The Zoomies

When adopting from a rescue, there are certain things that a potential adopter expects from the rescue. They want to know that the dog has been evaluated for any behavioral or health problems, and they expect that the rescue is being honest about the dog’s age, temperament, and any special needs. People adopt from rescues, expecting that the rescue will be supportive and helpful during the adoption process. They expect the rescue to be extremely knowledgeable about their breed (if it is a breed-specific rescue), and generally knowledgeable about various breeds and types (if handling a variety of dogs in their organization). People expect that rescues are doing a good thing for dogs in general, breeds in specific, and are making a difference in the homeless pet population.

These basic expectations are what I use to help define what I believe makes a rescue truly “responsible”. Unfortunately, there are “rescues” whose practices don’t fulfill these expectations and do damage to other rescues or shelter organizations, and to the homeless pet population as a whole, through their poor practices. Hopefully this list will help you determine how to find and define responsible rescues and how to avoid those who are not.

Dog Day at Shea by jrubinic

They take the time to get to know the dogs in their care

One of the reasons why I believe rescues are such a great source when looking to adopt a pet is the fact that they get to know the dogs in their care. They keep them in foster homes, where they interact with other animals and people, and learn their general behaviors. They make sure they don’t have any behavioral or temperament issues that could be a problem. This way, before you bring a dog into your home, you have the opportunity to learn more about them, and know whether or not they would fit into your lifestyle. When looking to adopt, a rescue can give you advice on whether or not what you are looking for in a dog fits the qualities that one of their dogs possesses. You want to be able to trust that the rescue’s analysis of their dogs is as thorough as possible, and that the dog you are getting is what is advertised. Of course, a rescue won’t know exactly how a dog will act in a new home, but they should get at least a general idea of their temperament and behavioral needs. This type of analysis cannot be done in a short period of time, and a responsible rescue should keep a dog in their care for at least two weeks (some believe that at least a month is necessary) to get to know them. Responsible rescues should be looking to make sure their dogs find the best match, so that they can ensure life-long and happy homes. They should also only be adopting out dogs that are sound, and not put them into situations where they won’t work well (such as in a home with small children if they are fearful, or cats if they have a high prey drive). Good matchmaking is an important part of rescuing, and getting to know the pets in their care is a vital part of making this happen.

Vet care/spaying and neutering occur before adoption

Another benefit of adopting from a rescue is being sure that the dogs are healthy, and you can feel confident bringing them into a home with another dog without worrying about transmitting illnesses. Dogs can get sick when living in the kennel environment, and a benefit of going through the rescue system is giving the dogs recovery time away from other dogs. A responsible rescue will have every dog see a vet for a basic analysis and to receive necessary shots. They will make sure every dog is spayed or neutered before leaving their care, and not rely on contracts or promises. This is important in making sure their dogs will not be used for breeding on purpose or by accident, and therefore adding to the dog overpopulation problem. Ask the rescue for the dog’s vet records. Not only will this ensure that they did get a proper veterinary analysis, you will also have record of what shots they need for their next yearly appointment.

Happy Logan

They provide a support system

A responsible rescue will provide a support system for those who adopt a dog from them. An important aspect that makes a rescue so beneficial to animals, and the pet population, is their dedication to making sure any animals that have gone through their system will never be homeless again. To ensure this, they want to make sure the relationship of home and dog is harmonious. If the new owner is frustrated because of behavioral issues, or feels like their relationship isn’t going well, it is important for the rescue to be there to give them advice and connect them with good trainers. A rescue should never make a home feel bad if the situation just isn’t right for the dog, or adopters. They also shouldn’t be quick to giving up on the adoption if what is really needed is time to adjust. This can be a difficult balance to achieve, but experienced rescuers can often feel out the situation to know what will be best. What is most important is that they are there for the new home, to discuss options and give personal and experienced advice. Feel free to ask a rescue what their policies are for new adoptions. Do they always want you to stay in contact? Is there an adoption trial period? What should you do if you need any help with your new dog? A responsible rescue should be happy to answer your questions and reassure you of what their policies are for any situation.

Moksi & Babette Portrait by thatsplenty

They have Breed Knowledge

A breed specific rescue can be a great resource when looking to adopt a purebred dog. Their network of foster homes and volunteers all come together because of a passion for a specific breed of dog, and they have a cumulative knowledge and experience aimed at helping their dogs find appropriate homes. I know that I often look to breed specific rescues for information about the breed’s history, behaviors, and issues, and expect that they can be a helpful resource. It is important for a rescue dedicated to one breed to find homes that are appropriate for them. They should be looking out for more than just the one dog needing a home, but also for the whole breed. They have the responsibility of adopting out dogs that represent the breed well, without temperament or behavioral problems that could damage the breed’s reputation. They should also be sure to find homes that fit the specific needs of those dogs: those who can show off and nurture their best qualities. All-breed rescues should also have a general knowledge of breeds, and know how to find appropriate homes for dogs of that breed or mix. I know that many all-breed rescue volunteers, when taking in a purebred dog that they may not know much about, take the time to do research on their breed for any specific traits that are important in finding them a perfect home. I really admire those who go through the trouble to look out for the best interest of the dog. I think it is a quality of a responsible rescue to do so, for the long-term benefit of the dog, and for the adopters. When looking at a breed-specific rescue’s website (if they have one), see if you can find information about the breed, and what type of home is necessary for adopting those dogs. For an all-breed rescue, look into their descriptions of adoptable dogs, and see if there is any mention of specific traits that dogs of that breed may possess. Of course, not all of this will necessarily be on a website, so speaking with the volunteers or foster homes will give you a better idea of their understanding and knowledge, which hopefully they will be happy to share with you.

They have good relationships with others in their area

Although a lot of drama can occur between rescues, or between rescues and shelters, I feel that a responsible rescue will often have a good reputation within their community. They should be open to networking with other responsible rescues, and have a good relationship with local shelters. I don’t expect everyone to agree with every rescue’s practices, but a responsible rescue should have a positive reputation based on ethical practices and good relationships with past adopters. If you have any question regarding the reputation of a rescue and their practices, ask a local shelter or rescue. You can also ask an online rescue community like UCare Rescue for feedback from the experienced members. You will have to take everything in and make a final decision for yourself, but sometimes speaking with others can help draw attention to things out that you may have not noticed before.

Overall, I believe that a responsible rescue makes a positive impact for individual dogs, specific breeds, and for the dog population in general. They do this through finding the right homes, for the right dogs. They are always looking out for the best interest of the dogs, and for those who adopt them. The amount of time, money, emotion, and effort that is required in accomplishing all this is no easy task, and I greatly admire all that they do. I hope that what they have given can be returned back ten fold, and that their actions can inspire others to do the same.

Thank you so much for reading this article!

If you enjoyed it, please consider a small donation to Caesar’s Toys and Treats Fund. He finds my writing boring, and thinks he should get something in return!

Having been involved in rescue and dog-related message boards for several years, I have heard many complaints about rescues and the way they are run. Although there are many different complaints that people focus on, there are a few that commonly repeat themselves. I believe that if given an explanation from an outside perspective, the problems can be addressed and the rescue’s actions and policies can be better understood. I will focus on those few common complaints, with the hopes that I can shed some light on why the rescues operate as they do, and the reasons behind their choices as an organization.

Rescues are too invasive
“Why do I have to tell them all this information about myself?” “Why do they need to visit my home?” “It’s way less trouble to buy from a breeder!” These are some of the common complaints I have heard from people who don’t want to adopt from a rescue. Some people feel that a rescue is being too invasive by having them fill out an application with questions about their pet care practices, or by requiring a visit to their house. What I would ask of these people is to take a step back and look at it from the rescue’s perspective. Their number one interest is to look out for the dogs that have come through their organization. They feel responsible for these dogs for the rest of their lives, to make sure that their lives are as happy and comfortable as possible. If they let their dogs go to a home, unsure of what their situation will be like, the question of their ultimate fate would weigh heavily on their minds. Because the rescue chose to take in these dogs, and find them the best homes possible, they ultimately feel responsible for whatever situation they end up in after being in their care. When asking for personal information, or checking out your house, they are not judging you as a person, or looking for reasons not to adopt a dog to you. They are hoping that you are as excited about finding a dog, as they are about finding a home for their dogs. They hope the information you give them shows how ready you are for a new dog, and that your home will fit that dog perfectly. They are looking to create a life long relationship between you and your new dog, and do so by getting to know you better through home visits and an application.

As for the complaint saying it is easier to buy from a breeder… a responsible breeder will make potential buyers go through a similar, if not more stringent, process, as they are just as interested in finding perfect lifelong homes for their pets. Irresponsible breeders, or pet stores (puppy mill buyers), may let you take home a dog with no questions asked, because they ultimately don’t care about the fate of their dogs. It is an ethical choice you have to make for yourself. Do you support someone who doesn’t care about their dogs? One who will keep breeding if people keep buying, sending more puppies into the world with no care of what happens to them? Or do you support people who will support you and your new dog, who care about their fate and making sure their lives (and your life with your dog) will be harmonious? In my opinion, it is worth the time and effort to go through the rescue adoption process, as I would feel better supporting an organization that makes an overall positive impact.

Rescues are too picky and their policies are too strict
I have heard some people state that rescues are too picky with the homes they choose to adopt dogs out to. Some state that if they were less stringent, their dogs could get adopted out faster, or that they are causing potential adopters to buy from irresponsible breeders because of their strict policies. Although I personally believe that having unwavering policies can be too restricting (there should always be exceptions to the rules), I respect that certain organizations do not feel that it is worth the risk to do so. Organizations create their policies based on what they feel will limit the possibilities of their dogs being placed in a bad situation. Such rules are often “must have fence” or “only children over 10” or “must be over 21”. These rules are not made to insinuate that if you don’t fit those policies, you are automatically a bad dog owner, rather that in their experience, they believe it is preferable for their dogs to go into homes that fulfill those requirements. Their organization feels that if they stand by those policies, the number of returned dogs, or dogs put in wrong situations will be limited. Often these can relate to individual dogs as well, where one could work as an apartment dog, another could not. The rescue knows their dogs well, and wants to match the potential adopter up with a dog that will fit best in their particular situations.

As far as the comment that strict rescue policies turn people away to buying from breeders and limit the amount of homes they can find, I again want to mention that a responsible breeder can also be quite stringent in their policies. They are looking for a life long, and harmonious situation for their puppies, and may have certain “rules” they use when finding homes to sell their puppies to. Also, most rescues care more about the quality of homes than quantity of adopted dogs, so being able to adopt out more dogs is not important to them. They would rather have a few dogs in great homes, than many dogs in bad homes, and they believe their policies will help them achieve that goal.

If an adopter is set on the rescue route, but doesn’t fit into a particular rescue’s policies (be sure to ask, most will be willing to make exceptions for great homes!), they should look around at other rescues that are more flexible. Shelters are generally easy to adopt from, requiring very little personal information. Sometimes the rescue’s policies may give you an eye opener. Do you really have the time to adopt a dog? Is an apartment the best place for the dog you are interested in? Are you ready to dedicate 10+ years of your life to looking after a dog? Maybe their policies can help you take a look at your situation and realize it isn’t the right time or place for a dog. If you feel you still want one, then be open to discussing these issues with rescues, or look to adopt from someone who’s policies you agree with.

Rescues cost too much
“Why should I pay that much for a grown dog when I could get a puppy for $10 in the paper?” I have heard some people complain that rescues charge too much for their adoption fees, which normally range from $75-$200. What must be mentioned is that rescues are putting at least that much money into each dog that comes into their organization. If they do not have to put that much money into that particular dog (if it has already been neutered, for example) then the adoption fee will end up going into a reserve, for others whose vet bills run higher. The dogs that require little investment on the rescue’s part are the reason why they are able to help some of the hard luck cases that require expensive surgeries or months of recovery time. It can be easy for a dog coming into rescue to run up $300 or more during a vet visit. Most of the time, however, rescues spend around $100 - $200 per dog on vet bills, food, and basic needs while they are in the care of their foster homes, and their adoption fees are equal to or less than that amount. If you purchase a cheap puppy, or get one for free, most likely you will end having to pay around the same amount for surgeries, shots, and vet evaluations within a short period of time. When adopting a rescue dog, these costs are already included, plus you know they will be up to date on preventative shots and any necessary medication. Make sure you know what has been included in the cost in order to do a proper comparison, if price is a deciding factor.

Overall…
I think the most important thing to think about when looking at problems with rescues, is that they are all individual organizations. Unfortunately, some people, when upset with one rescue, feel that they all should be blamed. They feel that if one rescue operates in a way they disagree with, the others must be the same. In truth, there are thousands of rescue organizations, and each one creates and utilizes their own policies and ideals independently of the others. Most often, they are run by a group of volunteers, who take care of the dogs, handle finances and paperwork, respond to questions and inquiries, get involved in the community, and try to handle all that they can for the organization in their spare time. Aside from our issues with individual people or organizations, we should remember that the most important thing should be the animals involved, the ones who have been let down before and deserve great homes in the future. The politics and egos between people should be let go for the sake of looking out for those who need us to look out for them, from both the rescue’s side, and the new home.

Thank you for reading this article! If you enjoyed it, please consider a small donation to Caesar’s Toys and Treats Fund.