pets as possible.
The Kitchener Waterloo Humane Society and the Stratford Perth Humane Society merged to become the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth (HSKWSP) in 2012. They now operate as one organization, serving multiple municipalities, offering services, including animal adoption, educational programs, low-cost veterinary services, and outreach assistance to pet owners in need.
Visit their website to see all the animals available for adoption, complete with their profiles. When you are ready to add a new member to your family, please fill out an adoption survey and submit it. One of their adoption counsellors will then get in touch with you. If you are a good match, you will be contacted to arrange a time for a meet and greet with the pet.
Now, let’s explore the many benefits of adopting a shelter pet this holiday season.
The Shelter Pet Overpopulation Issue
Pet overpopulation is a pressing issue that affects not only animals but also communities at large. It occurs when there are more pets, particularly dogs and cats, in need of homes than there are available homes.
In Ontario, Canada, the issue of pet overpopulation is significant. According to recent statistics, shelters in Ontario receive thousands of animals each year. In 2020, over 40,000 animals entered shelters in the province.
Why Adoption Makes a World of a Difference
It reduces the suffering of animals by providing them with safe and loving homes
It alleviates the burden on shelters and rescues, allowing them to better care for the animals they take in.
Controlling pet overpopulation contributes to public safety and reduces the risk of diseases associated with stray animals.
Saving a Life: The First Benefit
Adopting a shelter pet is not just a choice — it's a lifeline for animals in need. By choosing to adopt, you provide a chance at a beautiful, loving life to a homeless pet, offering them love, care, and security they may have never known otherwise.
The impact of adoption extends beyond the initial act of rescue — it's a lifelong journey of companionship and mutual enrichment, as these once-vulnerable pets thrive, blossoming into beloved members of their new families, and bringing immeasurable happiness and fulfillment to both their human caregivers and themselves.
The Emotional and Mental Benefits
Adopting a shelter pet can create profound and rewarding emotional bonds, as these animals, having often faced hardship, offer trust and affection that become all the more special when earned. This fosters empathy, compassion, and a lasting connection for both you and your furry pal.
Numerous studies have shown that shelter pets have a profound positive impact on mental health by providing unconditional love and companionship, which can reduce stress and anxiety through the release of feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin.
The routine and responsibilities of pet ownership can offer structure and purpose, serving as a valuable distraction from daily pressures and contributing to enhanced mental well-being.
Cost-Effective Pet Ownership
Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue organization is typically more cost-effective than purchasing a pet from a breeder.
While the initial adoption fee may be involved, it is usually significantly lower than the price of buying a pet from a breeder or a pet store.
Other Cost-Saving Benefits of Adopting
When you adopt a shelter pet, many of the essential initial veterinary expenses are often already covered.
Shelters typically provide vaccinations, spay/neuter surgeries, and microchipping as part of the adoption package, which can save you a substantial amount compared to paying for these services separately.
This not only makes adopting a more budget-friendly option but also ensures your new pet starts their life with important healthcare needs addressed.
How To Find the Perfect Match
Shelters have experienced staff and volunteers who can guide you in finding a pet that matches your lifestyle. They assess factors like activity level, living space, family dynamics, and individual preferences to make personalized recommendations, ensuring a better fit between the pet and the adopting family.
Shelters are diverse in terms of the types of pets they have available. From dogs and cats to small animals, birds and reptiles.
Tips for Choosing the Right Pet
Spend time with the pet before making a decision
Ask questions about the pet's history and behaviour
Consider the long-term commitment
Be patient and open-minded during the adoption process, as the perfect match may not always be immediately obvious
Consider the pet's personality and compatibility with your lifestyle rather than focusing solely on appearance
Our team at REM Web Solutions is proud to partner with the Humane Society of Kitchener Waterloo & Stratford Perth this holiday season and we want to encourage you to visit their website, or visit their location at 250 Riverbend Drive, in Kitchener Monday to Friday from 11:00am to 5:00pm. There are so many dogs, cats and other small animals looking for a loving home.
Visit their website to see all the animals available for adoption, complete with their profiles. When you are ready to add a new member to your family, please fill out an adoption survey and submit it. One of their adoption counsellors will then get in touch with you. Only those selected will be contacted to arrange a time for a meet and great with the pet.
