Adopting a pet from an animal shelter or rescue group isn't as easy as going into the food store and picking out a new flavor of ice cream. Things are a little more complicated than that!
I always check http://www.petfinder.com and have adopted from there.
Not only do they have the pets listed at the shelters and rescue groups, they also have classified ads. The classifieds in the newspapers usually have preowned pets as well. Sometimes due to circumstances, like moving or a new baby or other reasons people have to get rid of their pet and have already gotten the beginning shots, neutering, etc.
Sometimes they are just happy to have their pet going to a good home and there is no charge. Also, rescue groups and animal shelters will work with you on pets that will have to be destroyed soon if they are not adopted.
I think the adoption fees are more for you to prove to them that you can provide for the pet and also to help support the shelter or rescue group.
In any case, please don't adopt an animal if you are not able to make the commitment to provide it food, medical care, training and companionship. Many of the shelter animals were once "cute" little puppies that when they chewed on something or when they were no longer little and cute, ate too much, were too much trouble, didn't mind, etc. were disposable to the owners.
Susan from ThriftyFun
Here are the questions asked by community members. Read on to see the answers provided by the ThriftyFun community.
I am looking for a small dog to bring into our loving home. Anyone know where I could adopt one?
By Jamie from Allegany, NY
Check your local Animal Center. Be sure to take your kids and hubby! I once adopted a dog that didn't like men! So to be safe, ake the whole family and ask ALOT of questions about the dog before you take him home!
Never buy from a pet store (they usually buy from puppy mills) buy frrom a breeder or go to a shelter or the humane society. ALSO, Use care when adopting an animal & be sure to choose one that fits your energy level. That means if you like to run, bike & throw Frisbees than you may want a "high energy" dog, whereas if you are a homebody like I am & don't get out much then be sure to pick a dog with an easygoing & very mellow disposition. Don't pick a dog by how cute they are. Look for they way they act & never choose a pet just because you feel sorry for them because you may end up with more problems than you can handle! Also, look for a shelter where you can take the dog on a walk first before you decide, that way you'll have an idea if it's meant for you & your family. If not, you may end up with problems!
Do your research on different dog breeds, some dogs are know for being stubborn & some like to chase or herd things, hounds make strange noises when they get excited & some dogs (like the cavalier king Charles spaniel are bred to be very mellow). If you know the breed you want, you can sometimes find a no-kill shelter devoted especially to that type of dog, be it dachshunds or pit bulls. Lots of tiny dogs have behavior problems, but it's only because they are spoiled (like children) by the owners. Be sure to give your new dog both love & discipline! The dog won't be happy unless you fulfill their needs. Be sure to take it on walks daily. The backyard isn't enough. If you don't want to walk a dog regularly, then you shouldn't get one. Dogs get bored if they sit around (just like people do!) & start tearing the place apart, etc. Anyway, these are some important things to think about!
Also, Most vet's have bulletin boards & there's lots of people these days that have to move into places where their pets can't come. These owners can tell you lots about their dogs & it's temperament, so think about calling around to vets & asking the receptionist to read you any pets for adoption on their bulletin boards. If you get a pet from someone like this you'll also know if they are good with kids or not & the owner can tell you all about them!
We have a non-profit group in Erie county, PA ( not that far from where you live) that rescues small animals and finds homes for them. Their website is www.becauseyoucare.org They have pictures of the animals available for adoption on their website. Good Luck!
You can see a listing of animals to be adopted on petfinder.com. You put in your zip code and it tells what animals are available for adoption. It is great!
Robyn
I adopted a beautiful pedigreed long haired dachshund from Dachshund Rescue of North America- www.drna.org . Check out their website and see the many available dogs. If you go to "Dachshunds" then "All Available" then click on "Location" the list will be sorted by state and you can scroll down and see all of the dogs available in your state. Thanks for adopting. They are great to work with!
Petfinder.com, or is it .org? Anyway, the king of great pet adoption sites.
Try your area's craigslist. There you can find dogs and cats for free or a small rehoming fee.
Freecycle.org has lots of animals on it for free. Local rescue groups are great and humane societies or animals control shelters. I don't usually like to buy from a pet store since it propagates puppy mills and all the cruelty involved with those awful places.
Also rescues are so wonderful for the most part they are smarter and better adjusted since they have been through so much. They are always grateful. I just pulled a cat out of a local shelter to let it have it's kittens in peace, so I can rehome them. It looked like a rag mop. We have a cat room so we let it stay in there and play with us in t here, it is like a sun room with lots of toys and stuff cats like. It turned out to be a Maine coone cat.
What a darling. Have fun adopting, there is nothing like adopting a dog or cat from a shelter or fostering one for that matter. Robyn
