Pet Shelter Myths: Facts About Adopting from a Shelter

Over six million companion animals end up in shelters each year in the U.S., yet some people still choose to purchase a pet from a breeder rather than adopt an animal from a shelter or rescue organization. Why? Part of the reason is the persistence of many myths surrounding shelters. Debunking myths about animal shelters is the first step to encouraging more potential pet parents to consider adopting from a shelter or rescue.

Are animal shelters bad? Not at all; shelters around the country do incredible work. But even to this day, common myths about animal shelters prevent people from adopting one of the many amazing pets in desperate need of homes. Fortunately, the “problems with animal shelters” are nothing more than misconceptions, so there’s no reason not to look for your new best friend at your local shelter or rescue organization today.

What is better: buying pets or adoption?

Adoption has numerous advantages over purchasing a pet from a breeder, especially considering that many people who buy their pets from breeders end up supporting puppy mills, commercial breeding facilities that mass-produce pets, or backyard breeders — both of which rarely treat their animals well.

Your local shelter staff or rescue organization can help you find the right pet for you and your lifestyle. Many adult shelter dogs have become therapy dogs, detection dogs, search and rescue dogs, and even service dogs, proving that you might just find the ultimate sidekick when giving a shelter dog a second chance at life. So, dismiss any of those unpleasant myths about shelter pets you may have heard in the past, including the following:

Myth 1: All shelter animals are unhealthy or have behavior problems.

Perhaps one of the biggest pieces of adoption misinformation is the idea that animals did something wrong to end up in a shelter. In reality, animals end up in shelters for a variety of reasons, not just because of behavioral issues or illness. Pet parents may have had to surrender their animals to the shelter because they moved and couldn’t take their pet with them, lacked the financial resources to care for a pet, or developed animal allergies.

Part of the work of a shelter or rescue is to provide ill animals with the medical care they need to become healthy again. If a dog or cat is available for adoption, they likely have a clean bill of health. Shelters also spend time socializing pets with humans and other animals, which helps to increase their chances of being adopted and enjoying a smoother transition to their new homes.

Myth 2: Shelters only have older animals and not puppies or kittens.

Because there are multiple reasons why animals end up in shelters, there are also dogs and cats of various ages. Shelters tend to have a wide variety of animals of different breeds, ages, and sizes — and, yes, that includes puppies and kittens. Litters often end up surrendered to shelters because their mother’s human family couldn’t take care of them.

It’s also worth noting that age doesn’t make a difference in whether a shelter animal can bond with a new human family, and adult dogs can be just as loving companions as those raised from puppies.

Myth 3: All shelter animals are traumatized and not capable of forming bonds with new human parents.

Every animal is different. Some may come from challenging backgrounds where they experienced abuse or neglect, but that doesn’t mean they are incapable of learning to show affection and trust again. Oftentimes, a dog or cat who had a difficult experience in the past just needs a loving home to open up and feel comfortable.

Myth 4: Adopting a pet from a shelter is more expensive than buying one from a breeder.

Most shelters and rescue organizations charge adoption fees that range anywhere from $50 to $500. These fees go right back into the shelter, funding the important work of caring for animals in need, so you know that your money will go to a great cause. In many cases, the adoption fee also covers up-to-date vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and sometimes even microchipping of your new pet, making it a great cost savings overall.

On the other hand, breeders often charge several thousand dollars for a single animal and don’t provide any additional services as a shelter does.

Myth 5: Shelter pets are risky to adopt.

Every human has a story, and animals are no different. A shelter dog may be more hesitant to warm up to their adopters than a puppy and will likely require time and patience as they adjust to their new home. But if you and your new pet are a good match, their history won’t be an issue. By providing an animal with a loving home, you can develop a lasting bond and enjoy companionship for the rest of their life, regardless of what they experienced before meeting you.

Myth 6: Shelters don’t provide any information or support after adoption.

Most shelters and rescue organizations are happy to answer questions, even after the adoption is complete. Some organizations even offer free training and behavioral support to help you and your pet settle into your new life together. Shelters can also recommend local veterinarians and provide you with other resources to help you give your new pet the best possible life.

Myth 6: The shelter adoption process is too complicated and time-consuming.

Shelters may not have many restrictions on adoption because they want to clear space to help more animals as quickly as possible. However, rescue organizations may have a stricter process that includes a home visit. Both types of facilities likely have a thorough adoption application that asks for references, information about your home and lifestyle, and the contact number for your current veterinarian, if you have one. The organization’s pet adoption requirements are in place to protect the animal and make sure they end up in the right home.

What are the benefits of adopting a pet from a shelter?

The benefits of adopting a pet from your local shelter or rescue organization far outweigh those of purchasing a pet from a breeder — and we’re not even talking about the cost difference. Below are just a few advantages to adopting compared to buying a pet:

• You are saving a life. In many cases, adopting an animal from a shelter saves that dog or cat from euthanasia and frees up space so the organization can help more animals.

• You’re getting a great pet. With love and patience, any animal can be an amazing pet and companion.

• You are helping the community. Local shelters do important work helping out animals in need in your area. When you choose to adopt rather than buy a pet, you contribute to that work by providing a loving home to a pet and helping to fund the shelter’s mission.

• You’re getting a unique pet. Shelter pets often aren’t purebred but instead unique mixes with the characteristics of multiple breeds. This makes a rescue pet one of a kind.

• You can find a pet that is a good fit for your lifestyle. Shelter staff know their animals and can help you find the right pet for you. For example, they know which pets get along well with kids and other dogs and/or cats and which need to be the only pet in the home.

• You can make a difference in the life of an animal. Giving a dog or cat in need a loving and comfortable home can have a transformative impact on that animal.

Are there any pros to buying from a breeder?

No. If you have your heart set on a specific breed or breed mix (such as a Goldendoodle), there are many breed-specific rescue organizations that can help you adopt the exact breed you want. Many shelters also report that around a quarter of their dogs are purebred, and rescues can often connect with other organizations to find a particular animal in another city or region and have them transported to you. Also, while a breeder has knowledge of an animal’s bloodlines, this information can’t predict an individual animal’s personality or behavior.

Commonly asked questions

Are all shelter animals unhealthy?

Not all shelter animals are unhealthy or have behavior problems — animals end up in shelters for a variety of reasons, not just because of behavioral issues or illness.

Do shelter animals have unknown histories?

A shelter pet may require time and patience to adjust to their new home, but if you and your new pet are a good match, their history won’t be an issue.

Can I return an adopted pet if it doesn’t work out?

If you regret adopting your pet, rest assured, many shelters and rescues have policies for returning animals and generally prefer that you return the animal to their care instead of rehoming them yourself.

References

Why People Are Still Buying Dogs instead of Adopting One

Myths About Shelters

10 Biggest Myths About Adopting a Dog From a Shelter or Rescue

7 Myths About Shelter Pets

EVR Animal Shelter Myths Debunked