Dog Adoption: Shopping For A Shelter

You wouldn't adopt a dog from just anyone, would you? Of course not. You want to feel as though you're adopting your pup from a loving foster home, not rescuing her from a wicked captor. So once you've decided to adopt a special pup, the next important step is finding the right shelter. Not all adoption facilities are created equal, and you'll do yourself and your dog a tremendous service by choosing one that will meet your needs both now and throughout your life together.

As you shelter shop, remember that you're looking for - a place with a knowledgeable and caring staff, a comfortable physical setting for its animals and sensible policies and services to help make the adoption process smooth for adopters and dogs alike. It doesn't have to be huge, palatial or wealthy; it just has to do its job thoroughly and conscientiously. Chances are, there's a place like that not far from you. But remember, too, that great dog companions can turn up where you least expect them, so even if you don't find the perfect shelter in your area, that's no reason to give up your dreams of adoption.

What's the difference between a private shelter and a Humane Society, or an SPCA and a pound? The distinctions aren't always crystal-clear, and distinguishing among the different kinds of adoption facilities can get confusing. But in general, shelters, Humane Societies and SPCAs (Societies for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) are organizations dedicated to the rescuing and adopting of homeless animals, whereas "pounds" are municipally run animal control facilities that offer few or no adoption-oriented services.

Most shelters, Humane Societies, and SPCAs are privately operated, self-supported and independent; they care for and adopt abandoned animals and are often involved in humane education and litigation as well. Pounds, on the other hand, are usually operated under the auspices of a city or county government for the purpose of controlling stray animals. But that's not always the case, so you can find out exactly who operates the shelters you visit.

Clearly, some pounds and shelters are better than others. Many facilities really accommodate their residents and work hard to adopt them to good people; some other facilities don't meet their dogs' needs and don't do what it takes to find them homes. Unless you're an experienced dog person and know exactly what you're doing, you'll probably be better off shopping around until you find a shelter or pound that's clean, comfortable, and staffed by interested, knowledgeable people. They'll give you the support and services you need to adopt the right pup and make her transition into your home as smooth as possible.