Are you looking for a lovable dog but think you can only find the perfect fit from a breeder? You may think that only a dog breeder can produce a pooch that meets your wish list criteria, but believe it or not, you can find an even better match at your local shelter.
There are a lot of myths surrounding dog adoption, from where you should adopt to conditions within shelters. We will debunk the top 22 myths and have you running to your animal services shelter for your next furry friend.
What Are the Myths About Dog Adoptions?
You may have a specific list of wants and needs in a dog and simply can’t imagine that a shelter dog could meet them. Most of what you believe, though, is simply a myth perpetuated by puppy mill propaganda and the idyllic Hollywood image.
1. Shelters Only Have Sick Dogs
Some people think canines at shelters are sick and safe to adopt. While some pooches at rescue organizations can have medical issues, most are healthy.
Moreover, pets taken into an animal shelter are generally examined by a veterinarian for medical problems and treated accordingly.
2. Only Mutts Are at Shelters
While you may find many mutts at shelters, there are also many purebreds. Surprisingly, 25 to 30% of adopted dogs are purebred.
If you dream of a specific dog breed, you can find it at your local animal care shelter. This includes finding a Siberian Husky, German Shepherd, Pit Bull Terrier, Golden Retriever, English Bulldog, Poodle, Labrador Retriever, Shih Tzu, Dachshund, and other designer breeds like a Cookapoo, Puggle, Labradoodle, and many more.
3. Shelters Don’t Have Puppies
You may think that puppies aren’t found at shelters. This is incorrect. Your local shelter can house both adult dogs and puppies, and any age dog is waiting to be adopted.
4. You Can Only Find Old Dogs in Shelters
No, there are not only senior dogs in animal protection shelters. You will find dogs at all stages of life. However, older dogs need a fur-ever home and still have love to give. A slower lifestyle could be a perfect fit for older pups.
4. Dogs in Shelters Aren’t Potty Trained
Training can be a big issue for many people. They don’t have time, money, or the desire to potty train their dog, which may keep them from adopting.
However, you can easily find a potty-trained dog at your local shelter. Of course, dogs are at various stages of learning to be potty trained, so be sure to ask.
5. You Can Only Find Unwanted Dogs at Shelters
Many dogs, through no fault of their own, go to shelters. For instance, when an owner dies, financial situations change, or they move to an area where pets are frowned upon, they may turn their dog into a shelter. They are still wonderful animals looking for a new home and are not un-adoptable or unwanted, just victims of circumstance.
6. Shelter Dogs Are Untrained
Don’t believe the myth that adoption center dogs are untrained. Many shelter dogs know basic commands. Some dogs even receive training while in a shelter. Organizations, such as Best Friends, provide training for shelter dogs.
7. Dogs in Shelters Are Untrainable
Nearly any dog is trainable. It just takes consistency from the trainer for the dog to learn a new behavior.
Just as it takes consistency and practice to learn a new language, the same is true for dog training.
8. Dogs in Shelters Are Too Scared To Own
Of course, some dogs are scared. Shelters can be scary. Thus, you want to take the dog out of the shelter for a walk or into a room for a meet-and-greet. Give the dog enough time to relax as much as possible.
Everything is new to a dog in a shelter, but one thing is for certain: canines and animals in shelters want to be adopted into forever homes. So give them a chance.
9. Shelter Dogs Are Too Shy To Take Home
Yes, some dogs will be shy. Again, let the dog get comfortable with you outside of the shelter environment. Think of it as how some people blossom in a room of strangers while others will take a bit to find a group of people to get comfortable with. It’s a similar concept.
10. There’s No History With Shelter Dogs
While some dogs will enter a shelter with no history, other dogs surrendered to shelters have a history taken. Sadly, approximately 14% of dogs in shelters are surrendered due to health, finances, housing, or other issue of the owner, and histories are more common in these instances.
11. Dogs in Shelters Are Aggressive
Many people believe that dogs in shelters are all aggressive. It’s not true. Of course, some dogs will do better in a home without other pets or kids, while others can be around any animal or person. This may not be a sign of an aggressive dog but rather an acknowledgment of the dog’s needs.
12. Dogs in Shelters Are Unvaccinated
Some people believe that dogs in shelters aren’t vaccinated or it will be costly to vaccinate them. Generally, shelters will vaccinate all pets, including the rabies vaccination. This protects other animals and staff.
13. Shelter Dogs Aren’t Microchipped
Most shelters will chip dogs and pets before they are adopted. A lost pet is more likely to be reunited with its owner, so it won’t return to a shelter for adoption. Some counties require the chipping of all pets to prevent lost animals. However, if your adopted pup isn’t chipped, you can do it very affordably.
14. Shelter Dogs Aren’t Spayed or Neutered
If a puppy or dog is old enough without any other issues, it undergoes spay or neuter surgery before adoption. This helps to keep the population of shelter dogs down.
15. It’s Difficult to Bond With a Shelter Dog
The notion that you can’t bond with a shelter dog is wrong. You can bond with any dog or animal; an adopted dog is no exception. You only need to give your new rescue furry friend time to adjust to his new home and life.
16. You Can’t Trust a Shelter Dog
Trust is a two-way street. You need to build it with any animal or person. It’s not something that is just given. Dogs from a shelter can be trusted. Moreover, they can trust you once you get to know each other.
17. Shelter Dogs Have Fleas
If a dog comes in with fleas, they are treated before adoption. You will never have a dog adoption with a flea infestation.
18. Shelter Dogs Are Dirty
Keep in mind that shelters want a successful dog adoption, so they will bathe the dogs and make them as presentable as possible. Therefore, a new furry buddy should be fairly clean.
19. Photos of Shelter Dogs Are Always Accurate
While some shelters and rescues do a great job with their shelter pet photos, others are very misleading. My dog looked nothing like his online photo! Therefore, never believe the image that is posted. See the available dogs in person before making any decisions on adoptions.
20. Descriptions of Shelter Dogs Are Always Correct
A general description may say something like “Male, Poodle, Adult, Neutered,” but nothing else. However, when you see the dog in person, you can tell more, like the dog is young (under a year) and a poodle mix, such as a cockapoo.
21. Shelter Dogs Are Free
You may find an adoption event where a shelter will have an adopt-a-pet-free day or even a discounted adoption fee day. However, adoptions will generally not be free. Additionally, some dogs may be pricier than expected.
The good news about dog adoption is that the fee goes back to the shelter to rescue more animals. The process of dog adoption is a good thing in the world!
22. There’s a Trial Period With a Shelter Dog Adoption
A dog adoption is not like buying a pair of shoes. If you decide the fit isn’t right, you can’t take it back for a refund. Additionally, in a few years, you don’t trade that dog in for a newer model like a used car. You would never trade your unathletic child in for one you think could be the next Michael Jordan.
Think before you adopt or bring an animal into your home.
A dog is a living, breathing, and feeling animal you commit to upon adoption. Dogs bond with their families – your family. You become their pack. Hopefully, you bond with your dog as well.
However, if the adoption is a complete failure, most rescues will welcome the dog back and look for a better fit.
How Do I Know if Adoption Is Right for Me?
Still not sure if you’ll be a good adopter? You will want to meet and greet your potential dog, let family members meet the new furball, and make sure that the personalities match.
If you’re still uncertain, you can offer to be a foster home for the furry canine.
You’ll want to talk with the adoption counselor at the shelter or rescue organization about the foster care process. This will generally include some basic paperwork and a home inspection. However, while you foster, the shelter or organization pays for the prospective dog’s food and medical needs.
In the end, you may find yourself filling out the adoption application.
What Could Happen With a Dog Adoption?
After you go through the adoption process and bring your new pet home for the first time, remember accidents can happen, even with a potty-trained dog. This is to be expected.
Give your new buddy lots of potty breaks, training (even for the trained pups), and reassurances. Also, make sure you have plush dog toys and chewable dog toys.
Make sure your home is dog-proof with a safe spot for your furry friend to retreat as they adjust to their new home. However, always give yourself and your pup three months to fully adjust to your new life.
What Do I Need To Know When I Take My Dog Home?
Your new dog will be experiencing things for the first time, so give your new furry buddy time to adjust.
A good rule to keep in mind is the 3-3-3 rule. This means giving your dog three days to adjust to his new home. Then, give him three weeks of training and bonding to help him even more with his new home. This includes daily exercise such as walking and playing. Finally, give him three months of training and socializing to firmly instill him into your family. This includes introducing him to other dogs and people as well as experiences.
Is That Shelter Doggy in the Window Right for You?
If you want a great dog, even a purebred dog, you may find the perfect fit at your local shelter. While there are many myths about dog adoption, they are just that – myths!
Finding a dog that can fit your lifestyle and family can take a bit of looking, but you can get the perfect one at your shelter. Your next new best friend is just a shelter away!
This article originally appeared on Hello Sensible.
Author: Terri Rodefer
Terri Rodefer is the founder of Tail Wag Wisdom, a blog focused on affordable pet care. She likes to say helping pet parents afford and love their animals even more, makes her tail wag. As a lifelong lover of all animals with a background in economics, biology, and marketing, allows Terri to bring a unique spin to pet care.