Dog Adoption
Dog Bite LawDog adoption is one of the most common ways that people can welcome a dog into their homes. In fact, many locations even have free dog adoptions from dog adoption centers, though many people still continue to breed or buy. While some people desire to own a purebred dog complete with papers that detail their family history through established breeding circles, dogs from pet stores or "puppy mills" have been statistically shown to be more likely to attack people or other animals than dogs from shelters or dog adoption centers.
Millions of dogs end up in shelters or rescue homes for a variety of reasons, and some of the most common of these include:
- Lost Dogs: hundreds of lost or stray dogs are picked up by animal control officers each day, and many end up in pounds when their owners can't be located
- Breeders: Breeders often overestimate the number dogs they will produce, and many unwanted or excess dogs end up at shelters or the pound
- Sudden change in situation: The death or sudden onset of health problems of the owner, a change in finances or living situation, and moving to another location that prevents owners from taking their dogs with them can all lead to dog shelters
- Second thoughts: Dogs bought as impulse purchases or gifts often end up in pounds and shelters when their owners discover that they are more work than anticipated
Dog adoption centers offer a place where these unwanted pets can be adopted by people who can give them the love and attention they need and deserve. Unfortunately, due to severe overpopulation, many pounds and other care facilities lack the resources to care for these animals, and thus must periodically euthanize them. By matching a dog with a loving family, dog adoption provides priceless benefits to both the animals and the new owners.
