What To Look for In A Beagle Rescue Center

Why do Beagles need rescuing if they are such a great breed of dog? This is one question that comes into the public’s mind when they first learn about Beagle rescue centers. But Beagles are abandoned just like any other dog, pedigreed or mongrel. Unlike some other breeds of dog, Beagles get along very well together since they were originally bred to hunt in packs. This is one reason why some volunteers transform their homes into Beagle rescue shelters.

Not every place calling itself a Beagle rescue center has animals that can make good pets for you and your family. Since there is no national regulating body of animal shelters (let alone Beagle rescue centers), anybody can set up an animal shelter and run it pretty much how they see fit (under state laws for kennels and animal cruelty). Before you are swayed to give any donations, be sure the prospective Beagle rescue center is a non-profit charity. They should proudly tell you their 501c registration number.

A good Beagle rescue center is NOT a pet store. You don’t phone in an order and have it delivered. It should take weeks for the adoption process to go through to assure that you and your new best friend are compatible. Often, you will have to fill out a large stack of forms and then wait to schedule an appointment with a rescue volunteer. Be prepared to do some traveling to either foster homes of the Beagles or the shelter base itself (which is usually a private home).

Good Beagle rescue centers will drown you with Beagle information. They have taken the time to be sure that all of their dogs for adoption are ready to live in homes. They have often taken care of vet costs and basic training. If they have "special needs dogs" (those who came from abused homes or are handicapped) then they will be up front with you about the dog’s condition.

Although there are far better Beagle rescue shelters than bad, if you see a case of cruelty or a shelter with really unsanitary conditions, report them to the police. You will not need to leave your name. Know that a dog in a kennel or cage without food or water but still looks otherwise happy and healthy is all right. Shelters and rescues sometimes can’t go to the water bowls all of the time, but they will get food and water at least once every 24 hours.

You will probably have to do a lot of traveling, fill out a lot of papers and even get character references before a good Beagle rescue center will let you adopt a dog. Adopting a Beagle should never be an impulse decision – that’s usually how they wound up in a rescue center in the first place. It’s important to read all of the Beagle information you can get your hands on so you know what you are getting in to. As people who have adopted Beagles will tell you, the waiting is worth it.

Michelle Adams loves all dogs and loves to learn everything about them, including the differences between Beagle rescue centers. This author has studied how many animal shelters and homeless people shelters are run, including Beagle rescue centers. Articles such as this are great sources of Beagle information.