Rescue Homes for Dogs

Dogs run away from home or are abandoned because their owners no longer have the resources to care for the dogs. Some dog owners neglect to spay or neuter their dogs, and, consequently, litters of unwanted puppies are born. Shelters and rescue organizations have sprung up across America to manage and care for stray dogs. These rescue homes give lost and homeless dogs food and medical care until they are adopted or claimed by their owners.

  1. Public Shelters

    • Most cities or counties are required to run shelters to manage lost or homeless dogs. These shelters are supported with taxpayer money and are often overcrowded. Due to limited space and resources, public shelters usually euthanize dogs that have not been adopted after a certain number of days.

    Private Shelters

    • Private shelters are nonprofit organizations dedicated to caring for homeless dogs and placing them in good homes. Many private shelters are contracted out by local governments to manage the community's animal control. A private shelter is more likely to have a "no-kill" policy, which means the shelter will care for adoptable dogs until they find a permanent home. Adoptable dogs have refuge at "no-kill" shelters, but dogs that have severe behavior disorders, serious injuries, chronic illnesses, or advanced age are euthanized there.

    Shelter Services

    • Both private and public shelters provide dogs with health care. Dogs are spayed or neutered, checked for worms and treated for kennel cough before they are put up for adoption. Shelters also promote educational programs that encourage neutering dogs, choosing a dog that's right for your home, and discouraging violence toward dogs.

    Breed Rescue Organizations

    • Almost every breed of dog has a nonprofit organization that rescues abandoned purebred dogs. These organizations rely on foster homes to care for the dogs until permanent homes can be found. If a dog is not adopted, the organization will financially support the dog for the duration of its life in a foster home.

    Foster Homes

    • Shelters, as well as breed rescue organizations, rely on foster homes to increase the quality of life for unwanted dogs. A shelter is a stressful environment for dogs: they are cooped up for long periods of time in a barren environment that offers little stimulation. Dogs in foster homes are less likely to develop behavioral disorders and, therefore, are more likely to be adopted. Instead of euthanasia, overcrowded shelters try to place dogs in foster homes to free up space in kennels.