I only went to three shelters, but I never saw any labs there. The dogs were mostly pit bulls, german shepherd/mixes, beagles. I guess no pure lab would be in a shelter but I saw no mixes either. Are there labs that need rescuing, how do you find them if there are? Or do they just get adopted right away by someone?
2007-09-11 03:53:16 · 16 answers · asked by ♥shelter puppies rule♥ 7 in Pets ➔ Dogs
Labs are the number one dog in America if not the world, so there for there are actually quit a few rescue orginataztions for them. However, most of those are full. They are also very stricked on their adoption procedure. I know for a fact that the lab rescue here in Tulsa, Ok, in order to even be considered to adopt you HAVE to have a six foot fence, an extra large crate, dog can not be alone for more than 8 hrs a day, and that is just to get them to come into your home for a home visit. Once they approve you, you can then see what they have available, and make your selection from those dogs. So many people will go to the shelter and adopt those, plus the adoption fee from a shelter is likely to be a lot less then from a rescue orginazation. Even though when you get a dog from a shelter, they come spayed or neutered with all their shots, their are more health issues that can arise from shelter dogs. One of them being Kennel Cough. This is basically a very easy infection to be cured, however, most people that get dogs don't even take them to a shelter. Rescue orginazations that are reconized by the federal government can not knowingly adopt out a dog that has not been treated for any and all health issues. This includes, heartworm, cancer, diabetes, parvo, distemper, broken bones, inbedded collars injury, and many others. If you are looking for a Lab, look for a Lab Rescue in your area, and don't think that the adoption fee, which may range from $200- $300, is unbelievable.
2007-09-11 14:48:05 · answer #1 · answered by boleen03 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It might just be timing on your part at the shelter. The one I work at regularly has purebred labs and tons of lab mixes all the time. Sometimes we have spells where there are more pits or mixes or more beagles than the labs but there's always labs going in and out. Try a different shelter, or just go back periodically. Also try finding a breed specific rescue in your area.
2007-09-11 13:22:37 · answer #2 · answered by Chiappone 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
In our area - Ohio (and the midwest in general) we have labs coming out our ears. It's horrible but they are still be euthanized daily because the rescues can't keep up with the number of dogs.
It does depend on the area you live in. Some parts of the country have done exceptionally well with their spay/neuter work and you don't find many labs in shelters.
I know of several rescues whose mission is to ship labs from the midwest to New England where there are waiting lists of people wanting to adopt.
As everyone else mentioned, check petfinder.com and search by breed and your state.
I would like to thank you for looking! Honestly, I hope you can't find any labs in shelters anywhere near you! That's a good thing! =)
Keep looking. I'm sure something will come up. Also, apply to adopt with several rescues and shelters. Let the know what you are looking for. They can contact you when a dog becomes available.
I wish you the best in your search.
2007-09-11 11:28:51 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 3⤊ 0⤋
We have a lab/Weimeraner mix we adopted from the local shelter--she'd been there for a month, but she's the most loving dog I've ever had. Also, if you go to some pet stores, like PetSmart, they sometimes invite in rescue groups. There is a lab rescue group--you might just try searching for "lab rescue" and see what comes up.
2007-09-11 14:09:53 · answer #4 · answered by cross-stitch kelly 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
There are 16,786 Labs and Lab mixes available for adoption on Petfinder:
http://search.petfinder.com/search/search.cgi?animal=Dog&breed=Labrador+Retriever&preview=1&exact=1
The 3 shelters you went to may not be registered on petfinder. Get a cup of coffee and plan on about 3 hours to go through this list. Labs are EVERYWHERE!!!
PS: You can also ask at any shelter or any vet about Breed Rescue Groups.
2007-09-11 12:50:19 · answer #5 · answered by howldine 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Our shelters are full of them, but because labs are such great dogs, they will get adopted before some of the other breeds that have gotten bad publicity. And there are lab rescues everywhere - do a internet search.
2007-09-11 12:45:36 · answer #6 · answered by Barb 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Where I live Labs both purebred and mixes make up a large portion of the dogs in the shelters. Keep looking and you should be able to find a purebred or a mix whichever you prefer. You may have to wait awhile to find what you want but it will be worth it to get what you want from a shelter where you are saving a life.
2007-09-11 10:58:41 · answer #7 · answered by Teresa V 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
try a rescue just for labs (talk to the shelter to find one), or place a request with the shelter to call you when a lab comes in. labs normally get adopted quickly because they're such great dogs. if you can't find one, try other breed-- many are just as sweet!
2007-09-11 11:26:15 · answer #8 · answered by Jessica 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Look into Lab rescue.
2007-09-11 13:12:40 · answer #9 · answered by Queen of the Dachshunds 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check out a "Lab Rescue". Just type it in in your "Web Search" box. Too many to list and there's numerous ones in different parts of the country. Good Luck! Hope you rescue one, or ten!!!
2007-09-11 11:03:00 · answer #10 · answered by Connie B 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋