Why is it so hard to adopt a pet?!?

Question

Any one can have a baby, but in order to adopt a dog i am having to jump through hoops...Does that make sence?

Answer 1

Because most animals that are being adopted have already been abandoned, given up, or improperly cared for at least once, and they want to make sure that they are going to a good, forever home this time. Most people aren't going to jump through so many hoops just to abuse or abandon a dog.

Answer 2

I have worked with the SPCA for a very long time. I want to shed a little light on the adoption situation. Many times people want to adopt a pet with the greatest intentions but the majority of the time it just doesn't work out. The animals end up coming back to the shelter. Another reason why the screening is so tedious is because these animals rely on us to use our best judgment in matching them with their forever owners. A lot of people come into adopting shelters without good intentions. They are looking for animals that are trainable to fight and we have to protect them from ending up in a bad situation. We also have to feel secure that the animal is going to be taken care of. Will it be seen by a vet regularly shots, spayed/neutered?, will it be groomed and feed?, will it be a member of a family? or will it be abused and neglected? Adopting an animal is time consuming but if you qualify it will be worth the wait. I have never heard of the process being described as jumping through hoops. If you don't think that your application is being processed properly or that you are having to do things that don't feel normal or right then contact the supervisor and let them know how the process that they put the applicants through feels. Good Luck and I hope that you are qualified because for me finding a home for a pet is far better than having to euthanize the animal.

Answer 3

Things to Consider

The fact that you're thinking about adopting from an animal shelter means you're a responsible and caring person. But before you make that decision to bring a furry friend into your life, take a moment to think over these questions:

Why do you want a pet? It's amazing how many people fail to ask themselves this simple question before they get a pet. Adopting a pet just because it's "the thing to do" or because the kids have been pining for a puppy usually ends up being a big mistake. Don't forget that pets may be with you 10, 15, even 20 years.

Do you have time for a pet? Dogs, cats, and other animal companions cannot be ignored just because you're tired or busy. They require food, water, exercise, care, and companionship every day of every year. Many animals in the shelter are there because their owners didn't realize how much time it took to care for them.

Can you afford a pet? The costs of pet ownership can be quite high. Licenses, training classes, spaying and neutering, veterinary care, grooming, toys, food, kitty litter, and other expenses add up quickly.

Are you prepared to deal with special problems that a pet can cause? Flea infestations, scratched-up furniture, accidents from animals who aren't yet housetrained, and unexpected medical emergencies are unfortunate but common aspects of pet ownership.

Can you have a pet where you live? Many rental communities don't allow pets, and most of the rest have restrictions. Make sure you know what they are before you bring a companion animal home.

Is it a good time for you to adopt a pet? If you have kids under six years old, for instance, you might consider waiting a few years before you adopt a companion. Pet ownership requires children who are mature enough to be responsible. If you're a student, in the military, or travel frequently as part of your work, waiting until you settle down is wise.

Are your living arrangements suitable for the animal you have in mind? Animal size is not the only variable to think about here. For example, some small dogs such as terriers are very active—they require a great deal of exercise to be calm, and they often bark at any noise. On the other hand, some big dogs are laid back and quite content to lie on a couch all day. Before adopting a pet, do some research. That way, you'll ensure you choose an animal who will fit into your lifestyle and your living arrangements.

Do you know who will care for your pet while you're away on vacation? You'll need either reliable friends and neighbors or money to pay for a boarding kennel or pet-sitting service.

Will you be a responsible pet owner? Having your pet spayed or neutered, obeying community leash and licensing laws, and keeping identification tags on your pets are all part of being a responsible owner. Of course, giving your pet love, companionship, exercise, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary care are other essentials.

Finally, are you prepared to keep and care for the pet for his or her entire lifetime? When you adopt a pet, you are making a commitment to care for the animal for his or her lifetime.

Answer 4

Well, I think people ought to have four years of schooling and pass a test before they're allowed to have a BABY! Maybe there wouldn't be so many screwed up kids!

Humane societies make you jump thru hoops, because they are tired of seeing the dogs they adopt out returned like it was nothing. It stresses a dog out terribly - after a few failed homes, they are neurotic and no one else wants them. Many times people lie - sure, the dog will live in the house with us, sure I have a fence - and then the dog ends up tied to a tree with no water until one of the neighbors poisons it for barking all night. Also, many sub-humans lie and say they are nice families wanting to "adopt" a dog - then they use it as bait to train their Pit Bulls to fight. Or they sell it to a laboratory for $25 to be used in experiments.

Answer 5

Because all of us working at a humane society, (including me) do not want to see the animal come back. We want to make sure ahead of time, before the animals go home, that it is a home that the pet will stay in. Humane societies are not pet stores. We are here to find the best possible home for the animal, not just sell it to anyone. Many people are not equipped to own an animal. Also, when an animal is retured to the shelter, the likelyhood of it getting adopted again is very small. We, (workers at humane societies) are not being mean to people. We are being kind for the animals. Humane societies are geared for the animals, not for people.

Answer 6

Because that its the way the animal rights groups work.

Make it hard, if not impossible, to adopt one. Put them down instead. And then wail about having to put them down. And then use euthanization numbers to push anti-dog laws furthering their no pet agenda.

Many, many good homes are turned down. One woman, who works from home and writes a pet care column was even turned down, for being gone to much. She works from home! Guess you have to be home 24 hours a day to have a pet. I don't think they really want to rehome most of them, but just use them to push their agenda. And I am not saying ALL rescues, but certainly the more hardcore animal rights ones.


PEOPLE - Please do not use HSUS as a reputable source of information! Much of it is halftruths and outright lies!

Answer 7

No that doesn't make sense.. but go to a shelter and you can easily adopt one. I got mine from a shelter in Culpeper, VA . Callie was skin and bones and terrified of everything. We brought her home and loved her and fed her and walked her. She has gained about 6 pound since May 1 and is a happier, braver, funny bundle of energy. Don't give up. There is a dog out there that needs your love and attention.

Answer 8

Always wondered the same thing. My girlfriend wants to get a cat, but can't because she's just a couple months shy of being 21. Makes no sense to me, either.

Answer 9

Because the shelter would rather sell them to Research Labs- Or kill them -instead of let someone take them Home...

Answer 10

whatever u do dont try and steal one my cousin did it and had to go to court but no it doesnt make any sence
u r trying to save their life ,,jeez!
just keep trying tho its worth it