Rescuing a Dog from the Pound: Tips for Adopting Shelter Dogs

While some dog owners pay big bucks to breeders for showcase breeds, others nobly rescue abandoned dogs in shelters. While this is an admirable act of love, potential adoptive shelter owners should do all they can to make the adoption a successful one.

Advantages to Shelter Adoptions: First, you'll be helping the shelter as you're easing the burden of caring for one less dog. If you've ever visited an animal shelter, you know how overwheming the job of shelter workers must be each day. All you have to do is look out at the sea of pitiful canine faces, begging, "Please take me home!" For the dog, the best reason for adoption is that you're rescuing a homeless dog fro being put down and giving him or her a loving home.

Also, as an adoptive owner, you'll save money as well. Instead of paying hundreds of dollars to a breeder or pet shop, you'll usually pay less than $100, which is not for profit but to cover the expenses of running the shelter. In addition, you usually receive a health insurance policy, as well as free shots and a veterinarian exam (which you would have paid out of your own pocket if you didn't adopt from a shelter). What's more, all pets are neutered or spayed before they're considered adoptable, saving you more money.

Where You Can Find Shelters: Websites such as PetFinder.com and the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) website provide links to local pounds and shelters (see below).

Safeguards of Shelter Adopting:If you're worried about getting stuck with a dog with a bad disposition, relax. The ASPCA never adopts out any animal that's considered dnagerous or hostile. Loving volunteers who genuinely care about abandoned and/or abused animals usually work in animal shelters. This gives you a clue of the good care shelter dogs receive before adoption. Surprisingly, many prospective adoptive owners even have a "home study" by a shelter volunteer to make sure a dog is getting a good home.

Article by Venice Kuchura, Suite101.com, 02/14/2008

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Click Here to visit ASPCA.com

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Little Shelter is an animal rescue and adoptioncenter located in Huntington, New York, and dedicated to helping cats and dogs find safe, loving homes. Click here to find out more aboutthem, view their available adoptions, or donate!