A dog shelter or animal rescue group is a good starting point in your quest to find the perfect four-legged companion. Many people decide to adopt a dog from a dog shelter or rescue group because they fear that the dogs are damaged goods. An animal rescue group takes strays off the street, but a farm shelter is not a place where damaged or spoiled dogs are discarded. In many cases, a canine will find himself in a shelter because his owner can no longer accommodate him. This sometimes happens when people are forced to rent an apartment that doesn’t allow pets, travel frequently for business, start a family, or move to housing in the city that isn’t suitable for their dog. Shelters, for many of these dogs, are their last hope of being placed in a loving home. With a constant new stream of dogs, all in need of a home, there simply isn’t a place to house every dog ​​and some can sleep if a potential savior doesn’t step forward.

There are a few things to keep in mind before adopting a dog. First, make sure you’re adopting from a legitimate source. Most dog organizations have storefronts. Many animal rescue groups operate out of the owner’s home. There are unreliable wholesale breeders and dog brokers who become “rescue shelters” because they do not meet federal and state requirements for breeders or shelters. Be sure to ask the animal rescue group to give you a tour of the facility so you can examine the conditions your prospective dog has lived in. Facility conditions must also be examined, but animal rescue groups are not subject to the same type of state or local inspection that a shelter is subject to. Ask the manager or owner of the rescue group if they are incorporated as a nonprofit organization in your state. Try using the American Kennel Club (AKC) website to find a reputable dog shelter or animal rescue group.

These groups must interview you to make sure your dogs are being matched with an appropriate owner. They will ask you questions about your lifestyle, pet history, and knowledge of the breed of dog you are interested in adopting. Be wary of any dog ​​shelter or rescue group that willingly accepts your money without having a clue who you are.

If a particular dog piques your interest, be sure to ask the dog shelter or rescue group how the dog was obtained. Were they checked for microchips or tattoos? Have they been examined by a vet or placed in a foster home to access whether or not they are house trained, kid friendly, get along with other animals, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!