Why is it better to get a pet from a shelter?

If you're considering getting a family member on all fours, you're probably wondering which option to choose - buying or adopting a pet. Both options certainly have their pros and cons. Choosing how to get a pet should be tailored to a multitude of individual factors and your specific situation. No matter which of the two we choose, the important thing is to get a pet that can be cared for long, responsibly and fully. And if you feel like helping as many animals as possible, one of the most effective ways to do so is by setting up charity campaigns, using the funds raised to provide food or better care to shelter animals.

What help do abandoned pet shelters need

There are no clear statistics available on how many pets there are in our country. The estimated number is around 100-200 thousand pet dogs and another 100-200 thousand cats. In general we can say that Bulgarians love animals and many households take care of at least one pet.

However, it is far from exceptional when people decide that they can no longer take care of their four-legged friend and abandon it. At best, the animal ends up in a homeless shelter, where a very small percentage of dogs and cats get a second chance at a home and family. There are no official statistics, but it is clear that most pets in Bulgaria are bought, not adopted. And this is the main help that shelters for abandoned pets need - to give their pets a second chance.

Adopting a kitten or dog is a wonderful thing to do, giving them a second chance to be loved and happy. However, for one reason or another, not everyone is inclined to adopt.

Most often, the adopted animal is picked up from an animal shelter. Stray animals usually end up there, but also those that have been pets but have been neglected, abused or driven away by their owners. Purchased animals usually come with a pedigree. They are bred in licensed and certified kennels and are available in official pet shops. Purchased animals come to you with the necessary documents, vaccinations and dewormed. Shelters usually rely on donations to ensure that shelter animals also receive vaccines and medications. You can easily collect these through the Pavel Andreev platform.

Take a look at our animal-related articles:

• What do we need to know when we want to create a campaign to help animals and shelters?
• How to help animal shelters.
• How to rescue animals: creative ways to make a difference

There are times when choosing an animal breed isn't just a matter of whim. Some people choose a particular breed of dog because, for example, it is suitable for training as a rescue, guide dog or for another specific purpose. Some families look for a pet with a certain temperament to suit the dynamics of their daily lives and family life. If these requirements are not important to you, adopt a four-legged friend from a shelter. He is able to give you companionship and lots of love just like any pedigreed kitten or dog.

How to help a homeless animal shelter

As mentioned earlier, one of the best ways to help a homeless animal shelter is to adopt one of its residents. By doing so, you are saving a life. Quite a few shelter animals are already dewormed, chipped and vaccinated. If you want to be helpful to more animals, you can donate or organize a fundraising campaign to help abandoned pets with which to carry out these manipulations.

Often shelters can provide information about the nature of the animal so there will be no nasty, unexpected surprises. You also save time, as shelter animals have usually already learned basic habits. If it turns out that the animal in question isn't right for your family, most shelters are willing to take it back.

It is good to know that mixed breed animals actually fall under a lower risk of inheriting genetic diseases. In addition, adoption costs are much less than buying. A number of studies around the world confirm with evidence the assumption that adoption has a very positive effect on a person's emotional and mental health. And the higher risk of genetic and congenital diseases usually means higher costs for frequent veterinary check-ups, prevention and treatment

Whether you choose to adopt or purchase your future four-legged family member, one thing is certain - he will need love and the right care.

If you're still thinking about specific ideas on how to help a shelter, you can visit the one you've been eyeing. When you get to know the environment personally, it will be much easier to target things that will be truly helpful. You can also ask shelter staff what you can help with. If it turns out that many things are needed or the animals themselves are many in number, you can proceed to organize a donation campaign with the designated purpose. This will not only help the dogs and cats at the shelter, but also the people who would like to help but don't have the time or don't know exactly how to do it.

Check out our active campaigns in the Animals category or start yours now.

Fundraising for a homeless animal shelter through the Pavel Andreev platform

The PavelAndreev.ORG donation site provides the opportunity to organize many charity campaigns with different goals through it. One of the possibilities is to dedicate the cause to pets. With the money you raise through this act of yours, you will be able to help various animals in need. For example, it is common practice to set up a fundraiser to raise money for emergency surgery. Another cause that people often dedicate their campaigns to is helping a homeless animal shelter. The money can be donated to the shelter to be used for whatever is needed or it can be used to purchase things that will be helpful - food, medicine, blankets, toys, and in general - anything needed. So, if you want to help but don't have the financial ability to do so yourself - feel free to create your own Pavel Andreev charity campaign.