Thinking of adding a pet to your family this holiday (or sometime next year)? Then I hope you consider adopting from your local ASPCA instead of a pet store or puppy mill.

I recently attended the ASPCA and Mom Central tour event at the ASPCA Adoption Center to learn more about the benefits of pet adoption.

Note: I'm participating in a campaign for Mom Central Consulting on behalf of the ASPCA. Views expressed are always 100% my own.

In full disclosure I use to volunteer at the ASPCA in my early 20's and remember the organization offered so much in terms of adoption, followup pet care and activism against animal cruelty. Since that time I'm sure the organization has grown in many different ways and I was excited to speak to some of the ASPCA staff.

Ok, I was also excited to see and get to pet some of the animals, but that was a bonus.


The tour started with a presentation from ASPCA staff who discussed responsible pet adoption, young children and pets, and why not to adopt a puppy at a pet store. Sadly, many pet stores support the puppy mill industry.

Puppy mills treat dogs like products, not living beings, and usually house them in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions without adequate veterinary care, socialization, or even food and water.

To learn more about the pet store and puppy mill connection, visit - www.nopetstorepuppies.com


After the presentation, the group toured the ASPCA Adoption Center and met some of the pets available for adoption. During tours of the cats and dogs section, we learned about how the ASPCA cares for the animals from receiving to adoption and beyond.

Each animal has a data sheet that details their history, socialization and any special needs like medication or needs to be in a single animal households (or multi animal since some like to be together).

This helps potential adopters know if the animal is a good fit for their family lifestyle.

Before ending our tour, the kids in group received a treat. They learned how to ask permission before touching a dog and the proper way to pet them. It's important to teach children to respect an animals space.

The ASPCA offers pet behavior tips and information on bringing new pets into the family.

So if your a family interested in adopting a pet this holiday, check out all that ASPCA has to offer in support, resources and lovable available pets looking for a home at the adoption center.

To learn more about the ASPCA adoption center, visit - www.aspca.org

Facebook - www.facebook.com/aspca
Twitter - www.twitter.com/ASPCA