Can I adopt a sick dog from the animal shelter?

Question

I came across a limping, starving and timid stray dog this weekend. I couldn't catch her myself so I called animal control. I was not able to talk to animal control directly but am going to the shelter tomorrow morning to try to get her out. Will they let me adopt her or do they euthanize sick and injured dogs without giving them a chance? They picked her up Sunday afternoon and were closed today. She'll have been there for less than 48 hours when I try to adopt her tomorrow morning. I'm worried sick - I really want to save her.

A) The dog didn't appear too sick or too injured - but definitely careworn and skittish. B) Unfortunately, the shelter doesn't answer their phones. C) If I can get her out of there she'll have top class vet care, a huge home on a huge lot, and loving guardians who will spoil her to no end.

My husband and I went to the pound this morning and found her there. She looked sad; but she is safe for now. They informed us that we have to wait 72 hours before adopting her in case someone's looking for her. We gave her a bag of treats and will visit her again tomorrow.

Answer 1

Some shelters will not send out a dog that is ill. However most animal control pounds, or county shelters will keep the dog for a few days to see if it is claimed. They may require the dog to be there for the few days, but, as it is sickly, and you are offering it good care, they may make an exception..
Where I used to live, they kept an ill dog for 3 days, and then put it down..they didn't bother with vet care..Where I live now, they have the dog treated and healthy before it leaves. So, it would just depend on the policy in your area.
God bless you, and best of luck with this!

Edit: Offering a donation in that dog's honor will really make a difference..

Answer 2

It really depends on your shelter.

Some of the ASPCA or Humane Society facilities are really nice and provide great vet care for the animals they take in. However... A lot of animal control facilities / county facilities, do not provide a lot of care for the animals they take in. They have a quick health check, heartworm test, and rabies shot, but in many cases that is all they do. If a dog is injured or very sick, a county kill shelter is likely going to put it down. I've also seen county shelters that had a full medical history on a dog after it was surrendered to them and they neither got the dog treatment nor gave potential adopters any hint that there was something wrong with the dog.

Go down to the shelter to see whether they have her and whether you can get her out.

Answer 3

I've had experience with this type of thing. If you explain that you are the one that called in, they will most likely allow you to if the dog wasn't too sick. If she was VERY sick, there is an unfortunate chance that she might have been euthanized. However, some places do try to help as best they can and if she wasn't too sick, she should be there. It varies from shelter to shelter and the amount of room they have. Only 48 hours..she should still be safe.

Good luck and bless your heart for doing this.

Answer 4

Well, it depends on the shelter policy, which shelter she's at, and what particular person you talk to. Be aware she may have already been euthanized - it depends on the policy and the shelter, again. I really do hope they let you - many people don't give that kind of dog a second chance at all. It sounds like she'll be in good hands of they give you a chance to help her. I would get there as soon as possible once they reopen. Good luck, and we need more people like you in this world!:) Please let us know how it turns out.

Answer 5

Depends on the shelter. Most shelters will try to help the sick dog, even if that just means putting them out of their misery. However, most vet-run or city-run (state-run/ nationally-run/ etc) shelters won't allow a sick animal to be adopted by virtue of the fact that they could put the community at risk . . . sick animals tend to be violent and can infect other animals (and sometimes people). If it is a vet-run shelter than they will often opt to put a really pitiful animal down out of mercy, or else keep it under surveilence until it gets better. (keeping a really decrepit animal can be considered a form of animal cruelty). Of course, the definition of sick differs: you dog doesn't sound sick, per say, but abused or just plain beaten up. Still, if it is too pitiful they will try to fix it before adopting it out.

Answer 6

They should allow up to three days before they euthanize it unless they found out she is really in bad shape. I would call first thing Tuesday if you can't get a hold of them go to the shelter. I don't see why they wouldn't let you take her if is is able to be adopted. Good luck, I really hope you get her.

Answer 7

I am guessing she'd still be there. I do believe dog wardens have to give an animal at least 3 days before they can euthanize, in case the owners are looking for it. The exception would be, of course, if her condition was too bad.

Call before you go and check on their policies.

Good luck!

Answer 8

I would call and find out before going down there.I know many shelters will automatically euthanize sick dogs if they appear to have contagious diseases like parvo or distemper.Sadly,in many communities space and expense are also a deciding factor in whether sick dogs are kept alive.I do hope you get her though.I love it when a dog gets a second chance.

Answer 9

depends on the shelter. A good shelter will have her vetted themselves. a place more like a pound probably wont. It's best to talk to them and see and maybe explain that you want to get her the care she needs. Good luck! I really hope they allow you to adopt her so you can save her.

Answer 10

Make sure u talk with people at the shelter and ask them to get the dog u want to be checked out at the vet to see how well she is. then if she is not doing really well.. then they kindly have to put her to sleep. If she is doing well but need to be treated. They have to pay for the treatments before u adopt her. I have a dog once. I didnt know his background. I didnt know he was sick for a long time. So i found out that he got pravo. I have to put him to sleep peacefully. I love that dog. He is a beagle. He was only a year old.