Washington Humane Society to offer $14 pet adoptions Feb. 10-14 |

From Jacquie Toppings: In celebration of Valentine’s Day, the Washington Humane Society (WHS) will offer $14 pet adoptions Feb. 10-14. The organization is encouraging the adoption of shelter animals in need during the love-centered holiday. WHS Adoption Centers will be decorated to recognize the theme, Looking for Love in All the Right Places, in the hopes of attracting potential adopters looking to enhance their Valentine’s Day by meeting their best match.

Owning a pet offers adopters many benefits:

·         Improves your mood: Owning a pet can bring people a great deal of happiness. Pets are great nonjudgmental listeners, and they can help keep you company while keeping your mind off of whatever is bothering you.

·         Keeps you active and lowers your cholesterol: In addition to a healthy diet and regular exercise, owning a pet may help people lower their bad cholesterol levels. One reason is that people who have pets are more likely to be active and exercise regularly. Lower cholesterol also means a lower chance of heart disease and other health complications. Plus, owning a pet also seems to help people recover more quickly from illnesses and hospital stays.

·         Prevents allergies: It may seem counterintuitive, but families can actually protect their children from developing allergies and asthma by exposing them to animals at an early age. Children with a pet are less likely to develop hay fever or asthma as well as other animal-related allergies. Being around an animal may also build up a child’s immune system.

·         Decreases anxiety and stress: Pets can help humans reduce their anxiety and stress through companionship and physical contact. Research shows that playing with your cat or dog reduces blood pressure, and the companionship provided by a pet can have positive psychological benefits.

·         Increases social behavior: Pets can help their owners come out of their shells. Dog owners have more opportunities to interact socially with others just by going for walks or visiting dog parks. Pets are also great conversation starters and may be the very topic that leads you into a new friendship or relationship.

All WHS adopters receive a free starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet Food; a goodie bag from Home Buddies DC; a free post-adoption exam at a participating veterinarian; and 30 free days of health insurance from Shelter Care. All animals are spayed/neutered, microchipped and current on vaccines, de-wormer and flea/tick treatment. Dog adoptions regularly cost $170 and cat adoptions cost $85. Cat adoptions are always two for the price of one at WHS. View adoptable animals online at www.washhumane.org. Meet pets at WHS Adoption Centers at 7319 Georgia Avenue NW and 1201 New York Avenue NE.