Before adopting an animal, you should research the different dog rescue shelters in your area. Adoption fees, policies and services are all important aspects in the adoption process. Find answers to common questions below.
How Much Are Adoption Fees and What Do They Cover?
Adoption fees vary from city to city. You could pay $500 at one shelter and $50 at another. The best way to find fees is by calling the shelter and asking. The general purpose of adoption fees is to cover the veterinary care the dog receives, including vaccinations and surgical neutering if necessary. Dogs with serious medical issues, such as diabetes, are usually lower because the dog rescue shelter realizes the expenses the new owner faces.
What Brings Dogs to Shelters?
Approximately 6 to 8 million animals find their way to animal shelters every year. Of those dogs, at least half end up being euthanized. While some are put down due to aggression, the majority of the animals finding their way to the dog rescue shelters simply were abandoned or given up because their owner no longer had the time, money or interest.
Death of the owner is another possibility. Unless the pet owner has made arrangements for their pets to go to a new home prior to their death, many pets end up in shelters when their owner dies. If you own pets, make sure you've planned for them in the event of your death.
Why Do Dog Rescue Shelters Euthanize Pets?
It's important to understand that euthanasia policies also differ between shelters. Some refuse to euthanize animals, regardless of how long they've been at the shelter. In some dog rescue shelters, euthanization is required to prevent overcrowding. These shelters do have much lower adoption fees in hopes of finding dogs new homes as quickly as possible, rather than be forced to euthanize. If no one adopts the pet in the required time period, euthanasia is a last resort.
Highly aggressive dogs may need to be euthanized if positive training fails to help. If an animal is critically injured or has terminal illness, euthanasia is usually better for the dog.
I Found a Stray. Now What?
If you've found a stray, ask around your neighborhood, read local lost and found ads and check for tags. Go to a veterinarian and ask them to scan the dog for a microchip. Put up ads on street signs, local papers and on sites like Craigslist. Your local dog catcher or animal control officer, if you have one, will come take the dog for you. If not, call your local dog rescue shelters to see if they have space.
Re-Homing Your Dog
If you have a valid reason for giving up your pet, place ads in the local newspapers, bulletin boards and online sites. It can take months to find a new home, so don't give up immediately. If these attempts fail, contact your local dog rescue shelters for help. They may not have room for your dog at that moment, but they will put you on a waiting list and offer additional tips.