Dog adoption
Dog adoption usually refers to the process of taking ownership of—and responsiblity for—a dog that a previous owner has abandoned, discarded, no longer wants, or can no longer keep. Common sources for adoptable dogs are
- Animal shelters, also known as dog pounds
- Rescue organizations
- Dogs found wandering loose that have no identification and remain unclaimed by any owner
- Advertisements placed by individuals who are trying to find a new home for their own dog
- Dogs that have been abused or neglected and have been confiscated from the offending owner
Dogs adopted from shelters are often referred to as shelter dogs or pound puppies; dogs adopted from rescue organizations are often called rescue dogs (not to be confused with quarantine laws in some countries can be traumatic to dogs and owners, so the dogs are often left behind
People deal with their unwanted dogs in many ways. Some people have the dog euthanized (also known as putting them down or putting them to sleep), no matter how young or healthy it is, although most veterinarians do not consider this to be an ethical use of their resources. Other people simply abandon the dog by the side of a road, often in the country, with the expectation that the dog will be able to take care of itself or that a neighbor or passer-by will adopt the dog. More often, these dogs succumb to hunger, weather, traffic, or common and treatable health problems. More responsibly, owners will take the dog to a shelter, or call a rescue organization, where the dog will be cared for properly until a home can be found. Homes cannot always be found, however, and euthanasia is often used for the excess animals to make room for newer dogs.
The central issue facing dog adoption is whether a new owner can provide a safe, secure, permanent home for dogs. Many shelters, pounds, and rescue organizations refuse to supply animals to people whom they judge cannot supply the animal with a suitable home.
A new owner might also face training challenges with a dog who has been neglected or abused.
