Please note that these guides do not constitute legal advice and any information provided in the guides should not be construed as legal advice or legal interpretation. We do not accept any liability for any loss caused by your reliance on this guide.

Top 4 reasons to adopt a pet

1. You'll save a life

Sadly many unknown animals are euthanised each year in Ireland simply because too many people give up their pets and too few people adopt from pounds or rescue shelters.

The number of euthanised animals could be reduced dramatically if more people adopted pets instead of buying them.

By adopting cats or birds from a rescue centre or animal shelter, you'll help save the lives of two animals - the pet you adopt and a homeless animal somewhere who can be rescued because of space you helped free up.

2. You'll get a healthy pet

Animal shelters and welfare groups are brimming with happy, healthy animals just waiting for someone to take them home. 

In addition to medical care, more and more shelters also screen animals for specific temperaments and behaviours to make sure each family finds the right pet for its lifestyle.

It is a common misconception that animals end up in shelters because they've been abused or done something "wrong". In fact, most animals are given to shelters because of "people reasons," not because of anything they've done. Things like unwanted litters of pups and kittens, a divorce, a move, lack of time or financial constraints are among the most common reasons why pets lose their homes and end up in pounds or shelters.

3. You'll save money

Adopting a pet from an animal shelter can be much less expensive than buying a pet. In addition, animals from many shelters are already spayed or neutered and vaccinated.

4. You'll feel better

Pets have a way of putting a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Not only do animals give you unconditional love, but they have been shown to be psychologically, emotionally, and physically beneficial. Caring for a companion animal can provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment and lessen feelings of loneliness and isolation in all age groups.

Pets can help your physical health as well - just spending time with an animal can help lower a person's blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and dog walking, pet grooming, and even petting provide increased physical activity that can help strengthen the heart, improve blood circulation, and slow the loss of bone tissue.

Put simply, pets aren't just good friends, they're also good medicine and can improve a person's well-being in many ways.

Best tips for adopting a pet in DoneDeal

1. Contact your local SPCA or other recognised animal welfare centre for advice before adopting.

2. Always meet the DoneDeal user in person before agreeing to anything.

3. Do not adopt from someone unwilling to show you where the animal lives.

4. Confirm that the pet is vaccinated and vet-checked (if applicable) before viewing.

5. If in doubt about any adoption, contact your local SPCA or animal shelter for guidance.

Guide to responsible pet ownership

DoneDeal encourages all pet owners to:

• Have their animals vet checked, vaccinated, and neutered (where possible).

• Ask for as much information as possible when responding to private adoption offers, especially regarding:

  • The pet’s source

  • Health records

  • Behaviour history

• Request the name and contact details of the vet who previously treated the animal, and confirm the information directly with the clinic.

If you see an advert that appears illegal or potentially in breach of animal welfare laws, please report it to:

• Your local authority

• An Garda Síochána

• ISPCA (Republic of Ireland)

• USPCA (Northern Ireland)

For further information on Pet Adoption and Pet ownership on the following sites.

• www.ispca.ie
• www.uspca.co.uk