There are lots of options when it comes to getting a dog. Not just with the dog itself, but also when it comes to where you get your dog. You can adopt from a shelter, you can get a rescue dog, you could go to a breeder, and you can even go online and look for dogs for sale. But what is the best option for you? Let’s find out.

Some people won’t go to shelters or rescues because they believe the dogs there aren’t good dogs. Nothing could be further from the truth. While many dogs are given up for behavior problems, the vast majority of those problems could have been prevented. These issues can be treated with training, attention, and exercise. Most likely, this is something that the previous owner didn’t give the dog.

Believe it or not, many dogs are given up because of mundane things like a move, financial loss, illness, blending of families. Some people don’t realize how much time and work puppies, and even adult dogs, require and become fed up with the responsibility. These people need to realize BEFORE they get a dog that they are taking care of a life and therefore dog ownership requires work. Shocking, I know.

According to Dog Time, shelters house animals available for adoption as well as strays. Usually they’re at least partially funded by the city, but some are completely dependent on private donations.

The quality of shelters varies depending on where it’s located. Some shelters provide basic medical care, training, and spay/neutering. Others are more like holding pens than shelters and don’t bother with the kind of care experts believe is essential to a dog’s well-being, like a daily walk. The important thing to remember is that the population of available dogs usually changes quickly and regularly.

Some shelters allow people to put a hold on dogs they want to adopt. Before you choose a dog, make sure someone else doesn’t already have a claim on him.

There are also shelters that euthanize animals when overcrowded. Many no-kill shelters will only accept dogs believed to be adoptable. Which basically means that dogs without behavioral problems or extreme health issues.

If you’re interested in a dog at one of those shelters, make sure you ask how much longer he has at the shelter. Do you have enough time to make a decision?

Shelter Retrievers Shelter Retrievers

Picture taken from: https://www.youtube.com

Rescue groups are organizations that take dogs out of shelters and keep them in foster homes, or kennels until homes can be found. Some keep certain breeds while others take all types of dogs. Overall, they tend to give the dogs more medical and behavioral care than many shelters.

You can get a good idea of the dog’s temperament and habits from the foster family, since they live with him. The dog is also less likely to be euthanized, unless there is a serious health or behavior issue.

These groups often have adoption events at public places such as pet supply stores. If you’re interested in a specific dog you’ve seen on the group’s website, you can ask specifically about that dog. My fiancé and I actually just inquired about a pup in a shelter. Besides, getting a dog from a dog breeder can be a bit more daunting. I’ll save that one for another article.

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