50 Newly Adopted Pets Who Brought Happiness And Warmth To People’s Homes In October

As noble an act as it is, adopting a pet also comes with challenges. For example, when dealing with dogs, behavioral challenges may arise. According to the Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, some dogs may have anxiety, fear, or past trauma, especially since they are coming into a new environment. 

The Sanctuary noted that rushing a dog into new activities may overwhelm it and exacerbate its stress, which is why new owners must exercise patience and understanding and ensure their new pet undergoes proper training.

As noble an act as it is, adopting a pet also comes with challenges. For example, when dealing with dogs, behavioral challenges may arise. According to the Oxfordshire Animal Sanctuary, some dogs may have anxiety, fear, or past trauma, especially since they are coming into a new environment. 

The Sanctuary noted that rushing a dog into new activities may overwhelm it and exacerbate its stress, which is why new owners must exercise patience and understanding and ensure their new pet undergoes proper training.

While behavioral challenges may be prevalent among shelter animals, it is also a common misconception. It is why experts from Virginia Tech’s College of Veterinary Medicine emphasize the importance of patience, consistency, and love. 

By doing so, it allows a shelter pet to overcome challenges and adjust more quickly to their environment, becoming loving companions.

Many shelters around the United States are nearly at full capacity. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), around 5.8 million dogs and cats entered shelters and rescues in 2024 alone. 

Statistics also show that the time dogs spend in shelters before adoption has increased over the last five years. This overstay of larger dogs, in particular, has strained the system, which is already overburdened. 

On a much sadder note, ASPCA notes that around 607,000 animals were euthanized in shelters in 2024. While the number decreased by 2% from 2023, it remains a massive figure that underscores the overpopulation issue in animal shelters.

If you do decide to adopt a pet from a shelter, you must first assess your situation. According to Providence Vet, one way to know if you’re pet-ready would be if you have enough time to meet the animal’s basic needs, whether it’s food, training, or trips to the vet. 

Another important question to ask is if you can afford to care for a pet. You must make a financial commitment to food, supplies, and routine checkups, which can be costly over time.

As Providence Vet notes, adopting a pet can be an exciting experience if you are well-prepared. Your goal would be to help your new companion adjust and successfully transition into their new home. 

That includes providing a safe space where the animal can feel less stress as it settles into he space. If necessary, you may need to give them a quiet area where they can retreat when they feel overwhelmed or scared.