Adopting a New Pet
There are many more resources for the prospective pet owners who want to adopt these days more than ever before. Thanks to the Internet and rising public concern about animal welfare there are many, many shelters and private rescue groups that can assist you in finding the best fit for your family. From horses to rats and everything in between a simple Google search is a good place to start.
The resource lists we have put together on this site may not be totally current. If you find an update that needs to be made please let us know.
Surrendering Your Pet
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to give up your pet, do your best to make the decision early enough to give you time to find a good placement. Most animal control facilities are full at all times, and owner surrender animals are usually put to sleep first when strays come in.
The number one reason pets are turned into shelters is behavioral problems. 95% of the time these behavior problems are due to owners not properly socializing and training their pet. Dogs in particular do not train themselves. They look to their human family for guidance and boundaries that are reinforced with positive and consistent methods.
If you have a purebred pet your best bet is to contact purebred rescues early on. Even if they do not have room they have a corner on that purebred audience and will usually courtesy list your pet.