Over 39,000 animals saved

Adopting an animal from a shelter or rescue offers a number of important benefits, for the animal, for you as the adopter and for our community.

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First, animal shelters and rescues care for a diverse range of animals of all sizes, breeds, and ages. Sammie’s Friends Nevada County Animal Shelter often houses small animals, such as dogs, puppies, cats, kittens, guinea pigs, lizards, snakes, birds, hamsters and rabbits. We also care for livestock such as horses, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, peacocks, ducks and cows. Whether you’re looking for a playful puppy, a calm senior cat or a bearded dragon lizard, shelters and rescues can help you find a pet that fits your lifestyle and preferences. Shelters and rescues are happy to make recommendations to you based on your individual situation. Many shelter animals have already been socialized with humans and other animals. While some may be shy or nervous at first, with patience and love, these animals can become wonderful companions. You can often find pets that are already house-trained and familiar with basic commands.

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Also, many animal shelters offer foster and foster to adopt programs that allow you a trial period to see if the animal you have set your heart on will be a good fit in your home, with your family and with your other animals. Animals who have been housed in an animal shelter usually go through an adaptation period when they leave the shelter environment. They usually bloom and relax in their new home after a short period of time. Most shelters offer a refund or an exchange for a different animal within a prescribed time period. We want our adoptions to be successful, so we take the time to have discussions with you about your situation.

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Adoption of a shelter or rescue animal is usually much cheaper than buying from a breeder, because adoption fees are low or even waived as shelters across the country struggle with overcapacity issues. California law requires that all animals adopted from public facilities be spayed or neutered and microchipped, and prices for veterinary services have skyrocketed. Owners of large female dogs often pay thousands of dollars for a spay procedure, but adopters receive fully altered animals at no extra cost. Shelters pay for health checks and vaccinations before animals are offered to the public.

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Shelters and rescues often hear from the public that their adoption requirements are too stringent, but most shelters have reduced the barriers to adoption and are eliminating many of their previous requirements, as studies are showing that adoption restrictions do not lead to higher adoption success rates.

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Many animals in shelters are at risk of euthanasia, so adoption saves lives. Shelters like Sammie’s Friends do not euthanize for space reasons, but many other shelters euthanize animals they classify as unadoptable for whatever reason. By adopting, you’re giving that animal a second chance at life and helping reduce the overall population of homeless pets. By adopting, you’re not supporting the cycle of breeding and selling pets for profit. Instead, you’re taking a stand against the overpopulation problem, reducing the number of animals in need of homes. Shelters in current times are very overcrowded, and many animals are waiting for loving homes. Adopting from a shelter helps alleviate the burden on shelters and gives animals the chance to live out their lives in a home environment rather than being confined to a kennel. When you adopt, you’re supporting the shelter or rescue itself. Many shelters are nonprofits or local organizations that rely on adoption fees, donations, and volunteers to keep running. Your adoption helps fund their operations and outreach efforts. When you adopt, you’re choosing a more ethical route for acquiring a pet. You help to combat puppy mills and other unethical breeding practices that prioritize profit over the welfare of animals. Adopting a pet from a shelter can be a meaningful experience that teaches compassion, responsibility, and empathy. It can also help raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare and inspire others to adopt as well.

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Adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue can be a meaningful experience that teaches compassion, responsibility, and empathy. It can also help raise awareness about the importance of animal welfare and inspire others to adopt as well. Adopting an animal that has been through difficult circumstances, like abandonment or neglect, can create a special bond between you and the pet. Many adopters report feeling a deep sense of connection with their rescue animals, knowing they’ve given them a better life. Not only does adopting a shelter animal provide a better life for them, but it can also bring immense joy and fulfillment to you. Adopting a pet is a life-changing experience that brings love, companionship, and mutual respect.

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In short, adopting from a shelter or rescue not only saves a life, but it also offers a chance to form a meaningful and rewarding bond with a pet who may have faced hardship before. It’s a win-win for the animal, the adopter and our community.