The first thing you think of when you buy a pet is to go to the pet store, find a breeder, or visit your local animal shelter. These are all great options, but I found a wonderful way to find a great pet and you may even find a specific breed in the process.

In fact, I thought of this when I had to send a pet to a rescue center due to cancer that we couldn’t care for. A wonderful mastiff rescue took our dog in and has been taking care of him ever since. Then I thought about it and realized that these people who are taking in these animals are also looking for them to find them a good home.

The families that run the rescues take in the animals because they have a heart and a passion for animals. They really love them and take better care of them than the average pet store that sees the animal more like a product. When I buy a pet, I know that it is a pet that has been loved and well cared for, because this will ensure that it will be a great addition to our family. Plus, because they develop such strong relationships with animals, they can help you make sure the pet you’re interested in is a good fit for your family. Do you like other pets? He likes kids? What is your temperament? If it’s someone who truly loves the pet, put the pet’s best interest before making a quick sale.

Other reasons why buying a pet from a rescue center is a wonderful choice:

• Many rescues only work with specific breeds, so if you’re looking for a German Shepherd, you can find a rescue that focuses specifically on German Shepherds and will help you find the best one for you and your family.

• In reality, you are helping the best form of pet adoption and care there is. This is the ideal way to care for a rescued pet. They are not caged with hundreds of other animals, but in a great home, receiving great care and experiencing the love and bonding of their temporary keepers.

• Once you adopt that pet, it opens up space for another pet that needs to be rescued to be rescued. Most rescues have a limit on the number of pets they will allow into the home due to the space and quality of care they can provide. So when you adopt an animal from a rescue, you are giving one animal a great home and then making room for another to be sent to this loving environment instead of a local animal shelter.

I have seen firsthand the beauty of animal rescues and am a huge supporter and fan. The next time you’re looking to purchase a pet, my hope is that you’ll seriously consider adopting from an animal rescue center, or at least add it as an option when you and your family are going through the process of finding your next pet.