Introduction

There are various reasons why people choose to adopt dogs. Some do it for companionship, while others for their children. Some may need them for working purposes and therapy, while others may want them for sporting activities.  Whatever the reason, you’re in luck because great, adoptable dogs are all around you.  However, finding the right one can be a daunting task that requires time and effort.  Adopting a dog means adding a new member to your family and you’ll enjoy their company for many years.  So where do you start?  There are four options: the city pound, a “no-kill” shelter, a “kill” shelter, or a rescue.  Each has pros and cons, and they operate uniquely with different rules and quotas.  You should gather as much information as possible to make the best choice.  After all, it’s a big decision, and you want to ensure you’re prepared.   

Overpopulation

Many reasons contribute to the overpopulation of dogs in animal shelters.  According to ASPCA, each year, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter U.S. animal shelters but only 2 million are adopted.  Uncontrolled stray reproduction, lack of spaying and neutering, and poor economic conditions are all leading factors.  City pounds and other privately-run and non-profit shelters and rescues face challenges in providing adequate care for all animals in need. Limited resources such as space and personnel make it difficult for them to accommodate every animal, leading to the need for population control through euthanasia. These challenges persist regardless of the reasons behind the animals’ admission.

City-Managed Municipal Pounds

City pounds, as the name suggests, are run and overseen by city employees and financed through taxpayer funds, although some may accept donations.  Animals that end up in these municipal animal control facilities usually arrive there because they were discovered wandering in their local community, confiscated due to poor treatment, or given up by their owners.  This is where the “Dog Catcher” brings strays and the first place people call if their dog has come up missing. Often, dogs who have escaped their homes and have had their day of freedom and exploration are rounded up and transported to the pound, and fortunately, many of them are eventually reunited with their families.  Dogs not claimed by their owners within a specific time period will be deemed adoptable and may either remain at the facility or be acquired by a rescue that may include a foster program.

City pounds ensure that dogs receive a medical examination, temperament assessment, and updated vaccinations before being available for adoption. Some pounds even take extra measures by microchipping and spaying/neutering dogs. Generally, adoptable dogs are not euthanized if the facility has the space. However, in cases of unmanageable aggression, harm caused to a person, or untreatable medical conditions, euthanizing a dog may be necessary. 

“No-Kill” Shelters

A no-kill shelter is a privately-run organization (many for non-profit) that relies heavily on public donations to operate.  Typically, they do not euthanize healthy or treatable dogs to make space for new arrivals.  Instead, they aim to find permanent homes for the dogs and they may also provide long-term care for dogs that are not adoptable due to health or behavioral issues. Additionally, they may provide medical and behavioral support to increase an animal’s chances of being adopted. They also focus on community education and spaying/neutering programs to reduce the overall number of homeless animals.

The term “no-kill” does not necessarily mean all dogs are immune from being euthanized under any circumstances.  There isn’t a governing body that establishes any framework around how no-kill shelters must operate.  Instead, these shelters have a generally agreed-upon placement rate of about 90%.  It’s essential to note that while the concept of no-kill shelters aims to minimize euthanasia, some shelters might have limited resources or need to make difficult decisions in cases where an animal is suffering significantly or poses a danger to others. These situations can vary depending on the shelter’s policies and the local laws and regulations governing animal welfare.

“Kill” Shelters

Animal shelters known as “kill” shelters, or traditional shelters, are commonly non-profit organizations that depend on public donations for their operations.  Human societies and the ASPCA are good examples of this type of shelter.  Like city pounds, these shelters typically perform temperament assessments as well as medical evaluations to ensure vaccinations are up to date and that no medical condition exists that would render the dog unadoptable. 

In contrast to no-kill shelters, kill shelters euthanize animals at a higher rate, even those that are healthy and adoptable, if they have been at the shelter for an extended period and haven’t been adopted, or if they have medical or behavioral issues that make them difficult to place in a new home.  

Euthanasia at these shelters is often considered a last resort and is typically done to prevent suffering and manage the shelter’s capacity. Unfortunately, many kill shelters face challenges such as limited space, funding, and resources, which can make it difficult for them to care for and rehome every animal that comes through their doors.  Many kill shelters work diligently to promote adoptions, spaying/neutering programs, and community education to reduce euthanasia rates and find homes for as many animals as possible.  Additionally, in an effort to match the animal with the right owner, these organizations typically perform thorough assessments of the animals they take in to gauge temperament and health.

ASPCA Position Statement on Euthanasia

“The ASPCA believes that unwanted pets deserve a dignified, painless death rather than suffer from such cruelties as malnutrition, disease or trauma, outcomes commonly associated with an unwanted and/or uncared-for existence. Similarly, long-term housing of individual dogs and cats in cages without access to exercise or social activities is not an acceptable alternative. Euthanasia must be understood for what it is: a last-step, end-of-the-road option to spare animals further.” hardship and suffering.”

ASPCA

Euthanasia statement from the U.S. Human Society

“We all share the goal of ending euthanasia of adoptable pets and the HSUS works tirelessly to keep families together, reduce the number of pets who are surrendered to shelters, increase spay/neuter access and encourage pet adoption and fostering from shelters and rescue groups. Every pet or domesticated animal—within a shelter or in the community—is deserving of a humane death when they are suffering from untreatable and severe medical or behavioral conditions, and it is vital that euthanasia be performed with the same skill and compassion that we would expect to see if we brought our own suffering animal to a veterinarian for a final act of mercy.”

U.S. Human Society

Rescues

An animal rescue, also known as an animal welfare group, is usually a nonprofit organization dedicated to rescuing and providing care for animals in need. These organizations focus on finding safe and loving homes for abandoned, abused, neglected, or stray animals. Animal rescues often operate independently or in partnership with local shelters, and they are driven by a passion for animal welfare and a commitment to helping animals find a better life.

Animal rescue organizations typically have a no-kill policy, which means they do not euthanize healthy or treatable animals to make space for new arrivals. Instead, they rely on foster homes, adoption events, and community support to care for the animals until they find permanent homes.

Rescue organizations may specialize in rescuing specific types of animals, such as dogs, cats, birds, or exotic animals, or they may focus on rescuing animals from specific situations, like puppy mills, hoarding cases, or natural disasters.

The work of animal rescue organizations is crucial in addressing the pet overpopulation problem, promoting responsible pet ownership, and providing a second chance to animals that have been abandoned or mistreated. Many animal rescues also offer spaying/neutering services, vaccinations, and medical treatment to improve the overall health and well-being of the animals in their care.

Take-Away

It’s commendable that you’re thinking about adopting a dog and looking into your options. This is a responsible choice that could save a life. Whether you decide to adopt from a shelter or a rescue, you’re helping to promote responsible pet ownership. It’s our hope that by raising awareness, we can decrease the number of homeless animals both in our country and globally. Thank you for taking the initial step toward this goal.