With so many dogs needing homes, consider visiting your local shelter or reaching out to a local rescue group before going to a breeder.
Every year, in the States alone, there are approximately 3 million dogs (and a little over 3 million cats) that enter shelters and rescues. Every year, there are approximately 390,000 dogs that are euthanized. That’s 10 percent - an astronomically high number considering that most of these deaths are preventable.
Rescue dogs are not “broken”
Rescue dogs are often prime examples of a dog’s ability to persevere and bounce back from even the most tragic of situations. Most of these dogs have been dealt an unfortunate card. They’ve found themselves in a shelter, through no fault of their own, scared and alone and just waiting to get a home where they can feel safe again.
While some dogs are surrendered to shelters because of behavior problems, other common reasons dogs are abandoned in shelters include:
- The dog’s guardian cannot afford to feed or care for the dog (for health or financial reasons).
- The dog’s guardian is moving and cannot/will not bring the dog with them.
- The resident dog, cat, or child is not getting along with the dog.
- The dog’s guardian received the dog as a gift and was not prepared for the responsibility.
- The dog’s guardian saw a cute picture of a puppy but didn’t do the research to see if the breed / breed mix of the dog was a good fit for their lifestyle.
- The dog’s caregiver passes away and the dog is left with no one to care for them.
It's a fact: rescue dogs can make incredible pets, and many will become a part of your family with little to no behavioral issues. However, it is important to understand that any dog will have an adjustment period when coming into your home. Every dog will need some time to adjust to their new environment, new people and new life. If you are going to adopt a dog, it is a great idea to find a qualified trainer in your area to help you and your new dog adjust to each other.
Why choose a shelter dog?
Why should you consider a dog from a shelter?
Dogs end up in shelters for a variety of reasons. People who do not spay/neuter their pets may have unwanted litters, sometimes a dog’s owner becomes too sick to care for their animals, and far to often people are not willing to take the time to train and care for their dogs.
Their loss is your gain.
Shelters and rescue groups are full of gorgeous, sweet, and well-mannered dogs – the stigma that all shelter dogs have behavioral problems is simply untrue.
If you are considering giving a home to one of these unwanted and abandoned dogs, consult the shelter staff or rescue group volunteers so they can guide you to a dog that will be the best fit for your family.
Top 3 dog adoption myths debunked
According to the Humane Society of the United States, between 5 million dogs and cats are euthanized in American shelters every year. You can help save one of these innocent lives by adopting a pet. Don't believe these myths:
Myth #1: You don’t know what you are getting with a shelter or rescue dog.
The reality is that you will know even less about a puppy from an irresponsible breeder or pet store. A responsible breeder will show you pups with their mothers, but even then there is no guarantee that the puppy you are getting will have the same temperament as its parents. A lot of dogs in most private rescue groups live in foster homes, so you will have a better idea of the dog’s temperament before adoption.
Myth #2: I want a purebred dog, so I have to go to a breeder.
You would be surprised how many beautiful purebred dogs end up in shelters and rescue groups. Check your area for a breed-specific rescue — you may find a group that specializes in rescuing the breed you are looking for.
Myth #3: Dogs in shelters are given up because there is something wrong with them.
According to Petfinder, the main reasons people give up a pet include:
- People are moving to housing that will not allow pets (7%)
- Owners having personal problems (4%)
- Too many or no room for littermates (7%)
- Person can no longer afford the pet (5%)
- Owner no longer has time for the pet (4%)
How can I make a difference?
You may have seen a sad commercial on TV or walked the aisles of an animal shelter and thought, “I wish I could save them all!”
We've all been there, but fortunately, you do not have to save them all to make a huge impact.
With so many dogs needing homes, consider visiting your local shelter or reaching out to a local rescue group before going to a breeder. If, after having done your research, you feel that a certain breed is better suited for your lifestyle, try to find a breed specific rescue near you. If you have specific needs, for example, you must have a “hypoallergenic dog,” you can call your local shelter or any non breed specific rescue and inquire if they have any Poodle mixes (most Poodle mixes end up in shelters versus breed specific rescues). Whereas, if you have done your research and feel that, for example, a Bulldog breed of some sort is what you’re looking for, you can Google “bulldog breed rescues near me.” There are many options to adopt versus buying a dog so the most important thing to do is research. Research different breeds or reach out to a local positive trainer who can help you figure out which breed is best suited for your lifestyle.
The best way to is to have your dogs spayed and neutered. Talk to your vet about the best time to get your dog altered, and do not contribute to pet overpopulation by breeding your dog.
