Shelters and rescues throughout New Jersey have thousands of pets in need of adoption.
There are many common misconceptions about pet adoption.
Petfinder, the for-profit internet company that operates the largest online pet adoption website serving all of North America, put this list together of common adoption myths in the hope that more people will adopt dogs and cats from shelters and rescues.
* "I don't know what I'm getting."
There is likely more information available on adoptable animals than pets for purchase in pet stores. Many of the pets from rescue groups are in foster care, living with their fosterer 24/7; information on their personality and habits is typically vast. Even shelters have a very good idea about how the dogs and cats in their care behave with people and other animals.
* "I can't find what I want at a shelter."
Not only are their breed-specific rescue groups, but some rescues and shelters maintain waiting lists for specific breeds. There are even means on Petfinder.com to be notified when certain breeds are posted for adoption.
* "I can get a pet for free from a friend or acquaintance; why pay an adoption fee?"
The 'free pet' from a source other than a shelter or rescue group isn't necessarily free. Adoption fees usually cover a number of services and treatments including spay/neuter and veterinary checkups. Covering these costs on your own would call for spending the following estimated amounts:
* Spay/neuter: $150-$300
* Distemper vaccination: $20-$30, twice
* Rabies vaccination: $15-$25
* Heartworm test: $15-$35
* Flea/tick treatment: $50-$200
* Microchip: $25-$50
* "Pets are in shelters because they don't make good pets."
Here are the main reasons animals end up in shelters or with rescue groups:
* Owners have to move, pets not allowed
* Allergies
* Owner having personal problems
* Too many, no room for littermates
* Owner can no longer afford a pet
* Owner's health does not allow for pet care
While no one can say that every pet adopted from a shelter or rescue will work out perfectly, it's important to remember that misinformation about these homeless animals often keeps them from finding loving homes.
Here is a gallery of homeless pets in northern and central New Jersey. Make sure captions are enabled for all the information about these dogs and cats.
More pets in need of adoption can be seen here and here.
Greg Hatala may be reached at ghatala@starledger.com. Follow him on Twitter @GregHatala. Find The Star-Ledger on Facebook.