We’re in luck because pet expert Tricia Montgomery recently adopted her new four-legged best friend: a one-year-old Labrador and Catahoula hound mix from Raskal Rescues in Hardeeville, South Carolina. Tricia is a proponent of the 'Adopt, Not Shop' philosophy, and she likens pet adoption to a 'hero's journey.' "[It's] challenging but oh-so-rewarding, without the constant glow of rainbows and unicorns," she says.

Why does she personally opt to adopt and not shop? "It's like a rescue mission!" Tricia says. "Adopting a pet is like being part of your own adventure story where you get to be the hero. Sure, buying a pet might seem like the easy route, but adopting? That's where you make a big impact."

Tricia points out that it's also not about the owner and the adopted pet directly. "Every pet adopted from a shelter frees up space for another animal in need, directly saving lives and fighting against the crisis animal welfare is facing and overcrowded shelters." And let's not forget the self-esteem boost adopting can give the owner. "It's your chance to show off your superhero cape!" Tricia gushes.

While Tricia encourages more people to adopt, she says that folks should do so with caution. After all, it's a living breathing being you're taking into your home. Let's continue thinking about adopting as an adventure. "Imagine you're preparing for a quest," Tricia begins. "First, you'd check your gear, right? Well, preparing to adopt a pet is similar."

"Do a lifestyle check. Do you have enough space? Enough time? Can you handle the extra expenses for your companion's food, health, and toys? It's not just about having a heart full of love; it's about making sure you're ready to provide a forever home. Prep your home like you would a fortress—safe and welcoming," Tricia explains.

With owning a new pet comes new challenges. In some cases, the newcomer might be a new addition to the already-established pet family. In my family, two of our shelter dogs had to get used to living with two cats, who considered themselves the kings of the house. In other cases, a rescue might be the first pet for the household, and that comes with its own challenges as well.

"Maybe it's potty training, or perhaps it's adjusting your new pal to their new abode. Your new furry friend might have some trust issues or hidden fears," Tricia points out. "The trick? Patience, young grasshopper. Patience and maybe some training and treats."

"Consistency is your best tool; regular training, health check-ups, and lots of love will help you both level up. If you hit a snag, don't go [at] it alone—seek out a trainer or a vet like a wise old guide," Tricia recommends.

But don't let the warnings put you off adopting a new furry friend. Tricia has a reminder for those who are looking to become new pet parents. "Remember, while the path of adoption might not always be lined with rainbows and unicorns, the rewards—unconditional love, countless snuggles, and the pride of making a huge difference—are epic!"

The animal shelter overcrowding issue Tricia talks about is very real. The Animal Shelter Count reports that the total number of animals who entered shelters in the U.S. in 2023 was around 6.5 million, and around 4.8 million found a new home. But the number of stray dogs people ask shelters to take in has increased since 2022 by 6%. Compared to 2021, that's up by 22%.

Some people blame the pandemic for such an increase. The surge in adoptions at the beginning of the lockdown also resulted in an increase in pet population. Usually, it increases by about 1% per year, but in the years 2020 and 2021, it was 6% and 4%, respectively. People also started bringing "pandemic puppies" to shelters simply because they weren't ready for the commitment after the pandemic was over.

Yet animal advocates point out that it's also rising pet care costs and housing insecurity that drive this crisis. Kim Alboum of the Bissell Pet Foundation told PBS that economic factors also come into play. "With the housing crisis, people are losing their homes and are having to downsize or move in with others. And this is a recipe for disaster for people [who] have larger dogs."

Experts also say that the overcrowding at shelters is more of a dog problem than a cat problem. Executive Director of Shelters Animals Count Stephanie Filer told TIME that many shelters started turning dogs away simply because they don't have more space.

"Shelters are quite literally at crisis and some of them are making the decision to close their doors or reduce hours of operation or reduce the kind of animals that they bring in."

So, the words of our expert Tricia Montgomery ring true here: consider your circumstances before committing to adoption. However tempting the cute noses and little paws are, keep in mind that every animal deserves the best care and a truly forever home!