Animal shelters are facilities that take in strays, re-home animals and provide temporary homes for pets until their owners come forward to re-claim them. If you have lost an animal you should visit all animal shelters in and around your area to look for your beloved pet. Also look outside your local area as pets have been known to travel far, far away.

As well as doing all of the above, most animal shelters also play a great part in the re-homing of strays or surrendered animals. The animal will first of all have to go through a temperament test to see if they are aggressive and going to be a danger to humans. Once they have passed the test, they are vaccinated and quarantined for a certain amount of time. If the animal is not re-claimed by their owner in this period of time the animal then goes up for adoption and a new family may give them a better life.

I encourage buying from animal shelters as it is all for a good cause.  So next time you decide to buy a pet, check out your local animal shelter and you might find an amazing pet to add to your family.

By Lauren, Vet Nurse.

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