How to Celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day

Today is National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, a cause that's near and dear to our hearts here at Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital. The best way to celebrate, in our opinion, is to adopt a pet from a local shelter.

A recent NorthJersey.com article lists the following nearby shelters:

• Secaucus Animal Shelter, 525 Meadowlands Parkway, Secaucus, 201-348-3213
• Bergen County Animal Shelter, 100 United Lane, Teterboro, 201-229-4600
• Ramapo-Bergen Animal Refuge Inc., 2 Shelter Lane, Oakland, 201-337-5180
• Wayne Animal Shelter, 201 Pompton Plains Crossroads (Jackson Ave. Extension), Wayne, 973-694-0767
• Clifton Animal Shelter, 900 Clifton Ave., Clifton, 973-470-5936

Why is adopting shelter pets so important? There are lots of reasons.

To save a life. Approximately 2.7 million adoptable pets are euthanized each year. Why? Because too many people give away their pets, and not enough people adopt.

For a healthy addition to your family. Don't assume that cats and dogs that live in animal shelters are unhealthy. On the contrary, they're usually happy, healthy, and waiting for a new home! In fact, many shelters will examine and vaccinate each animal upon arrival.

To save money.  Why buy a pet when you can adopt a furry friend for much less? Also worth considering: Shelter animals are often already spayed or neutered, so you won't have to spend money on that later on.

So if you've been thinking about adding a dog or cat to your family, perhaps today is the day! What better way to celebrate National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day?

If your pet needs care today or any day, call Berkeley Heights Animal Hospital at 908-464-0023. We treat sick pets like family! Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter and Google+ as well.