Types of Animal Shelters: Adopting Your Next Dog

Understanding the different types of animal shelters

At some point in time, you may have visited a shelter to search out a new pet. If you were not familiar with the area in which you were searching, you may have used the phone book or the Internet to find local shelters. Often, there are tons of shelters and animal organizations in one area but each goes by a different name, making it confusing for someone who is new to the pet adoption search. There are different categories of animal shelters, each specializing in its own type of care. Understanding the difference between the shelters can help you figure out where you want to adopt or where you want to volunteer. Here is a basic breakdown of the different types of shelters.

Perhaps the most well-known type of shelter is known as the "dog pound." A dog pound is actually an animal control agency. The agencies are often nonprofit organizations that pay their operation costs through their nominal pet adoption fees. Most communities have their own form of a pound or animal control agency. People can bring in stray animals or call the agency to pick up a stray. If you are familiar with the local dog catcher, then realize that he or she probably works for an animal control agency. The animals stay at the pound until they are adopted or recognized by their owners. Many people choose to adopt from dog pounds because of the nominal fees associated with adoption, along with the idea of "rescuing" an animal. Dog pounds are also favored because of the extra help the agencies often provide. For instance, many offer education classes concerning pet care, obedience and behavior courses, and discounted vaccinations and sterilization procedures.

In general, animal control agencies practice euthanization. An animal may be euthanized if it has been at the shelter for longer than a predetermined period of time. Or, a sick or overly aggressive animal may be euthanized if it is not adoptable.

A rescue organization is often confused with an animal control agency, but the two are very different. Rescue organizations are often tied to breed clubs. Instead of taking on any dog or cat, they seek out certain breeds of animals at other shelters. For instance, a rescue organization may look and adopt only Labrador Retrievers. When the animals are located, they move them to an area where they are in demand. Some rescue organizations have their own shelters, but many rely on the help of volunteers. These volunteers act as foster parents until the animals can be placed with and adopted by a deserving family.

No-kill shelters are growing in popularity. As the name suggests, the shelter will provide lifelong housing for the pets. They allow and encourage adoptions and foster parenting to ease the load of the shelter. It is often hard to get a new animal into a no-kill shelter because of the limited space. However, rescue organizations and volunteers often help ease the capacity of the no-kill shelter.

Open-door shelters are similar to no-kill shelters; if necessary, they will keep the animals for their entire live. Unlike other types of shelters, open-door agencies will not turn pets away. They open their doors to any and all pets, and work closely with the community to get the pets adopted.

Animal sanctuaries are peaceful havens for animals that may not be considered adoptable. Animal sanctuaries provide housing for wild animals, abused animals, sick animals, or animals with behavioral problems. The animals normally stay at the sanctuary for their entire lives.

If you are looking to adopt an animal, then consider your shelter options. Pounds are often the most used, because of their familiarity in the community. If you want a certain breed of animal, then seek out a rescue organization in your area. Do not rule out adopting from a no-kill or open-door shelter. There may not be many around, but they do need help with the animals. You can be rest assured knowing that most shelters do not allow people to adopt animals with behavioral or serious medical problems. So, no matter what shelter you choose to adopt from, you know you will get a fairly healthy pet.

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