Are you ready to adopt a dog, but not sure where to start? If beginning your search online, you may have found PetFinder, which is the largest online pet adoption website serving all of North America. Or perhaps you are planning to visit a local rescue or shelter to find the perfect dog to complete your family.
But do you know the differences between the different adoption organizations? In all, there are approximately 14,000 shelters and rescue groups in the United States. Adoption organizations such as shelters, humane societies, and rescues, however, are not all created equal. It’s important to know your options and what the differences are to make an educated decision on adopting the perfect dog for you and your family.
Humane Societies and Shelters
In the U.S., there are two primary national organizations focused on preventing cruelty to animals, the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) and the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). While local organizations are concerned primarily with sheltering, adoption, and euthanasia of animals, these national organizations coordinate and address broader issues beyond the scope or resources of the smaller, independent groups.
Most recently, the HSUS efforts include helping to remove 4,000 Beagles from a mass breeding facility. In this case, the Animal Rescue Team is working with shelter and rescue partners to find permanent or foster homes for the #4000Beagles.
It’s important to note, however, that each humane society and shelter in every state, county, or city is independent and has its own set of rules and regulations. An animal shelter can be your local pound and be government-owned but not all shelters are funded by tax-payer money. Generally speaking, an animal shelter is a place where animals are surrendered or brought in when their previous owners either cannot take care of them anymore or if they are found on the streets.
Meet the Mutts
In Ohio, this work is being done by Columbus Humane, Northeast Ohio SPCA, Cincinnati Animal CARE Humane Society, SPCA Cincinnati, and the Humane Society of Greater Dayton, just to name a few.
Rescue Organizations + Fostering
An animal rescue is usually a private or nonprofit organization that takes in certain animals (mostly pet animals or companion animals only) from abusive homes, homeless situations or rescued animals from overcrowded shelters. An animal rescue provides the animal a temporary home through a network of animal foster parents who agree to host the animal until it is adopted. This can be for the duration of rehabilitation if the animal has health or behavior problems, or for the duration of treatment if the animal is ill or in need of veterinary help.
An animal rescue can also be focused on one or two types of animals only. Some are breed and age-specific which means, oftentimes, that the people who are fostering the animals really have a passion for the specific type of animal the rescue is focused on. Generally speaking, animal rescues run on pure donation and the goodwill of animal lovers. It is very rare for an animal rescue to receive any help or funding from the government.
Meet the Mutts
In addition to local humane societies and shelters, there are a large number of rescue organizations in Ohio that include Powell Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), Columbus Pet Rescue, FREEdom Tails Ohio Animal Rescue, Big Paws Large Breed Rescue, HART of Cincinnati Animal Rescue, Louie’s Legacy, Beagles R Us, and LUV4K9S Rescue. At Pet Cremation Services, we know this is just a small list of organizations dedicated to rescuing dogs and helping them to find their forever homes. We would love to hear from you about where you found your beloved dog or pet so that we can give them a shoutout!