Every day shelters take in hundreds of animals, each looking for a permanent home. Although it may be tempting to shop for that cute miniature golden doodle everyone wants, adopting is the best way to go. Approximately 6.5 million animals are taken to animal shelters nationwide every year. While some of the animals return home, 1.5 million are euthanized.

One of the many reasons you should adopt a pet from an animal shelter, rather than buying one from a pet store, is the price. When purchasing from a breeder or pet store, you may be paying anywhere from $500 to over $1000, which usually does not include the shots a pet needs. If you decide to adopt, the cost is much less and most of the time your money goes towards the care the animal needs. By adopting, you are saving an animal from losing its life and allowing the shelter to have room for a new animal that needs a home.

My sister, Ashley, has adopted all four of the dogs she has had throughout her life. She rescued her beagle, Bane, the day he was scheduled to die, and brought him to a loving home that he now shares with his brothers and sister. Hotch, one of her other dogs, was found abandoned in a field, so she decided to rescue him as well. Her newest addition, Bella, was rescued by the Humane Society of Missouri from Louisiana. Bella is now going through training to be a therapy dog that visits people in hospitals and nursing homes to bring them joy. I hope to be just like my sister one day and be surrounded with my family on Sunday mornings, listening to throwback music while playing with our many adopted dogs.

Adopting from an animal shelter will change your life and save a life as well. Something good always comes out of it. So next time you’re considering buying an animal, head to your local animal shelter and adopt, don’t shop.