Jake is available for adoption at Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue in Plainview, NY.
We recently ran a post about a New York Times columnist who bought a dog even though her young son had urged her to adopt. The reason? Her husband wanted a Golden Retriever -- or at least a "bigger dog ... who fetched and swam" -- and they didn't think they'd find one in a shelter.
Our blogger wrote that it's a common misconception that there are no purebreds in shelters (in fact, 25% of shelter pets are purebred). One commenter suggested another misplaced belief:
[T]hat somehow a shelter animal (even a purebred rescue) is somehow less healthy or less valuable. ... People feel [that] spending $800 or $1,000 on a purebred dog or cat is a symbol of how high-class they are as individuals.So we decided to put together a list of common adoption myths, in the hopes that you can gently point friends toward this post when they talk about why they've got their heart set on buying.
Myth #1: I don't know what I'm getting
There may in fact be more information available about an adoptable pet than one from a breeder or pet store.
Many of the pets posted on Petfinder are in foster care. Foster parents live with their charges 24-7 and can often tell you, in detail, about the pet's personality and habits. If the pet is at a shelter, the staff or volunteers may be able to tell you what he or she is like.
At the very least, you can ask the staff if the pet was an owner surrender (rather than a stray) and, if so, what the former owner said about him or her. Quite often pets are given up because the owner faced financial or housing issues (more on that later). You can also ask about the health and behavioral evaluations the pet has undergone since arriving at the shelter. In contrast, pet store owners rarely have an idea of what a pet will be like in a home.
Myth #2: I can't find what I want at a shelter
While it's true that adopting a purebred or a young puppy can require more patience than going to a pet store or breeder, it can also lead to a better match for you and your family, for the reasons described above.
If you can't find the pet you're looking for on Petfinder, don't give up. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 6-8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year. Some shelters even maintain waiting lists for specific breeds, so don't be afraid to ask! There are also breed-specific rescues for just about every breed, and most of them post their pets on Petfinder. (Petfinder can even e-mail you when a pet that fits your criteria is posted -- just click "Save this Search" at the top of your search results page.)
Myth #3: I can get a free pet, so why pay an adoption fee?
According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (via the ASPCA), approximately 65% of pet parents in the U.S. get their pets for free or at low cost, and most pets are obtained from acquaintances or family members. The NCPPSP also reports that pets acquired from friends make up more than 30% of pets surrendered to shelters (read the article here).
While getting a "free" pet may seem like a bargain at first, you're then responsible for veterinary costs that shelters and rescue groups usually cover, including:
Pet stores play on our sympathies by keeping pets in small enclosures and in storefronts. But paying the pet store to let you "save" the puppy or kitten gives those stores exactly what they want -- income -- and perpetuates a cruel industry (read more about puppy mills).
Myth #5: Pets are in shelters because they didn't make good pets
In fact, the main reasons pets are given up include:
Myth #6: Shelter pets have too much baggage
Rescued pets have full histories ... something that can actually be GREAT for adopters. Remember, all pets-- even eight-week old puppies and kittens -- have distinct personalities. Those personalities will either jive with your home and lifestyle or not. Work with rescue group or shelter staff to find the right fit for you.
What adoption myths have you heard, and how do you address them? Tell us here!
While it's true that adopting a purebred or a young puppy can require more patience than going to a pet store or breeder, it can also lead to a better match for you and your family, for the reasons described above.
If you can't find the pet you're looking for on Petfinder, don't give up. The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 6-8 million cats and dogs enter shelters each year. Some shelters even maintain waiting lists for specific breeds, so don't be afraid to ask! There are also breed-specific rescues for just about every breed, and most of them post their pets on Petfinder. (Petfinder can even e-mail you when a pet that fits your criteria is posted -- just click "Save this Search" at the top of your search results page.)
Myth #3: I can get a free pet, so why pay an adoption fee?
According to the National Council on Pet Population Study and Policy (via the ASPCA), approximately 65% of pet parents in the U.S. get their pets for free or at low cost, and most pets are obtained from acquaintances or family members. The NCPPSP also reports that pets acquired from friends make up more than 30% of pets surrendered to shelters (read the article here).
While getting a "free" pet may seem like a bargain at first, you're then responsible for veterinary costs that shelters and rescue groups usually cover, including:
- Spaying/neutering $150-300
- Distemper vaccination $20-30 x2
- Rabies vaccination $15-25
- Heartworm test $15-35
- Flea/tick treatment $50-200
- Microchip $50 (Read more about what your adoption fee covers.)
Pet stores play on our sympathies by keeping pets in small enclosures and in storefronts. But paying the pet store to let you "save" the puppy or kitten gives those stores exactly what they want -- income -- and perpetuates a cruel industry (read more about puppy mills).
Myth #5: Pets are in shelters because they didn't make good pets
In fact, the main reasons pets are given up include:
- Owners are moving to housing that don't allow pets (7% dogs, 8% cats)
- Allergies (8% cats)
- Owner having personal problems (4% dogs and cats)
- Too many or no room for litter mates (7% dogs, 17% cats)
- Owner can no longer afford the pet (5% dogs, 6% cats)
- Owner no longer has time for the pet (4% dogs)
Myth #6: Shelter pets have too much baggage
Rescued pets have full histories ... something that can actually be GREAT for adopters. Remember, all pets-- even eight-week old puppies and kittens -- have distinct personalities. Those personalities will either jive with your home and lifestyle or not. Work with rescue group or shelter staff to find the right fit for you.
What adoption myths have you heard, and how do you address them? Tell us here!
My last 2 dogs, 1 a mix, 1 a purebred, both came from shelters in addition to a cat I adopted. If you doubt getting a shelter pet, please consider my thoughts. Both dogs were the most loyal, wonderful souls I will ever have the privilege of knowing. They were shadows, always near me, ever protective, and loved me above all else. I discovered that my cat, in addition to being an excellent mouser and a ton of fun, was housetrained - no need for a litter box. Shelter pets are less expensive. See the above posts. The pet has been observed and you get a good idea of his/her temperament. Nothing loves you like a rescue. Its like they know what you've done for them. It's so rewarding to see the excitement on a dog's face when they leave the shelter, their car ride home, to know that the dog you just adopted won't have to spend another night on a cold, concrete floor. Getting a shelter pet helps to force bad breeders out of business because those who breed only to make money will lose interest if people adopt more and buy less. Thus, less unwanted pets and less pets with health issues due to bad breeding. The handful of good breeders seek to improve their breed, not make numbers.
I am truly a dog person so I will leave the cat advice to the cat people. My advice on dog adoption:
Be sensible. I wouldn't hesitate to adopt a dog picked up as a stray but if you lack experience and doubt your patience to train a dog you know little about, consider an owner turn in with good manners or a dog in foster care.
Do your homework and talk to the shelter employees, rescue volunteers, etc. They can help you find the right dog. You can even post what you're looking for on this website. In special instances, some rescuers will even drive long distances to unite you with your ideal dog.
Remember your new dog will need days to adjust and settle in.
Realize that no dog is perfect and have a back up plan, such as crate training or group training should your new dog have issues.
I hope my post helps even one of the many homeless out there find a loving home.
I especially appreciate your debunking Myth #5. Too many people don't count the costs, literally and figuratively, of pet ownership. When my kids bug me to buy yet another animal, I explain that when we do make that decision, we are also deciding to care for that animal for its' entire life.
Great 'list post'! ;o)
We have three awesome animals that run our house. The oldest is a Husky/Golden Retriever that was part of an 'accident' litter that happened at a dogsledder's farm. The second is a Greyhound that was adpoted from GRA Canada who rescued him from a Greyhound track in the U.S. (I am not a Michael Vick sympathizer but dog-fighting is not that far off from dog-racing when it comes to the neglect of these animals) and the third is the cat that ultimately rules the house and she came from the SPCA in town.
A. paying the big bucks at the pet store does promote puppy mills and B. I don't feel the need to take all the pets home with me when I walk by the pet store in the mall but whenever I go to the shelter, I'm heartbroken when I leave.
My rescue peks are the high point of everyday. I m grateful I have the responsibility to care for them (all 4 of them !!!). They needed me and I needed them.
I purchased a purebred Husky from a pet store (I even knew the owners) for my husband. Less than two years later she died from a hereditary form of lymphoma. The breeders never even responded to the owners of the pet store with an explanation. We have since adopted two mixed breed dogs from shelters. I will never again purchase a pet from a pet store. These two babies are the greatest pets. One of them is a shephard/retriever/border collie mix that is so smart and trainable. He catches frisbees, fetches balls and will alert us if my grandson is crying and we don't hear him quick enough. The other is a husky/collie mix that is so laid back (definitely not a traditional husky) and is extremely loving. They both blended great in a multi pet and large family household. Please, please please consider adoption first. There are so many wonderful pets that need a home and someone to love.
There are so many myths out there about adoption. First of all, you can find a puppy and you can be breed specific. Last year I adopted a 4 year olds puppy mill survivor, half-poodle and half-bichon. I only knew I wanted a poodle or poo-mix and there were hundreds to chose from. Hubbard Hoiunds where I adopted my dog constantly has puppies. A few months ago I was out walking Meg and I ran into a woman who had just paid $1000 plus for a Coton puppy because she thought there were no "cute" dogs on rescue. Her puppy was adorable -- but she went on and on and on how she had never seen as cute a dog as mine.
Against everything I believe in, friends of mine got a puppy from a pet shop. They assured me it did not come from a mill, but from a commercial breeder. People just do not get it...and surprise surpirse...the puppy came to them with a case of Girardia. Plus they found out that you don't need to be a rescue to poop in the house!
Great list of myths. My wife is in the pet industry here in Singapore and I'll send this list over to her.
Great post for the PB.com challenge. I'll see you out there in the forums :)
I used to think the animals at shelters were discarded due to excess problems owners did not want to handle.
I had a 100% turnaround when I took care of a dog that was supposed to be temporary from a family member out of state. I found the most loving, actually seemed grateful dog that I had ever had taken care of before. Just because I had always wanted a puppy to start with that I didn't realize that a dog 2 years old would accept and love our family like it had always been there. This special dog showed my family that rescue dogs become true friends. Since then I have rescued 3 more dogs. Found homes for 2 of the dogs and will keep trying to pass on the word about these animals.
It's like a friend told me that she really didn't think she liked cats...but they have these faces. She has since helped wild cats, neutered kittens and adopted them out through help of rescue groups.
These comments are all because of rescue shelters and rescue individuals that have seen these animal faces and given them a chance. I just want to say "Thanks to you all!"
We've taken on a pair of male guinea pigs because their original owner found she had allergies. They're lovely, but didn't integrate at all well with our existing pair of males. As long as we keep them apart, both pairs are happy.
Wherever your pets come from, you do need to bear in mind the needs of the pets already in residence - but I'd recommend adoption (rehoming) if possible. We'd definitely do that again next time...
Great post. Hopefully a lot of people see it. I'd love to see an end to pet stores and puppy mills with people opting to go to their local shelters and getting a pet that needs their love.
Good entry, Jane, you fellow ProBlogger!
I like how you dispelled many of the reasons why people shy away from finding a pet this way.
I am a fan of getting a slightly older pet. It seems that their personality is clearer to see and they are often already trained.
Jane, this is really an excellent post! I hope it gives people the knowledge and encouragement to adopt a pet. I'll tweet about it today!
Missy Knight
@Missy5ft2
http://5ft2view.blogspot.com
http://www.linkedin.com/in/missyknight
I've had all my cats (I'm including our childhood ones, that my parents got) from rescue centres or shelters. Every time I have been, there's always been one that's stood out and shouted "Take me!".
I don't know how correct I am, but I tend to think that the mixed breeds that you find in these places are probably genetically stronger than the pure breeds.
Great list! I got my cat from a shelter. I figured he needed some extra love. When I got there, I wanted to adopt them all (never mind that they wouldn't fit in my apartment)!
Wow. I have to admit, I believed some of these myths. I'm all the more grateful I decided to check out your blog because I actually am in the market for another dog and I want so badly to rescue, but I was afraid really. Thank you. I'll be using Petfind too!
Very good points; I've always been a huge fan of pet adoption. The "reasons" for not adopting a pet are really just excuses. Laziness and an outdated stigma of pet adoption are the biggest reasons. There's no need to buy a pet when there are so many that need your help already.
Amen to number 4! Great list.
Something that has always burned me are people who get pets and then forget they even have them. I see this all the time and it just irks me to no end. An animal is a living being - they have feelings and they love and feel sadness and pain just like us. People need to wake up when it comes to animals and think very carefully about the reasons why they want one - is it "just because" or is it "because I want a pet to love and keep me company and do things with". The latter is the "humane" choice. The former is for the idiots who have pets and don't even know they have them.
Let's all consider the animal and our reasons for wanting one before we take any of them home.
I have 46 house cats several were adopted and the rest are rescues. I would never pay for a pet unless it was the fee for spay and neuter. There should be laws to govern spay and neuter, Like for example if someone is caught with a pet that is not spayed or neutered they should be fined and put in jail. Breeding pets for money is a sick way to make a few bucks.
It will never cease to amaze me how people think & expect an animal will adjust to a new enviroment in hrs. Does anything or anyone you know adjust to a different & strange enviroment in days or a week? I'll answer that w/a big resounding "NO". Sometimes it'll take a month & your going slow w/your pet will pay off in the end 3 fold or more! ☺ So please have patients. Your best buddy will love you forever for that & you will be loved by your loyal companion & unconditionally.
Thank you! This is a great piece and is a good solid argument against many of the myths about shelters. I work with a shelter in Kirkland, WA. We often work with adopters after they get their cats home and are confronted with a problem. We give them a place to call - at no charge - to get advice about their pet. Try getting that service from a pet store.
All of my cats are former shelter cats and I couldn't be happier.
One other thing to remember, usually some who is only intrested in a "free" pet will not obtain or maintain the vaccanations, spay or neuter, or any grooming. We have to enter into the choice of pet ownership as a lifetime commitment with expenses. The theory of "Oh well, if it dies or gets lost it was free I am not out anything". This too adds to the expense of rescue groups and shelters. Pet ownership is a priviliage and one not to be taken lightly.