Pet adoption is an important decision for any individual or family and not one that should be taken lightly. Too often pets are adopted on impulse only to eventually return to the shelter after being forgotten, neglected, or abused.
Before adopting a pet, consider the following:
- Can you provide a safe environment for your pet?
- Can you spend an appropriate amount of time with your pet?
- Will everyone in your immediate circle of family and friends welcome your pet?
- If you're sick or out of town, who will care for your pet?
- Will other pets in your home be accepting of a new pet?
- Can you afford to properly care for a pet?
More than a thousand animals are processed through the Lowndes County Animal Shelter each year. Saving just one of them can be a life changing decision as you and your family realize the benefits of having a pet in your home.
Studies have found that:
- Pet owners are less likely to suffer from depression than those without pets.
- People with pets have lower blood pressure in stressful situations than those without pets.
- Playing with a pet can elevate levels of serotonin and dopamine, which calm and relax.
- Pet owners have lower triglyceride and cholesterol levels (indicators of heart disease) than those without pets.
- Heart attack patients with pets survive longer than those without.
- Pet owners over age 65 make 30% fewer visits to their doctors that those without pets.
- While people with dogs often experience the greatest health benefits, a pet doesn't necessarily have to be a dog or a cat. Even watching fish in an aquarium can help reduce muscle tension and lower pulse rate.
Ready for a happier, healthier you? Visit the Lowndes County Animal Shelter during regular business hours and spend some time of the great pets that are available for adoption. You will be required to complete an adoption packet(make link active) to compete the adoption process. All pets adopted from the Lowndes County Animal Shelter are spayed or neutered prior to being released to their new owners. Overpopulation in our community results in the euthanization of too many pets each year. This being the case, the shelter does not release pets that could contribute to this tragedy, back into the community.