It’s nearly impossible to scroll through social media without seeing the heartwarming, tear-jerking stories of animals saved from sad situations that went on to be adopted by a loving family. It’s easy to feel good about seeing dogs who hit the jackpot and walk out of the shelter and into a home where they are safe, valued, and loved.
October is Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, so it’s time to celebrate the lucky ones but also to remember the millions still waiting for their forever homes. If you’ve been thinking about adding a dog to your home, now is the perfect time. Many shelters offer reduced adoption fees in honor of Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month, and you never know if you’ll walk in and find your new best friend!
There are several reasons some people think adoption isn’t the right choice for them, but many of these “reasons” simply aren’t true. Let’s take a look at some of the common misconceptions that turn people away from adopting a shelter dog:
I Won’t Be Able to Find a Purebred
While it’s true that it may take you a while to find a specific type of purebred dog in a shelter, it’s not impossible. People surrender all types of dogs—including purebreds. If you have your heart set on a certain kind of dog, contact all the shelters near you and ask if they would be able to call you if such a dog becomes available.
Shelter Dogs are Likely to be Aggressive
This is a falsehood that causes dogs to linger in shelters longer than they should. The overwhelming majority of dogs who enter shelters are NOT aggressive. If you walk through a shelter and see a dog barking excessively or showing his teeth, that’s not aggression; it’s fear. Once they get out of the shelter environment, those behaviors are likely to stop. Here’s what you need to know: Dogs on the adoption floors of most shelters have gone through aggression testing, and they will not be available for adoption if they are, in fact, aggressive. When you adopt from a shelter, you are LESS likely to get an aggressive dog because such testing is performed.
The Dog is More Likely to be Sick
Shelters do not adopt out sick dogs. If a dog has health issues when it enters the shelter, a vet deals with those problems before the dog is placed for adoption. An exception to this is shelters that allow dogs with health issues to be fostered or fostered to adopt. An example would be a dog with heartworms. If you were interested in a dog that had heartworms, you’d foster him during his recovery and then adopt him once he got a clean bill of health. During the foster period, the shelter would continue paying for all his medical care.
There are No Puppies in Shelters
This, sadly, is a myth. While puppies are likely to be adopted faster than older dogs, it’s not at all difficult to find puppies in shelters. In fact, sometimes shelters are overrun with puppies and can’t find homes for them all. That means that puppies make up some of the 670,000 pets in shelters that are euthanized each year. If you want a puppy, shelters are the best place to start your search.
Bonding Issues are Likely
Are you worried that a shelter dog won’t bond with you? Fear not! Shelter dogs love their families just as much as any other dogs—maybe even more! Every dog has a unique personality, so they might not worship you from day one—but that’s true of some non-shelter dogs as well. Remember, shelter dogs see many new people each day, so it might take a bit for them to realize that they get to stay with you forever. Once they do, you’ll have their heart!
Finding the Right Shelter Dog
For the best chance of success with your new four-legged family member, don’t just choose based on a picture. The most adorable dog at the shelter might not be the best fit for your family.
For example: If your ideal week off is keeping the blinds closed and binge-watching Netflix, an active dog isn’t for you. If you’re looking for a running partner, you’ll want a dog who can keep up.
Some simple steps help ensure you’ll find a dog who is a perfect fit:
Talk to the shelter workers and volunteers who have spent time with the dog. Tell them about your household, activity level, other pets, etc., and ask if they think the dog will work well in that environment.
- Spend time with the dog playing, going for a walk, and just sitting. Most shelters have areas set aside for this purpose.
- Bring your pets to spend time with the dog. This is important, and most shelters will allow you to bring your other dog(s) to spend time with the pet you’re considering for adoption; some shelters insist on it.
- If you have particular concerns, ask about a weekend visit before committing. All shelters won’t allow this, but some will. Bringing the dog home for the weekend lets you see how he acts outside of the shelter environment.
Once you find your new pet, Allivet has everything you need to get ready to bring him home, including food, toys, flea prevention, and so much more.
If you’re considering a new pet, choose adoption and help to clear the shelters during Adopt-a-Shelter-Dog Month!
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