The unconditional love of an animal is one of the best feelings, just behind that of a child. A pet will bring years of happiness, laughter, kisses, cuddles and love. When the time comes to add a four-legged pet to a family, adopting them from a local animal shelter is a better option than purchasing from a private breeder. An animal adopted from a local shelter gets a second chance at life instead of dying like the three million animals euthanized. Adoptions give an animal a second chance at life, find them a forever home and help control animal overpopulation. More than 3.7 million animals are euthanized each year, which is the main reason why adopting an animal is more humane than purchasing from an animal. breeder. According to several sources, animals that are either abandoned by their owners or found wandering the streets, although there is no set length of time, most animals are euthanized after about 5 days, depending on their condition. Sick, old or aggressive animals have a greater likelihood of being euthanized. On the other hand, according to www.animalcare.lacounty.gov, "the animal's physical needs, personality, temperament, medical history, cleanliness, and tolerance of other animals and children can help us help place the animal in the most appropriate home. for their physical and behavioral needs, (2014). In Los Angeles County alone, in 2013-2014, 14,582 cats, 9,861 dogs and 2,993 other animals were euthanized, compared to just 2,837 cars, 8,859 dogs and 768 other animals adopted into new homes. The saddest part is $2.2 billion spent on live animal purchases last year. Animals who are lucky enough to be adopted from a local shelter are guaranteed that they are healthy, have...... middle of paper... ...s that the animal is in good health, that there is no inbreeding and that he has been lovingly and properly cared for. When considering adding a pet to the family, please consider the benefits of giving a shelter animal a forever home. There is no reason why an animal should die just because it was at the local animal shelter too long. The dog and cat you bring home will bring you years of joy, happiness and unconditional love. /animalcare.lacounty.gov/wps/portal/acc/!ut/p/b0/04_Sj9CPykssy0xPLMnMz0vMAfGjzOLdDAwM3P2dgo0M_EyNDDz9HD0sHX1Djd09DPQLsh0VAVUsgsI!/, 2014)(http://www.aspca.org/about-us/aspca-policy-and-statements stance /position-statement-on-criteria-for-responsible-breeding, 2014)(https://www.spcala.com/, 2014)