Adopting
An
American Pit Bull Terrier

So you are considering adopting an American Pit Bull Terrier? Congratulations! You are about to embark on a journey that can be long and sometimes frustrating, but the end result is so rewarding! You will have the love and loyalty of one of the most amazing breeds and a true friend for life.

Shelter or rescue?

Shelter or Rescue…. How do you choose? There are pros and cons for adopting from each group hopefully this will help explain them and what services they provide.

A shelter can be a Humane Society or an Animal Control facility. Humane Society’s are funded by donations and grants, Animal Control is paid by the county they service. Humane Society’s can pick and choose what animals come in their doors, therefore controlling their euthanasia rate. Animal Control, being county-run, is obligated to accept all strays and because of that shelter space is often limited.

Humane Societies and Animal Control have a large number of animals, but also reach a large public group. Animal turn-over rate is usually high, but because of the larger numbers, many animals with incorrect temperament fall through the cracks. Because of limited resources and high adoption rates, there is less checking into what kind of home the animal will end up in.

Rescues are made up of a group of individuals with similar goals who set forth to aid animals in need. Rescues can obtain their animals from owner surrenders, shelters and animal control, strays and even out of the local paper. They control what animals come to them and they also have more control about where animals go when adopted from them.

Within rescues there are rescues that take all-breed and then rescues that are breed-specific. All breed rescues focus on the animal in need, not the type. Breed-Specific specializes in a specific breed and only takes ones of that breed into their rescue program. The benefit of a breed-specific rescue is that you are more likely to come across “experts” in that particular breed. They usually have been studying, rescuing or owning this breed for a number of years and have plenty of hands-on experience to help you during your adoption.

Another thing to weigh is selection process. In a shelter setting, many people can usually walk in and adopt an animal with few questions asked and no follow up. Some people like this no-muss/no fuss way of adopting. Its less invasive and a faster process. In a rescue you have an application process, checking references, doing a home check and whatever other steps the rescue may require. While some people are annoyed with the time it can take to adopt, others understand and appreciate the time and care that is put into finding their dogs the perfect home.

When it comes down to it, shelter or rescue can be a personal choice. Make sure you do your research and find what is right for your family and you.

All photos and content property of PNWPBR

2008