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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.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, between 5 million dogs and cats are euthanized in American shelters every year. Help save one of these innocent lives by adopting a pet.

Top 3 Dog Adoption Myths Debunked

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%)

Related Reading:

• Victoria Talks About Adopting Shelter Pets