ShmoopTube

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[Coop and Dino singing]

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People often are asked if they're a dog person, or a cat person. [Person with a dogs head and person with a cats head]

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But is it really that simple?

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What about bird people?

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Or fish people?

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How about rodent people! [People with different animals heads in a park]

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Or snake people!

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Can't we all just get along?

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Well…except for the snake people and the rodent people.

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We should probably keep them separated... [Snake man chasing rodent man]

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But the fact is, there are all kinds of different animal people...

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And according to the humane society, 79.7 million U.S. Households have a pet of some kind.

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In percentages, that means 65% of homes has a pet. [Household animal percentages on a map of the USA]

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Here's another fact:

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Of those pet owners, 63% of them consider their pets to be like a member of their family.

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They put up with the hassles of pet ownership because they love their animal companions [Woman with popcorn sits beside dog]

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like they love their family.

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And that's saying something!

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Pets poop in a box! [Cat in a litter tray]

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Your mom might not love your dad as much if he started box poopin'.

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But it's not all sunshine and rainbows…even if it's like…99% sunshine and rainbows. [Sun rises with a rainbow and woman rides a unicorn]

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But having a pet doesn't come cheap.

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Some places require a license – which is a payment to the government to show that you've

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given your pet the right shots and medical treatment. [Police officer giving a pet a ticket]

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And of course, pets need food, bedding, toys and other such items – all of that can start

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to add up. [Stacks of money appear]

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Then there's the whole veterinarian thing – because pets need a doctor too – and

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that costs dog and cat owners on average about $159 per year alone. [Vet inspecting a dog]

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Now for something a little sad...

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most animals alive in the country right now are in need of adoption.

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Another sad thing to note?

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About 80% of cats here are “community cats” - that means that instead of being claimed [Group of cats on the pavement]

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and owned by someone, they simply wander around neighborhoods being fed by whoever is willing to.

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We sure wouldn't want that life…so why would they?

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And in case you need any more proof that animals need adopting – there are over 10,000 animal [Dog with paws on a cage]

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shelters in the United States, dedicated to sheltering animals while they wait for adoption.

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These organizations need about 2.5 billion dollars to operate each year, while also relying

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on volunteers to help out, too. [Volunteers show up for puppy adoption]

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Basically what we're saying is, if you've ever wanted to care for an animal but can't

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adopt one, you can always volunteer to lend a helping hand at your local animal shelter.

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Though we do have one word of caution: by volunteering there, you might….die.

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…of cuteness overload!!! [A cute puppy laying down]

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Look at the little faces!

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We bet one of those little faces would look super cute snuggled up in bed with you!

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…Yup.

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Even the snake. [A mouse eating and a snake appears]

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