A new study by pet care company Purina has shown that 76% of pet adopters consider the adoption experience as valuable as bringing up a child.
The poll of 600 people also revealed that eight in 10 people who have rescued a pet from a shelter say it is the most rewarding thing they have ever done, with 59% believing they have ‘saved its life’ and 30% feeling fulfilled by bringing the pet into a loving home.
Three quarters of those polled also said it made them learn to care about someone other than themselves.
Martina McChowat, brand experience lead for Purina.co.uk, said: “Pet adoption allows people to make a compassionate choice, however it should be considered carefully. Anyone thinking 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.”
