Where to Adopt

Shelters

• Types of Shelters Kill and No Kill

• Shelters are usually managed and funded by a local municipality.

• Non-Kill Shelters are known for overcrowding

• Kill Shelters hold animals for a limited time frame and if they are not adopted within that window they are euthanized

• Kill Shelters will euthanize animals due to age, behavior, and medical conditions.

• Animals may or may not be fully vetted and may have unknown underlying medical conditions.

• Shelters have fees

Rescues

• Rescues can vary based on breed, species, age, medical conditions, along with many other things.

• Rescues are typically Non-Profit with a 501 c

• Rescues should be inspected, licensed and registered with the USDA.

• Rescues receive animals in a lot of different ways but not limited to from overcrowded shelters, animal hoarding cases, and even owners surrendering.

• Rescues assign animals to fosters homes, so when you adopt, they are able to provide detailed feedback about the animal.

• Rescues make sure that animals are fully vetted and are able to provide details about medical conditions.

• It is in very very rare and extreme situations that a rescue would euthanize an animal in its care.

• Rescues do have an application process that vary based on the rescue.

• Rescues do have fees that cover the cost of the animal's care and can vary

Pet Stores

• Most animals from pet stores come from what is known as mass breeders or aka puppy mills.

• Some pet stores chains do work with local non-profits to help place animals.

• Most animals sold at pet stores (depending on the store) have only had the basic vetting.

• Due to minimal vetting pet store pets come with a warranty if the animal passes away within that period they issue refunds or replacement.

• Some pet store chains do actually require purchasers of animals to be over the age of 18 and provide a photo id.

• Pet stores are knowledgeable in the breed or species but not always the specific animal.

• A fee is required and is usually more costly than a rescue or shelter.

Other....

• Breeders or Private Seller's usually advertise online, or word of mouth.

• Breeders usually have one or both parents on site for potential buyers to meet.

• Breeders typically take deposits upfront prior to the litter being born and the buyer seeing the puppy.

• Breeders often offer a "bill of health" and registration papers with purchase.

• Private Sellers are not always breeders, and don't always have parents on site.

• Some Private Sellers get their animals from shelters and resell them with a markup for profit.

• Private Sellers do not always offer a clean bill of health, nor do they always offer pedigree papers.

• Breeders and Private Sellers tend to be the most expensive option when trying to adopt.