Looking for a Four-Legged Roommate? 5 Benefits of Adopting a Shelter Pet

This article originally appeared on the Springs "You're Home Blog."

YouTube is full of videos documenting the adorable antics of puppies and kittens. But if you want to bring a new pet into your pet-friendly Springs Apartments home, why not adopt a rescue animal? Here's a look at some of the benefits and considerations for taking one of these deserving dogs or cats into your home and heart.

Less Maintenance and Training

Shelter pets have already been spayed or neutered, and often microchipped as well. In addition, their shots and vaccinations are up-to-date. It all adds up to significant savings, especially considering the fact that the adoption price is far less than you would pay a breeder or pet store.

Another advantage is that dogs are housebroken and cats are litter box-trained. This saves a tremendous amount of time and trouble while reducing the chance of accidents in your luxury apartment home.

Unconditional Love and Companionship

A rescue pet will never throw noisy parties or argue with you about the grocery bill. Simply giving one of these dogs or cats a good home is all it takes to earn their unwavering affection and loyalty.

While our Springs communities accept most breeds, including many larger dogs, you should take your potential pet's temperament into account. Neither you nor the animal will be happy if he is ill-suited to apartment life.

Better Physical and Emotional Health

While the physical benefits of walking a dog are obvious, there's more to the story. Studies have shown that pet owners have a lower incidence of heart disease, while animals also have a positive effect by reducing stress and depression.

Improved Social Life

Pet owners often share an immediate bond based on their common love of animals. Our onsite dog parks are great places to meet and mingle with other pets and their "humans." Just walking your dog around the community is usually a guaranteed conversation starter.

On the flip side, you are responsible for your pet's social behavior. Make sure both of you remain good neighbors by practicing proper pet etiquette, such as cleaning up after your dog and keeping him leashed when not in our community dog parks.

Be a Lifesaver

Sadly, nearly three million adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized in the United States each year. When you adopt a rescue pet, you give new life to a grateful dog or cat and open up a spot for the shelter to take in another animal in need.

Have you had a memorable experience adopting a shelter pet? Share it with us in the comments!