If you’re thinking of adding a furry friend to your family, consider adopting a shelter dog. There are many great reasons to adopt a shelter dog, and it’s a decision that you will not regret. Here are just a few of the reasons you should consider adopting one.

1. You’re saving their life.

When you adopt a shelter dog, you are literally saving their life. Shelter dogs are rescued from less-than-ideal conditions, and by adopting them and giving them a home, you’re also giving them a second chance at having a good life. There is no greater gift in return than knowing you saved an animal’s life.

2. You’ll spend less on initial costs.

Purchasing a dog from a pet store or breeder can cost thousands of dollars. Adopting a shelter dog costs much less, and the money that you do spend goes towards helping other dogs that are still in the shelter.

When you buy a dog from a breeder or pet store, you’re keeping puppy mills and other breeding facilities in business. Some of these facilities are horrendous and dogs endure deplorable conditions. When you purchase a shelter dog, you can feel good knowing that your money is well-spent.

3. You’re making room in the shelter for another animal in need.

Once a dog is adopted, the space they occupied opens up for another dog in need. That gives that new animal a chance at finding their forever home. You’re not just saving one life, you’re potentially saving two.

You’re also opening up the door for another family to welcome a wonderful, loving pet into their home. The feeling you’ll have knowing that by adopting your new pet you’re also impacting so many other lives is one that can’t really be described.

4. You’ll have a good excuse to get outside and get active.

Dogs are a great walking or running partner, and a wonderful reason to get outdoors and get some fresh air. If your family is normally very sedentary, adopting a shelter dog will give you all an opportunity to play and explore outside with them.

Knowing that they need to go on regular walks will encourage you to get regular exercise as well, and the whole family will be healthier and happier overall.

5. You’ll earn the title of “dog mom” or “dog dad”.

Sure, you love your family and friends, but there’s nothing quite like the love of a dog. Shelter dogs, in particular, seem to love harder since they know what it’s like to live in horrible conditions. You’ll love them back so deeply that they will feel like your child. In a way, they are.

You feed them, care for them, and love them, just like you love a child. This earns you the coveted title of “dog mom” or “dog dad”. There’s even a National Pet Parents Day, which is celebrated every year on the last Sunday in April.

6. You’ll be adopting your best friend.

There is some real truth behind the statement that a dog is a “man’s best friend”. They love you unconditionally and are always there with a wagging tail and wet kisses when you arrive home. Who else is that excited to see you?

When you’re sad, they are there to comfort you. When you’re happy, they are there to be excited right along with you. When you’re cold, they will be there to warm you up. When you are lonely, they will be there to keep you company. Adopting a shelter dog is adopting your future best friend. It’s a connection that can’t be beat.

These are just a few of the reasons why adopting a shelter dog is a good decision. They will add so much value to your life, and once you bring them home, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them in the first place.