Looking to adopt a pet from your local shelter/sanctuary?

Question

Check www.petfinder.com. You can put in specific info like breed you want, size, gender, age, and location. It pulls up a list, starting with the closest shelters/sanctuaries to you.

But people, PLEASE do your homework before getting a pet. Don't buy on impulse just because it's the holidays. Do you work all day? A cat would be good for you. Do you work from home? A dog would be better, especially a needy breed like beagles. Small children? Don't get uppity breeds that snap, like pomeranians.

You can also adopt barnyard/birds/rodents/etc from this site.

Answer 1

I agree. A "gift" pet is rarely a good idea, unless the person is expecting exactly what you're giving them. DON'T surprise someone with a puppy, because there's a lot of lifestyle adjustment that comes with having a dog. Even a cat needs a lot of owner-intensive time at first.

Then there's the financial responsibility! In the first month we've owned her, our puppy has cost us about $250. This is a pet from the SHELTER! We knew to expect some costs, but if you're not ready for it, you'll be surprised at all a new pet needs. It's not just food, but spay/neuter, microchipping, collar, bowls, kennel crate, vaccinations, new collar because the first got chewed up, treats and toys. Even that last one, toys, you don't want to neglect. Get them before the puppy gets your clothes or other belongings!

If you truly care about pets and want to bring one into your life, wait a few months for the "cute Christmas puppies" to be dumped at the pound because the kids are tired of them and they're still not housetrained.

Answer 2

One think I want to say about humane societies- While they are a great idea and we need them, the rules should not be so strict. Our family has gotten a few dogs from the humane society over the years and we always have to lie. They will not give us a dog if we say it will be outside 100% of the time. The thing is, our most recent one, a 1/2 shepard/husky 1/2 pit bull (they told my mom the first half and she did not know the rest until I told her) would be a horrible inside dog. It was probably why he was returned to the shelter so many times (he was 5months- we were his 4th home) I swear that dog could chew through cement. He has already demolished all of his toys, chewed through thick horse jolly balls, among other things. He would destroy a house in 2 seconds.
Can you tell me, please email if you have an answer, why shelters refuse to adopt out dogs that will be kept outside? We have 10 acres, the dogs are free most of the day (supervised), and have a large kennel 1/2 in the barn 1/2 out when they get put in at night. They have heated water dishes as well.
I just want to know why this is considered worse than being stuck in a shelter with no one willing to adopt the dog? (because he would tear the house apart)
Thanks in advance, and I am looking forward to an answer, if you know.