50 Adopted Pets That Are Already Chilling In Their New Homes (November Edition)

My landlord once told me that “home doesn’t feel like home without a pet,” and that really stuck with me. There’s nothing like the feeling of a sleeping cat curled up on your chest or a wet dog nose waking you up in the morning. My apartment just feels so quiet and lifeless without a furry little friend running around. I can’t imagine not having my cat by my side!

But when it comes to where we should be getting our pets from, adoption is always the right answer. According to the ASPCA, 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in the United States in 2024. Thankfully, 4.2 million shelter animals were adopted into loving homes. But tragically, over 600,000 potential pets were also euthanized, to free up space in rescues for new animals.  

As tempting as it may be to go to a breeder when you have a specific dog or cat breed in mind, adopting from an animal shelter saves not only one pet’s life, but two. Worldwide Veterinary Service explains that by taking one furry friend home, you create an opening in the shelter for another pet to wait for a loving home.    

By doing so, you also support shelters and rescues, rather than breeders. Unfortunately, many breeders don’t treat their animals very well, and often, these dogs and cats are forced to breed as often as possible. There are plenty of animals that are already waiting for loving homes; there’s no need to create more demand for breeders. 

Another great benefit of adopting a pet from a shelter is that you get the lifetime support of the shelter employees. They know your pet better than anyone, and they’ll be able to provide you with help if you’re ever struggling with your pet’s behavior or training. Plus, they will likely have already vaccinated and spayed or neutered your pet before you ever take them home. So all you’ll have to worry about is making sure that your furry friend feels loved and taken care of. 

There’s no question that owning a pet can be expensive. Americans spend an average of $1,270 per year on each pet, and the initial costs of getting a new pet can fall between $500 to $1,000. But if finances are a concern for you, adoption is certainly the best solution. First of all, the price you’ll pay for your animal will be significantly lower than you would have paid a breeder. Plus, if you get to skip the upfront costs of vaccinations and medical care, you can focus on the more fun necessities like food, treats and toys.