If you’re thinking about bringing a furry friend into your home, there are plenty of reasons to adopt a pet from your local animal shelter. Not only will you be giving a voiceless animal a loving home, but you’ll also be getting plenty of joy and companionship in return. Here are four reasons why you should adopt a pet today.

1. They Make Great Companions

Whether you live alone or with family, owning a pet can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Pets provide us with unconditional love and support, and they’re always happy to see us when we come home from a long day at work. If you’ve been thinking about getting a companion, adopting a pet is a great way to do it.

2. They Keep Us Active

Pets need exercise just like we do, which means taking them for walks or playing with them in the backyard is a great way to get some fresh air and get our heart rates up. Regular exercise has been shown to improve our physical health, mental wellbeing, and overall quality of life, so if you’re looking for motivation to get moving, adopting a pet can provide it.

3. They Can Help Reduce Stress Levels

Spending time with pets has been shown to lower our stress levels and blood pressure. stroking or cuddling with a soft animal can be calming and therapeutic, making them the perfect antidote to a stressful day. If you suffer from anxiety or stress, adopting a pet could be the best decision you ever make.

4. They Teach Us Responsibility

Pets require regular feeding, walking, grooming, and veterinary care, which means caring for them is a great way to teach kids about responsibility. If you’ve been looking for ways to help your children develop life skills, adopting a pet could be the perfect solution. Pets can also teach us adults about the importance of taking care of others, even when we don’t feel like it.

Pets bring joy into our lives in so many ways, which is why there are millions of them living in households across the country. If you’ve been considering adding a furry friend to your family, there’s no better time than now to adopt one from your local animal shelter. Not only will you be giving an animal in need a loving home, but you’ll also be getting all the benefits that come with being a pet owner—companionship, exercise, stress relief, and more. So what are you waiting for? Go out and adopt a pet today!