6 Myths about shelter pets

Dec 16, 2009 9:09 AM by Kristin Julie Viola

Posted in Pets & Animals / Dogs

Pet Adoption Options

Shudder at the thought of adopting a shelter pet? OK, so it may not be Paris Hilton-approved, but adopting an animal has a host of unique benefits, the greatest of which is the knowledge that you helped save a life. Here are some things you thought you knew about pet shelters that just aren’t true.

Scared Dog at Pound

Stigmas surround shelter pets, which causes the general public to overlook pet adoption as an option. But before you dial that breeder, you might want to give your local shelter a second chance. Here are some of the most common misconceptions about shelter pets… busted!

Shelter pets have been abandoned for a reason

Contrary to popular belief, shelter pets are simply unlucky rather than unlovable. In fact, the majority of shelter pets have been surrendered not because of their own problems, but because of their owners' issues.

According to John Snyder, vice president of companion animals for the Humane Society of the United States, the number one reason that owners give away their pets is because they are moving. Other common reasons include the onset of allergies, an elderly person's inability to care for the pet and, quite commonly today, financial troubles and home foreclosures.

With shelter pets, you never know what you are going to get

There are no secrets when it comes to shelter pets: What you see is what you get. For example, if you see a dog that snaps at everything in sight, odds are he will act this way at your home. The same goes for a cat that is docile and constantly purring.

Shelter animals tend to be adults, so their personalities are more developed and their behaviour traits are easier to detect than those of puppies or kittens, says Gail Buchwald, senior vice president of ASPCA Adoptions. Take it upon yourself to eliminate any guesswork and pay attention to the animal's interactions.

Shelter pets are sickly

Shelter pets aren't invincible when it comes to illness, but, to be fair, neither are pets purchased from pet stores or breeders. That said, shelters do take actions to ensure their animals are in good health. "All reputable shelters provide medical care to pets including basic wellness exams, routine vaccinations and treatment for any medical conditions," explains Buchwald. When visiting shelters, ask questions to determine the state of your potential pet's health and what type of medical programs they have in place.

Shelters cannot guarantee an animal's long-term health, nor can breeders, for that matter. However, should your pet become afflicted with an unexpected illness right after you adopt, rest assured: "Reputable shelters will have mechanisms in place to help adopters deal with any medical issues that may crop up shortly after adoption," says Buchwald.

Purebreds are impossible to find at animal shelters

Just because your heart is set on a purebred doesn't mean you have to rule out your local shelter. It is possible to find purebreds, though you may have to look a little harder. According to Petfinder.com co-founder Betsy Saul, approximately 25 percent of adoptable animals in shelters or rescue groups are purebred.

Of course, it should be noted that although you can expect certain characteristics from pedigrees, this doesn't necessarily mean that they have an edge over their mixed breed counterparts. "Studies have shown that because mixed breeds are from different genetic backgrounds, they generally live longer than purebreds and have fewer health problems," explains Saul.

Animal shelters only have cats and dogs available

"Depending on the shelter, many species are out there including fish, birds, rabbits, pigs and even horses!" says Saul.

When picking out a pet, puppies and kittens are the way to go

Puppies and kittens are undeniably adorable, but as anyone who has ever had her favorite pair of stilettos chewed to bits knows, they can require an ample amount of time, patience and energy. On the other hand, older pets are often less demanding, as they usually do not require constant supervision.

Many still fret that they won't be able to form quite the same bond with an older animal as they would with a kitten or puppy. The truth is that though rescue pets can require a period of adjustment, they usually flourish when placed in loving, nurturing homes. You may not be able to teach an old dog new tricks, but you can certainly teach it how to love again.

"Animals have proven themselves to be astoundingly resilient, and they will adapt to new homes with relative ease," says Buchwald.

Do you have a shelter pet? If so, share your story below:

For more pets advices on SheKnows:

Five tips for cutting petcare costs
Five tips to keep your furry friend in top shape
Pet separation anxiety: 4 Tips to help cope

Tags: animal shelter pet adoptions shelter pets

Comments

Comments on "6 Myths about shelter pets"

I decided to take a quick look at the new local shelter. The new facility had been covered in the papers and was supposed to be set up to serve the adopting community better. In the "featured pet" enclosure was a small ratty looking puppy of herding dog heritage. As I chatted with the staff at the counter I watched 2 families look at her and then walk right by. The puppy had been left in the night drop box when she was about 8 weeks old. She was so full of fleas she had no hair left from scratching. Her skin was bumpy and looked bad. No telling if she would ever regrow her fur. She was healing, but no one was interested. She had not had much human contact so the shelter staff had worked with her, but she was now 4 months old and still homeless. Two minutes with her in a visiting room and it was all over. 4 years later she sits beside me, her beautiful soft blue-black coat grown in, a fine and faithful friend. Someone's trash, my treasure. Shelter dogs do not always appear to be the best, but they can turn out to be even more than the best.

I just adopted my first shelter dog yesterday, and he's awesome! He's a ~3-year old lab mix who is just sooo sweet and a bit shy; I agree with the other posters who said that sometimes their personality doesn't shine until after you get them home. The shelter is definitely a stark contrast to a nice calm home environment, and it takes a bit of adjusting/patience to work with some issues they might have from the past, but to me a pet is an instant family member for life. I'm a full-time grad student and while my schedule is flexible, I just don't have the time to train a puppy (and now that I've adopted a shelter dog I think I'm hooked!). Also, the county shelter was extremely reasonable and the workers very friendly and knowledgable. There are so many animals looking for good homes so if you can open your home and your heart to a shelter dog, don't hesitate - just do it!

One of my two dogs came from our local shelter & I tell everyone I talk to that he was proof of an online "love connection"! His spotted blue merle face drew me in so I jumped in the car with my crippled Golden Retriever. They brought out his brother first & that was fine but I asked to see my future Sweet William. Love at first sight for my Golden girl & myself, followed by the rest of the family. It was the best decision I have ever made & I am so thankful that we have his little worried, sweet, goofy face in our life. As he was sick with pneumonia, the shelter would not let us bring him home for a month & I visited him every day. The bond was already strong before he got in my car & after two years, my canine companions are best friends & we are the lucky people who get to be with them!

I have to say I agree with most of the points, except one-what you see is what you get for their personality. Many many animals are terrified at a shelter, often scared and depressed as well. Their shelter behavior may be very defensive and aggressive, which is NOT their normal behavior. Even feral cats have been known to become loving devoted friends with some time and patience.

We have adopted 5 dogs from 3 different shelters over the past 7 years.Each one has been a loyal, loving dog. Everyone should start their search for a new dog at the local shelter. You won't be sorry.

Great article. Thanks a million. Rescue dogs are just the best. As you point out, you have a good idea about their behavior before you take them home. Usually potty trained or close to it, always a plus. Some idea of health issues ahead of time. We like adopting from rescue groups as generally these good-hearted volunteers have chosen the "best" dogs from the shelters to keep them from being put down. Then they train them, deal with any health issues such as fleas. They get to know their rescued dogs and can help steer you towards ones that will be a good fit with you and your lifestyle. The only downside of rescue groups is they always describe every dog except those with puppy breath or grey beards as being two years old. Apparently, most people want a dog out of the puppy stage but with a long life ahead of them. Of the dogs we're living with now, all were described as two years old. Our vet said one was closer to five or six and the other two were barely a year old. :) That's okay. They are the perfect combination of lazy and lively for us.

I just love stories like these. I have one myself. When I was nine, my sister at 5, we went to a local shelter to adopt a cat. It was the first time in my life I had gotten to pick out a pet, and I was super excited. I remember the shelter so clearly. There were so many cats, all here and there, some out playing in a pen and others in little cellular cages. One of the lady workers showed my dad and sister this big fluffy cat, while I looked around. All of a sudden, this little grey kitten with big green eyes pawed at my leg. She was the sweetest little thing. Another worker said that this kitten was dropped off here a few days ago, for some unknown reason. I immediately felt a connection, and after persuading my sister (who still wanted the big fluffy white cat) and my dad, we were off back home with this new bundle of adventure. Cutie became one of my biggest "rocks". I named her "Cutie" because of her diva-like ways. When she was a kitten, she got into everything, and loved lazing around in the sun-room after her mischievous deeds were done. When she was a teenager, she loved to sprint out the door, unbeknownst to the one who opened it, out into the wild, only to return an hour or so later. She was an adventurer, and brought back many "artifacts", from dead birds to little mice. Cutie has helped me through my parents divorce, through all the struggles of school, and everyday life. She's always there for me. She has been with me for seven years, and our bond is like no other. As I'm typing, she is snuggled up in a blanket on my lap, purring. If anyone out there is looking for a companion, don't get those fancy purebreds, save the life of a shelter animal. You won't regret it. These animals are pure angels. Much love. -S.

I recently--about a month ago--adopted a kitty from our local shelter. I had wanted one for a while. It had been 3 years since my last kitty had passed away, and I decided I wanted another again. The vet said he was about 3 years or so, and he's so confident and sweet! He let's me pick him up and kiss his face...he purrs when I do it, too! and he wakes me up for snuggles...he got along with our Corgi almost instantly! I'm so glad I got him...I can't believe such a sweet cat was at the shelter for 2 months!

adopting a pet is probably one of the best ways of keeping the animal population in control. Obviously Spade and neuter is the first choice in controlling the pet population. But adopting a pet is giving a pet a chance to have home.

Also, I forgot to add, my shelter dog is so so smart. I truly believe shelter dogs are little angels from god. Waiting to make a difference in someone's life. For someone to just dump their companion at a shelter to be left in a cold, room with no one just makes me ill. Its hard for me leaving my dog at a friends house if I leave town on a weekend. Couldn't imagine leaving them at a shelter. My doggie, Sophie was sick when we first got her. Kennel cough and a bad cold. Very treatable and cleared up within 2 weeks. The thought she had been suffering with this is even more heart breaking. Please give an innocent animal a second chance. They are truly blessings and can change your life!

I adopted a shelter dog 4 months ago. A dachshund mix. I strongly encourage anyone considering taking in a new pet to check your local animal shelter. Its heartbreaking to see so many dogs, once living in a loving home to be surrendered to basically a jail cell with no companion. My dog, Sophie was surrendered by her former owners. She was a little fearful of my husband at first, but with some work, she now adores him and waits for him to come home from work! She is 2 years old. She was house trained I believe at one point. When we first got her she had a few accidents inside the first few weeks. But with some work, she now can't wait for her walks to do her business. She stays in a crate during the day and I Come home at lunch to her out. She is so grateful and loves to just be in the same room as us, even if it's curled up in her favorite blanket. Shelter pets are do loving a grateful. If you're snobbish about purebreds, a friend of mine got a purebred cocker spaniel. Please please don't go to a breeder. There are also rescue organizations dedicated to a certain breed- like lab rescue or dachshund rescues. I Love my dog and I'm so grateful to have her in my life.

Some of this is not true. I have a shelter dog and he is very loving and caring.:(

I adopted 2 shelter pets,2 years ago one beautiful 18lbs huge cat,and 2 weeks ago a female pitbull,they are my best friend ever,i adore them and they adore me,my hubby help me to take care of both,we take long walks with our 2 dogs,he had a rotweeiler mixed before i married him,so we walk with our four legs friends,my pets are so loving,cute and adorable

Uh, Denise, did you even read the article before getting up in arms?

This is the third time trying to say my piece..Get to into this topic and phone keeps leaving page on it's own after I get pretty far dowm. Saving periodically now and not writing a whole story this time. So near fifty dogs under my belt, personally owned. Three medical issues all together. All were rescues but two. The one purebred had all sorts of genetic problems which is par for the course with purebreds due to inbreeding near relatives. Another purebred died of bone cancer which apparently is common with Rottweilers and the third medical issue was the only mixed breed who had pancreas problems which was common in his dominant breed, which was mostly German Shep. So in short..er shorter then it woulda been earlier I've owned alot of dogs and almost all were healthy and loving and smart as all he*l. Outta the ones bought from breeders half ( one outta two ) where genetically messed up. And the rescued dogs are like 95% healthy and perfect in every way necessary. Btw I work at a doggie daycare surrounded by mostly purebreds from the most expensive breeders around..German shep imported from Germany with guaranteed parts. IE hips guaranteed or they'll pay the surgery or give you a puppy from a future litter.. And that's just one example and that particular dog has pancreas problems and is possibly the dumbest dog I've ever met and the shepherds I used to get from the shelter were hella smart. Also have a family of malamutes that cost ten grand a piece cuz they're " show quality " but they stay outside in their own house away from family..Rather pay fifty bucks or less unless it's a major shelter / rescue where it's still cheaper then purebreds from breeders and you can still get the purebred dogs if you look and wait enough. But why ppl? Who cares if your dog comes with a piece of paper saying the AKC thinks your dog is almost exactly the same as tens of thousands of otherz. I wouldn't trade the mutt and rescued personality for a imbred clone ever. My rescues are smarter and more mentally and physically intact then any of those dumb purebreds. Pitties, Rotties, and Shep mixes forever!!

I have 7 dogs, all of which were resuced from shelters or sides of roads when they were 1 1/2 yrs or older. If anyone says they cannot bond with an older animal, I welcome them to come to my house. My dogs are my children and they are totally bonded to me! I wish everyone would go visit a shelter and see the wonderful dogs that are there waiting for a home before they went to a breeder and paid hundreds of dollars for a "designer dog". If you are planning on paying $500 for a malti-poo or labradoodle you are paying $500 for a MUTT!! You can get a mutt at a shelter for much less and they need a home so much more. I have worked at a shelter and it is not uncommon to see purebreds or those designer mutts come in simply because someone lost their job, or their landlord found out they have a dog. In fact, in my area those are the top 2 reasons animals get surrendered to the shelter, and most of those animals are house trained and already fully vetted. Adopting on of these pets is so much easier than getting a puppy from a breeder that will require vet bills for puppy shots, and lots of accidents in your house while training. I encourage everyone that has not resuced a pet or just doesn't like the idea to speak with someone who has and to meet their rescue pets. More than likely they will meet someone who will tell them that they will never buy a pet again they will only rescue, and they will meet the most amazing animals ever!

I got a 4 month old dog at a LA shelter, he was not sickly just alittle thin. Alittle scared and skittish for about a year he is now 6 and is very healthy. The only anxiety issue was at dog parks he would go to the gate and sit waiting for me if I left him in it, which was a not a big problem for me at all and is very social with strangers and dogs alike, protective but not aggressive at all. Very well behaved inside or outside when left alone at home, no barking or chewing issues. I looked for something young, low key not hyper, that was friendly and not barking alot and it worked out great for me.

Our family was looking for a dog so we checked out all the shelters in our area. One shelter had lab puppies which is what I had wanted to get but our son found a beagle basset mix sitting in the back and asked if we could take a look at her. They brought her into the adoption room and she promptly jumped into my husband's lap, my son's lap and then my daughter's lap. She then came over and sat at my feet and looked up at me with the warmest brown eyes I'd ever seen. I asked the shelter aide if I could just hold the lab puppy before I signed the papers for the beagle basset mix. After I signed the papers (we had to leave her there overnight to be spayed) another shelter worker called me over and told me that I had just saved this dog's life - she was scheduled to be put down the next day. We picked up 'Daisy' the next day. She was immediately at home with our other dog and cat. Daisy turned out to be one of the most unique dogs we'd ever had. She always managed to find food; cereal, bread, bagels, etc., no matter where I put it. But my favorite escapades of hers were when she got into a bottle of cooking oil one day - that was a real mess to clean up. Another day, she got into a large jug of maple syrup. We had syrup everywhere. But you couldn't get mad at her. All she had to do was look at you with those big brown eyes of hers and she'd just melt your heart. Daisy passed away last May in her sleep last May with our two labs sleeping beside her. We were lucky to have her for nine years. Our vet told us that she was nine years old when we got her so she lived to the wonderful age of 18. Up until her last few months, she still loved to chase the bunnies in our yard (she never did catch one though - I don't think she had the heart to harm anything). She's now in our backyard where she can see the bunnies and our labs can visit. Daisy was one of the greatest dogs ever!

I adopted an English Cocker Spaniel 6 years ago. he was 1 year old when my dad bought him for me. He is 8 years old now. He never wrecked our house, or chewed anything up, and he was potty trained when we bought him. I LOVE him with all my heart. We are inseparable. He sleeps next to my bed all night. He Cried in the beginning when I went to school every morning. He takes it better now. He knows what time i get home from school now and he looks through the window and waits till I get home. He doesn't bark, only when the door bell rings or when he hears a really weird sound near the house. He is the BEST dog anybody could ask for and i am so lucky and blessed to have my dog. I honestly could not be any happier. =)

I got my Pitbull at an animal shelter, she's great! I taught her all types of tricks, when I first got her all she could do was sit and beg for food now she can play fetch, laydown, GO outside, she doesn't pull on the leash. She loves attention, new people and is great with kids. I'm so glad we decided to go to the shelter and not to a breeder, she's my new best pal!