Dog Rescue Information & Shelters

What to Look for in a Rescue/Shelter

The majority of rescue organizations and shelters found in Canada are reputable and well run. However, it is important to do some research to ensure that the organization you are considering is credible. The following are just some of the things that a good organization does:

• The responsible rescue places the welfare and happiness of the animal first.
• As a first step in the adoption process, an application form should be completed. The rescue/shelter then performs careful screening of potential adopters and verifies references — the goal being to match up the right pet with the right home.
• All pets should be spayed/neutered prior to being placed and, if for any reason (ie., too young or some medical reason) spaying/neutering is not done prior to placement, this is included as a requirement within the adoption contract.
• All animals ready for adoption should have been examined by a veterinarian and be up to date on vaccines.
• All animals ready for adoption should have been temperament tested.
• The rescue/shelter should provide full disclosure about the dog, including any medical and/or behavioural problems.
• Depending on the pet to be adopted, the rescue may require that adopters participate in training classes.
• The rescue/shelter should offer ongoing support to adopters.
• A written adoption contract should be provided and should include all requirements/expectations including a clause stating that the pet must be returned to the rescue if the adopter decides to relinquish the pet.
• Rescue organizations should be able to provide references from shelters in their area and in general should be working with those shelters.
• A reputable rescue operates as a not-for-profit entity and/or registered charity.

Articles of Interest:

• Tips for the First 30 Days of Dog Adoption

  — “The first few days in your home are special and critical for a pet. Your new dog will be confused about where he is and what to expect from you. Setting up some clear structure with your family for your dog will be paramount in making as smooth a transition as possible.” — Continue Reading
   

• How you Can Help with Pet Homelessness

   

• How Could You?

  — A poem written by Jim Willis.
  Warning: This poem is extremely sad and will surely bring tears to your eyes, but if you are considering adding a pet to your family, it will remind you how important a decision that is, that they deserve no less than a permanent and loving home, and that they do indeed become a member of the family.
   

• Adopting from a Shelter or Rescue Organization

  — There are thousands of dogs waiting to be adopted in animal shelters across the country. They come in all shapes and sizes, purebred and mixed-breed, young puppies and senior dogs, high-energy and laid back pooches. They all have one thing in common: they want and desperately need a second chance, a new and loving family to take them in and give them a place they can truly call “home”.
   

• Top 10 Reasons To Adopt A Rescue

  — by Mary and Doug Clark, Labrador Retriever Rescue, Inc.
   

• Save a life during National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

   

• What is a Puppy Mill?

  — According to the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Ontario SPCA), the term “puppy mill” describes a breeding operation in which dogs are repeatedly bred for financial gain and are kept in substandard conditions. Puppy mill dogs are often confined to small cages for their entire lives and commonly suffer from various infections and parasites. A puppy mill cannot meet the needs of a dog and is a form of cruelty…Click Here to Read More from www.nopuppymillscanada.ca
   

• The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies

  defines a Puppy Mill as “a high-volume, sub-standard dog breeding operation, which sells purebred or mixed breed dogs, to unsuspecting buyers. Some of the characteristics common to puppy mills are:
  – Sub-standard health and/or environment issues;
  – Sub-standard animal care, treatment and/or socialization;
  – Sub standard breeding practices which lead to genetic defects or hereditary disorders;
  – Erroneous or falsified certificates of registration, pedigree, and/or genetic background.
  Note: These conditions may also exist in small volume or single-breed establishments.”
  For more information, visit www.cfhs.ca