"Want to Adopt? Prepare for an Inquisition."

[Fran101]

Originally Posted by AdrianneIsabel

Eh, perfectly good homes regularly return and dump dogs, hence the paranoia.

I just think that it should be about a persons character. I am not saying we should go back to the days of blindly adopting dogs out to ANYONE

I am just saying that interrogation and blanket rules don't do anybody any good.

Saying that ALL people with kids, or ALL people who live in apartments, or ALL people who don't have a fence aren't good enough homes I think is just a **** shame because there are plenty of exceptions if you are just willing to give them a chance.

[Kat09Tails]

My dad was once denied a lab from a shelter because he *might* go hunting with it. I have known other shelters who deny for having kids under 18, have no backyard, have a full time job, or the dog would be left alone for 4 hrs at a time. The horror...

Anyway, shelters can do what they want and people will speak with their pocket book and donations.

[Shai]

I've been on both ends. I was denied a rescue dog because I lived in an apartment. No questions on experience training or how much time I was home or references or what sort of activities I'm involved in...just was told that the dog is high energy and absolutely must have a fenced yard. And this was not an isolated incident...attempted to adopt 3 different dogs and was told the same thing. But ended up with Webby so I guess it works out

On the other hand when we adopted Brie it was very straightforward. I went in and met her and said I wanted to adopt her. They asked about other pets...I said I had three dogs. They asked pertinent questions about how I was going to keep a cat safe in a house with three dogs and for a vet reference, then said if my spouse came in and signed for them that he agreed we were good to go...he's actually the one that wanted a cat so that was no problem and he brought her home with him two days later. Done!

[ravennr]

I dunno, I see people saying "it's just what they have to do, it kind of makes sense" and I just don't agree.

How is it logical to deny a home that is a good fit, just because a different species housed in or near that home is not altered? That makes no sense. It is insulting to the person and very defeating for both parties.
My boyfriend and I are mentally preparing ourselves to adopt if we end up choosing a rescue over a shelter, because of various things that, really, have no impact on the life of a dog on our care, and some that are just a minor inconvenience that I am more than happy to work with (like the fact that we live in an apartment, albeit a large one with plenty of land access). I've never personally had to go through this process, most of my dogs have been rescues that my family has taken in themselves, not through another organization or person. We always took in strays and ferals, both dogs and cats, and some exotics. I know these places don't know that, but even still, if I were told I wasn't a good fit because of some asinine reasoning like having an intact whatever different species, it would truly be a bit of a blow to my pride I have in myself regarding animals.

I'm sorry, I just highly disagree that this is 'the way it has to be'. Some of the stories I've read, and am reading here, are just ridiculous.

[cloudcandy]

This was the reason I was put off applying to adopt.Everywhere I look clearly stated,NO full time job's,NO flat's etc.I just didn't want to have to go through a process where I was going to feel "stupid" for even considering a dog whilst living in a flat.When I went to the breeder(although she was BYB) she asked me alot of question's that I felt were more relevant for example:"How much time do you have to raise pup?How often do you go away/would you change your holiday plans for pup?How many dog's have you previously lived with/been responsible for?How many people do you know who will be able to support pup if you can'tetc...etc..ETC.
I think the best way to go around this would be to have less daunting question's and invite people in for an interview.

[stardogs]

I really wonder if this differs by region. I've yet to run into these nutty rescues, and I volunteer with 2, worked at a shelter that networked with (screened) rescues, etc. I know they exist, so maybe I'm just lucky?!

[yoko]

I got turned down by a rescue because I couldn't tell them the breed of dog Yoshi was and mix or mutt wasn't acceptable to them :/

I figure I'll just always stay with county shelters. They've always worked for me.

[ravennr]

How much different is it when you adopt from a place like animal control shelters (is there a name for them specifically?) versus a regular no-kill humane society?

I remember being little and begging my mom to go to the local animal control kill shelter and I saw people adopt and walk out with dogs the same day. Are they much less strict than even a regular, good no-kill shelter because they have to put down so many and bring in so many?

[Fran101]

Animal control type places are usually pretty old school.

You show ID saying you are over 18. You pay adoption fee. you get the dog.. Usually same day if the dog is already spayed/neutered

[Pops2]

Originally Posted by ravennr

How much different is it when you adopt from a place like animal control shelters (is there a name for them specifically?) versus a regular no-kill humane society?

I remember being little and begging my mom to go to the local animal control kill shelter and I saw people adopt and walk out with dogs the same day. Are they much less strict than even a regular, good no-kill shelter because they have to put down so many and bring in so many?

yep
and i will always go to such places over the typical "rescue". i don't mind a little questioning but the degree of invasiveness i've seen ensures i won't go to most "rescues." IME a lot of the crazy invasive, no flexability "rescues" are really hoarders enabling each other,