Three in 10 rescue pet owners say best part is bringing animal to a loving home

25 January 2024 , 10:11

559     0

Eight in 10 rescue pet parents say that adopting their furry friend from a shelter was the most rewarding thing they have ever done (Image: SWNS)

Three-quarters of rescue pet parents (76%) claim they have learned to care about someone besides themselves – after adopting an animal from a shelter, research has found.

More than six in 10 (63%) say the best thing about bringing home a rescue pet is watching it become happier, while half, of the 600 adults surveyed, love seeing it become less afraid.

Meanwhile, three in 10 feel fulfilled knowing that they have brought the animal into a loving home, and a third get satisfaction from gaining the complete trust of their furry friend, after it came from an abusive background.

In fact, 80% of those polled say that rescuing a pet from a shelter is the most rewarding thing they have ever done – with 76% even considering it as valuable as raising a child. And 59% would go as far as to say they have “saved” the animal's life.

The research was commissioned by pet food brand, Purina, whose spokeswoman, Martina McChowat, said: “Pet adoption allows people to make a compassionate choice – however, it should be considered carefully.

Teen 'kept as slave, starved and beaten' sues adoptive parents and authorities

And three-quarters say that doing so is just as valuable as raising a child (SWNS)

“Anyone thinking about adopting a pet should take time to make an informed decision, understand the responsibilities, and sometimes the possible challenges involved, and take care to find the right pet for them.

“It’s amazing to see that so many people feel hugely fulfilled when they have made that choice. Adopting a pet can really feel like you’ve saved a life, as well as enriching your own through the multiple benefits that we know owning a pet can bring.”

The research went on to find that if they were to get another pet, just 5% would buy from a breeder instead of rescuing another pet, due to the positive experience they have had.

Cats, dogs, and rabbits are the animals most likely to be adopted – with a handful having rescued chinchillas, budgies, and snakes.

And almost two-thirds (63%) believe that their family unit has become stronger since adopting their pet, according to the statistics compiled by OnePoll – as half treasure the experience of watching it understand how to love its new family.

Martina McChowat added: “The fact people are keen to adopt another pet from a shelter is really heartwarming, because actions like these make a big impact on the animal’s life.”

For those considering pet adoption, Purina has interviewed a pet owner who has recently adopted a dog – you can view the full pet adoption interview here, to gain an insight into the adoption process and the positive impact adoption can have on your life.

Martin Winter