Dogs also end up in shelter when someone finds it as a stray. Those who find them won’t know anything about its owner. You need to understand that most of these dogs are great pets and need a family and a home. So, if you want to adopt a dog from a shelter, you must know the amazing benefits of it. Here, we’ve listed some of them:

1. You can know a lot about dogs from the shelter workers

Those who want to adopt a dog from one of the shelters have a lot of questions. So, if you’re one of them, don’t rely only on your own instincts. Volunteers and staff at the shelter can answer all of your questions based on their experiences. They’ll be able to give you some valuable information about the dogs’ personalities, behavior, and health.

They can also find an ideal dog for your family that would do well in your home. Staff members and volunteers at the shelters have all the information about the dogs’ past. They also know about the homes these animals have lived in and how they get along with other pets.

2. You’ll be helping these wonderful pets

When you decide to adopt a dog from one of the shelters, you’ll be giving it a home. You’ll be giving it a loving and caring family that it needs. Moreover, you’ll also be freeing up space at the shelter for another dog to be brought to the facility. These are the dogs that need utmost care since they’ve already lived with families. They need all the love and attention that they deserve.

3. You’ll get lots of love from the dog

By adopting a dog from a shelter, you’ll be giving a home and a family to that pet. The dog must’ve gone through some unpleasant experiences. Suddenly, it starts getting lots of food, attention, and love it was craving for from you and your family. The dog would truly appreciate it and give you and everyone in the family lots of love in return.

Everyone knows the fact that dogs love their people regardless of what their breed is. This is, of course, not exclusive to dogs in the shelter. The feeling of gratitude in a dog from the shelter would be more and there’s a good reason for this. It must’ve truly needed a home and a family all this while and you appeared at the right moment.

4. You can adopt a grown-up dog instead of a puppy

Nearly half of the dogs brought to a shelter come from families that can’t afford pet-friendly housing. There are others who are surrendered because of the lifestyle changes or medical conditions of the dog owner. Many of the dogs living in shelters are grown-ups that have already lived with their previous families.

When you adopt such dogs, you don’t need to spend much time training them. This is not the case with puppies who dig up your garden or chew your shoes. The adult dogs are much more well-behaved and your days would be much more pleasant with them.

5. You can adopt a puppy if that’s what you need

There are shelters that get pregnant dogs or nursing mother dogs once in a while. The foster teams take care of the puppies as well as their mothers. When the puppies are healthy and old enough, they can be put up for adoption. You can give one of these young dogs a home by adopting it.

Once it bonds well with everyone in the family, you can give it some training. In return, you can expect a lot of warm cuddles from the young dog. Choosing a puppy that’s the right one for your family might require some patience. Nevertheless, shelters are a wonderful place to find a new puppy.

6. Most of the shelter dogs are already trained

Grown-up dogs from the shelters already receive their training in all the basic stuff. So, you don’t need to devote much of your valuable time teaching them discipline and socializing skills. Most of these dogs might’ve also received their potty-training. So, they’re pretty much aware that they must not do their business inside the house.

Any dog would need some time to adjust to a new situation. At least the grown-up dogs are capable of doing things the right way. So, you’ll have lesser troubles to deal with.

7. Shelter dogs are cost-effective

Many shelters offer some special schemes such as fee waivers when they’re running out of space. Some of the shelters are registered as non-profits. In this case, the amount that you pay towards adoption may be tax deductible. Usually, the adoption fees that the shelters charge are much less. Many of the organizations charge higher fees for purebred dogs and puppies.

These dogs are the ones that are in high demand. You’ll be able to adopt senior dogs or those with certain medical challenges for a lower fee. The costs involved in adopting puppies from reputable breeders are extremely high. So, you can save a lot by adopting dogs from shelters.

8. Many shelters microchip their dogs

The larger and more progressive shelters microchip their dogs during adoption. You’ll also find a lot of shelters that do not include this in their adoption package. One of the major reasons for this is that they lack the resources for it. Microchipping is a process of implanting a tiny electronic chip under the skin of the pet. This electronic chip is enclosed in a glass cylinder and has the size of a grain of rice.

If the pet wanders off and a stranger finds it, that individual would report the incident first. Then a staff member of the shelter or a veterinarian can run a scanner over the chip. This will give them access to your contact information and you’ll know where your pet is. If the shelter you’re adopting the dog from doesn’t provide microchipping, a vet can do it.

9. Shelter dogs are vaccinated

The American Veterinary Medical Association has standards of care in place. Besides this, the state laws require certain vaccinations to be given to the shelter animals. Animal shelters vaccinate all the dogs that they receive. They do this in order to protect them from harmful diseases.

Once you adopt a shelter dog, you’ll need to provide it the required shots. A dog adopted from a shelter is often ready to mingle with others as they’re fully vaccinated.

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Of course, there are the other usual features such as wilds, scatters, and bonus games. You’ll find these slot games in many of the world’s leading online casinos. You’ll find the best casinos with virtual slots on this website. Now, let’s take a look at some of the best online slots themed on dogs:

1. Diamond Dogs

This online slots game with a dog theme comes from one of the reputed providers of casino games, NetEnt. It features 25 paylines and 5 reels that can be set according to the player’s wishes. The minimum bet per spin is $0.01, but you can increase this to a maximum of $50.

What would appeal to most of the players is the theme and bonus games of the slot. The more seasoned gamblers would want to know more about jackpots. If you get five jackpot symbols on a payline, you’ll get to win the 10,000-coin jackpot. The jackpot symbol in this game is the wild dog.

2. Puppy Love

Puppy Love from BetSoft is an online slot with 20 paylines and 5 reels. What you’ll find interesting in this game is how the bonus rounds piggyback upon one another. You’ll also love all those wilds, free spins, and pick’em bonus features in this slot game. There are a host of cute puppies that you’ll find on the reels.

Some of the other symbols that you can expect in this game are dog bowls, collars, and kennels. If you’re looking for an overload of cute puppy images and some fabulous features, Puppy Love is for you.

3. Hillbillies online slots

A fantastic online slot game developed by RTG, Hillbillies is based on the life in a countryside farm. It features 20 paylines and 5 reels. This game is available in many of the reputed online casinos. You can begin your countryside adventure with a bet ranging from $0.01 to $100. While playing this game, you’ll come across a hound dog, a moonshine, and a bathing pig.

Hillbillies also offers a huge jackpot, which is triggered randomly. The wilds and scatter symbols are the cheerful members of the family. They appear on the reels as the cowgirl, the old farmer, or the young farmhand. Every time they appear, you’ll have free spins or a multiplier.

4. Doggy Reel Bingo

This 3-reel slot from Microgaming offers additional bonus round and multiple options in betting. It has a cute pink background, featuring paw prints and dog bones. You can make bets between $0.10 and $10. This would give you a lot of flexibility with regards to your budget.

If you’re looking for a pub-style slot game, Doggy Reel Bingo would be a great choice. The game has a maximum jackpot of 500 coins. When the trail below the reels is full, you’ll trigger the bonus game.

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In the process of raising a well-rounded dog, you must pay close attention to its diet. Additionally, it’s important to ensure that it gets enough exercise. You must also make sure that you’re keeping up with the scheduled visits to the vet. Here are a few things that you must do for your dog to keep it healthy and happy:

1. Give it a good exercise daily

Regular exercise will help your dog maintain a healthy weight and give it some mental stimulation. You can develop good behavior in your dog by keeping it active. The dogs that are inactive and bored often tend to display unwanted or unpleasant behavior. Just like human beings, dogs need daily exercise to remain in good health.

The proportion and intensity of the exercise depends on your dog’s breed, size, age, and level of fitness. Additionally, you can include several other activities in your dog’s routine. This variety would challenge its senses and keep it active.

2. Give your dog a balanced and nutritious diet

Feeding your dog a generic kibble mix might not give it the required nutrition. The foundation of your dog’s healthy life depends on what kind of food you’re feeding it. A custom kibble that has been prepared just for your dog can be quite effective. It provides your dog with excellent overall nutrition. The kibble mix must be made using real meat such as chicken, lamb, or beef.

It must also include healthy carbs such as whole wheat, barley, and oatmeal. You must give your dog a good balance of vitamins and minerals in addition to nutrient-rich fats. One important thing to remember is that the diet must be based on your dog’s individual requirements. This greatly depends on its age, size, and health. You can also have your dog’s kibble mix tweaked at any time.

3. Allow your dog to socialize

You might think that socializing your dog involves walking it on a leash and meeting its neighbors. In fact, socializing goes well beyond this. Socializing means introducing your dog to different types of environments, sounds, objects, people, and other animals. Of course, this must be done in a safe and controlled manner.

This is to give your dog some positive experiences and allow it to learn some valuable skills. These skills include adapting and problem-solving. You must help your dog understand how it must respond to new situations. If you’ve adopted a puppy, you can sign it up for group play and socialization classes.

4. Teach your dog to behave well

Many think that their dog looks cute when it jumps on other people. On the other hand, those people might not find it cute at all. They, especially the children, could find this behavior scary. So, it’s important that your dog knows how to behave well.

You can teach this to your dog using positive methods. Training your dog must not involve force, pain, or punishment. They might have long-term negative effects on your dog.

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What really matters is whether it’s compatible with your lifestyle. When you visit a shelter for adopting a cat, there are a few questions you need to ask. The answers you get from the shelter staff will give you a good idea about the cat you’ve chosen. You’ll be able to understand whether it is a good fit for your family. Now, let’s take a look at some of these questions:

1. What’s your impression of the cat?

When you ask the shelter volunteer this question, he or she would give you some valuable insights. Since, the individual has spent some quality time with the cat, he or she would know it well. So, the volunteer would tell you more about the cat’s personality.

Even after getting all the details, you might find it tough to understand the cat’s true temperament. After all, meeting new people can be stressful for most of the cats. It’s highly possible that the cat won’t reveal its true self instantly. Once it settles into your home, you’ll definitely get to know it better.

2. How good is the cat in getting along with other animals?

You’ll not miss asking this question if you have other pets at home. It’s important to make sure you’re adopting a cat that gets along with other animals. This is because they play an important role in the well-being of your new feline friend. Some shelters might have behavior tests in place to see whether the cat is reactive to other animals.

They might also help you arrange a meet-and-greet between other pets of your house and the cat. You can also request for a trial period, which allows you to test the cat. This is done by taking it home and understanding whether it’s a good fit for your household. Once you’re convinced that it’s a good fit, you can formally adopt the cat.

3. Is the cat healthy?

Inquiring about the health history of the cat of your choice is essential. There are times when cats arrive in shelters with certain health issues. They include malnutrition, mange, or parasites. The process of recovery from these conditions can be lengthy. It might also require you to continue the ongoing medication.

In this case, you must prepare yourself to take responsibility for its treatment and cover the expenses. If the cat is suffering from any illness, you must do some research before making a commitment. The research must be on the methods of treatment and the costs involved.

4. Do you know about the cat’s background?

This question can give you answers about where the cat has come from. The volunteers don’t often have much information about the background of their pets. In certain cases, they will have all the information. Their answers can help you take some extra care, if needed, during your cat’s transition. For example, if the cat has grown up on the streets, its transition may not be that smooth.

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1. Dogs love being praised while cats don’t really care about it

Many believe that a cat can be trained by choosing the correct methods. Usually, this would mean giving a delicious treat to the cat which it doesn’t get to enjoy often. You can easily train a cat to follow your orders if you figure out what it wants as a reward. Of course, there’s a belief that dogs are easier to train. Human beings have been training dogs for centuries.

So, their response to humans during training comes naturally. Dogs just need a gentle pat on their heads along with words of praise. This is how it has been in their evolutionary history with humans. Dogs also have the habit of responding to food faster, which makes training them even more easy.

2. Dogs can be vegetarians, but cats are strict carnivores

Cats need a diet that includes meat or fish to get their doses of protein. Their essential amino acids come mainly from animal sources. On the other hand, dogs can be omnivores. They don’t mind having a vegetarian diet once in a while. Cats cannot produce certain amino acids that are essential for their health.

So, they must obtain them through the food that they eat. A few of these essential amino acids are only present in meat proteins. The two most essential ones are arginine and taurine. For a cat’s healthy eyes and skin, taurine is extremely necessary. It is also of great importance with regards to the cat’s heart health.

Arginine is required for the production of ornithine. It is a different amino acid that makes ammonia non-toxic for the body. Without arginine, it won’t be possible to neutralize ammonia build-up, which would be toxic to the cat.

3. Dogs love socializing while cat’s like their space

Humans began domesticating dogs centuries ago to use them for a variety of services. They involved hunting, guarding, and herding. As a result, dogs and humans have evolved together over the centuries and developed a good relationship. The humans haven’t been able to develop such a strong relationship with domesticated cats.

Dogs respond instantly to verbal signals and commands. In this process, dogs have become dependent on their human masters for direction. Cats generally hunt rodents, but this is not done on command. They may, however, proudly bring their prey to you.

Cats like to be more independent and creative. While this might come across as a bit snobbish, the truth is that cats love to have their space.

4. Dogs can handle medication much more easily than cats

There’s a scientific reason behind this fact. Cats have a very low quantity of glucuronyl transferase, which is a liver enzyme. It is required to break down pain medications such as Tylenol. It stays in the cat’s body and becomes toxic if the cat can’t break the drug down. A dog can handle low doses of Tylenol. When it comes to cats, even a tiny dose of this medication can kill them.

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During this entire process, you can have some time to get your home ready for your cat. Here are a few things that you can do before welcoming your feline friend into the household:

1. Make a list of shelters

You might be already having some details of your local adoption agencies or shelters. However, if you don’t have these details, you can make a list of shelters located close to your home. Look for the reputed organizations that are registered non-profits.

Go to their website and do a little bit of research yourself. This would give you an idea how they treat animals. You can also benefit from a few websites that help you find shelters or rescue organizations in your neighborhood.

2. Have an open mind

Before you take a look at your potential feline friend, talk to your family members. Even if you’re living with roommates, talk to them about your decision. If you’re planning to take care of the cat yourself, you certainly wouldn’t want an objection from anyone. Be clear about the tasks that everyone must perform such as feeding, clean-up, and playtime activities.

This would help in preventing any conflicts later on. Once you’ve done these things, it’s time to see all those adorable faces of cats at the shelter. One important thing to remember is to know whether the cat breed is right for your lifestyle. Kittens that are quite active need a lot of engagement from their owners. On the other hand, matured cats would need a more quiet environment.

3. Get the space ready for your cat

The space you’ve decided for your cat must be kept clean and ready before its arrival. You’d certainly want your feline friend to be happy and safe in its space. Keep all those exposed wires, unsecured furniture, and poisonous plants away. Include a scratching post for the cat.

If possible, you must also have a cat tree to give your furry friend something exciting for its playtime. In this way, you can also prevent it from being on top of a cabinet in your house. To keep your feline friend occupied, you can also include some cat toys.

4. Have the right feeding setup

Cats have highly sensitive whiskers. It’s important, therefore, to have shallow and wide feeding bowls. Arrange a high-quality diet with meat as the main ingredient. The felines are carnivores. So, they need high amounts of animal protein, limited amount of carbohydrates, and moderate amount of fats.

Of course, dry foods offer more convenience, but you’ll need wet food to fulfill your cat’s water requirements. It has been observed that cats often play more and drink less when you give it only water. A mix of different formats and flavors in protein would give them more variety in food.

5. Set up a spare room

A cat needs some time to get used to their new environment. You can help in making them comfortable in the new settings. This might involve giving them a dedicated space to relax. Set up a spare room or the corner of your bathroom with all their essential items. Then, you can allow them to come to you. Although cats may take some time to warm up, many of them get curious after a few days.

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When it comes to your dog’s long-term health, a well-balanced and nutritious diet is extremely important. It can even be an essential part in the treatment of a disease. Here are some of the ways to fulfill your dog’s nutrition needs:

1. Give it a well-balanced diet

The nutritional needs of a dog are far more complex than you think. It’s just not enough to cook some chicken or grill up a steak and give it to your dog. Many individuals think that dogs are carnivores, but they’re actually omnivores. Their dietary needs and digestive systems are quite similar to that of humans. Dogs not only eat meat, but can also eat vegetables and fruits.

So, you can understand how important it is to give it a balanced diet. Your dog may enjoy eating meat-based diet such as chicken, but it won’t get proper nutrients from it. You must also remember the fact that too much protein may result in kidney failure. Dogs, therefore, need other macronutrients such as carbohydrates and fats. Additionally, they also need micronutrients such as minerals and vitamins.

2. Feed your dog according to its age

The nutrition and dietary requirements of dogs vary according to their age just like humans. A good way to start serving up your dog’s nutritional needs is to understand its breed, size, and age. As bones and muscles are actively growing in younger dogs, they’ll obviously need protein.

Additionally, they also require the right balance of phosphorus and calcium. A different balance of nutrients is needed in case of a Great Dane puppy than other dog breeds. This is because of the huge bones that its body needs to grow in the first year. As the older dogs are less active, they’ll need fewer calories than the younger ones.

Antioxidant therapy is excellent for older dogs as their health declines with an increase in age. It is, therefore, necessary that you provide them with food that fits their stage of life. An excellent way to give them tailor-made nutrition is a custom kibble.

3. Keep their paws off the table

Some of the ingredients that humans consume regularly can be harmful to a pup’s health. For instance, table scraps often have a high-fat content. They can upset a dog’s stomach and lead to deadly conditions such as pancreatitis. There are some truly messy gastrointestinal cases on the day after Thanksgiving. As a result, almost every vet in the United States works overtime on this day.

Additionally, the food that humans eat contain many seasonings and additives. They might not be safe for a dog. Besides, they can contribute to certain conditions in pets such as obesity and heart diseases. On the other hand, some foods can be damaging particularly to pups. Theobromine in chocolate can be extremely toxic to dogs. So, you must never feed your dog chocolate.

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Although they’re low-maintenance pets, they still need your love, care, and attention. You’ll have to know what and when to feed them and how to train them. If you’re first-time owner, you’ll certainly look for a cat that makes your life easier. Here are a few options in low-maintenance breeds for new cat owners:

1. Siamese Cats

They are cats with a great personality. Siamese cats are not only loyal but also very curious and social. A Siamese cat can be fun to have around you and it’s very intelligent. As these cats don’t have long hair, they don’t require a lot of combing or grooming. This makes Siamese cat one of the best low-maintenance cat breeds.

2. Maine Coon

Over the years, Main Coon cats have built a reputation for being friendly and playful pets. Sometimes, they might exhibit dog-like tendencies, such as walking on a leash. So, this cat breed can be a great option to consider if you’ve been a dog owner until now. Main Coon cats are easy to train and are highly adaptable. Besides, these cats are smart and would love your attention just like dogs.

3. Somali

Somalis have an abundance of energy, which means that these cats are super active and playful. Although they prefer to be with their owners, Somalis are quite capable of entertaining themselves. They’re pets that love to socialize and are comfortable being around other animals and people. So, if you have other pets or a big family, you’ll not have any trouble with these cats.

4. Ragdolls

If you’re seeking a feline friend that’s cuddly and fun to play with, bring a Ragdoll. These cats are of a good nature and can get along with anyone. They’re also easy to clean and groom. Ragdolls are also very adaptable, relaxed, and love to snuggle.

5. Sphynx

Many individuals avoid cats because they don’t like to deal with their hair. If you’re one of them, Sphynx would be a fantastic choice. These hairless cats are quite unique with regards to looks. Besides, you don’t need to worry about getting them groomed. They’re also very loving, laid-back, and relaxed.

6. American Shorthair

You’ll not have any difficulty in finding this cat breed if you’re in the United States. These cats are easy to adopt, making it a great choice for the first-time cat owners. They’re also known for their pleasant, loving, and relaxed personality. You’ll need to give it your attention, but they don’t need it constantly. This is because these cats can entertain themselves well.

7. Burmese

These cats are well-known for possessing dog-like qualities. Burmese cats are extremely devoted to their owners, and are intelligent, and curious. They love to be around people, but they’ll often be by your side. If you admire the loyalty of dogs, these cats are no less. This is why many owners of Burmese cats develop strong bonds with them.

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You might’ve also researched enough on the shelters closest to you. However, bringing an additional member into the household is a big commitment. So you need to consider these things while going ahead with the adoption:

1. Take your time to make the final decision

Most of the individuals who come across those adorable puppies in need of homes are tempted to adopt one. What they probably don’t know that this is something serious and needs a careful thought. You must, therefore, take your time and arrive at a final decision. This would involve answering a few questions about your lifestyle and the place where you live.

For example, you might be living in a simple apartment and your family travels a lot. You need to think which dog breed would be comfortable living within a small space. Since the family travels frequently, you also need to know who would look after your dog in your absence.

2. Make sure you’ve got the necessary finances

There’s no denying that dogs need a lot of care and this can add to your expenses. You’ll need to set aside a certain amount to pay for the visits to the vet. Sometimes, you might have to deal with medical emergencies associated with your dog. Besides, you’ll have to provide it with bedding, high-quality dog food, and other items. You’ll need to ensure that you’ve got the ability to pay for all these expenses.

3. Spaying or neutering your dog is important

According to the estimates, the animal shelters receive nearly 6 to 8 million animals every year. This happens in the United States alone. Almost half of them are put to death because of lack of good homes for all of them. Now imagine how you’ll feel if this was to happen to our fellow human beings.

So, it’s absolutely necessary to stop such things. The only way out is to make sure that the unwanted puppies are not born. You’re already preventing a dog from being put to death by adopting it from a shelter. Another extremely important thing to do is to spay or neuter your dog.

4. Microchipping and dog tags

If you can’t find your way back home, you can call someone for help. Dogs are not capable of such things. Despite giving a lot of attention and care to your dog, accidents happen. You never know when your dog will run away or get lost. So, it’s important to get a collar with proper tagging for your dog. It must have your dog’s name and at least two contact numbers.

One must be your number and the second can be of any other member of your family. Microchipping is a simple procedure and you can get it done from the vet. It is an excellent way to ensure that your dog gets back home safely. If you’re moving, make sure that you update the tags or give your new information to the microchip company.

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