...have one? I went to several places in Florida trying to get a dog, and I saw loooots of people being denied for the stupidest reasons, like because they have kids and they didnt know how the dog was behaving with kids. Now, all the dogs in rescue-places are going to die anyways, so why are these people so blind and dont allow families to get a dog easily instead of going through tons of papers, approvals, tests, and tricky questions? Are these places getting money form somewhere only if they have dogs in there so they tend to keep the dogs to be funded instead of giving them to loving families? Thoughts? Is it just florida?

I know what you're saying. The same thing is happening up here in CT.They call your vet to make sure you're a fit parent....and you have to fill out a zillion questions... I mean when you buy a purebreed dog from a breeder or store they don't ask you a single question.I'm sure all this red tape is preventing a lot of perfectly nice dogs to not be adopted. Also they also charge a lot for the pet. I know they have costs but it will cost more to keep them there!!!When you go to the places I feel like they don't want to even open the cage to see if you want the pet. I mean, isn't that why they're there!!I drove a half hour to visit a cat they had for adoption on the internet. I filled out tons of papers before they would even let me look at her.Then they brought me in and when I went to pet her she bit me and scratched at me fiercely.So why was this pet put up for adoption?

The shelter just has the animal's best interest in mind. They don't want the dog going into another bad situation or winding up with a family that doesn't want it, afterall.I know it is probably frustrating for those wanting to adopt....but the truth is NOT EVERY FAMILY SHOULD HAVE A DOG!! Especially dogs with unknown backgrounds.

Unfortunately, it's like that in other states-like where I live which is Connecticut.A few years back I had found a stray kitten in my yard and took her in temporarily(I already had a dog and was pregnant with my 1st child at the time and couldn't keep her). I went throught my phone book, calling every animal rescue non-profit organization, and animal shelter yet no one would take her! All claimed to be "full"!They sure were full-but not of animals!Oh-there was one that was willing to take her in-if I'd give them $150 to have her immunized, de-wormed, tested and spayed! I'm giving her to them -thats their job to pay that and then turn around and charge the adopter that money!They claim to care about animals, etc and yet they have to make things so damn difficult to adopt or even take in a homeless animal!Even breeders grill potential adopters the same way!The only type that will not grill you are pet stores. Thats where I adopted the newest animal member to my family.P.S. I have three children who DO NOT mishandle either of our dogs(1st dog we've now had for 12 years) so in response to the poster who says people with children should not have a dog is preposterous!

All shelters are different. It took me about 5 seconds to get my dog--I just filled out the application and chose my dog--I answered a few questions on the application which were basic questions like do you have a yard and how big is the fence or live in an apartment?However, when I was looking around for the different shelters here in Vegas, some of them wanted to do a "house inspection" before giving someone a dog--so do your research online about the different shelters in your area and what they require from you. Also, when you go online you can look at what dogs they have in there and what type is best for families, kids, no kids etc.I think the shelters really want to give the dogs to the right families and to give the dogs a "forever" home--they dont want the dogs to be returned to the shelter so some of them do ask a lot of questions and go through screening--some dogs are not good with kids, are better with kids, families etc-- a lot of the people who work in the shelters are volunteers and do not get paid--so I don't think the shelters are just trying to keep the dogs for $$ reasons. Like I said, each shelter is different though.

"Rescues" (unlike municipal pounds and shelters) don't kill the dogs in care; they keep the dogs until they are placed. So, no, the dogs are not adopted out to "just anyone" who wants one. Rescues search for the best possible placement for the dogs in their care.Valid rescue organizations are also 501(c)(3) certified by the IRS, so they are NON-PROFIT charitable organziations. Most of them are staffed completely by volunteers who get paid nothing for their time and service. So, no, making money is not an issue.Dogs in rescues are assessed for "adoptability" and are placed only in homes that meet the DOG'S needs and requirements. (The goal of rescues to is to put the dogs into homes that are best suited to them and will keep them for life.)If the dog has not been assessed for its compatibility with children, for example, the rescue may deny a placement in a home with children because there is the possibility that the dog will react badly to the children or the children will injure the dog.We have stringent criteria for our adopters, too. We won't, for example, place a puppy in a home where everyone is gone all day at work -- because puppies need a lot of training and socialization to be good doggie citizens, and will turn out to be fearful or aggressive if they are isolated in a house all by themselves all day.We do what's best for the DOG, even if it means saying "no" to humans on occasion.And, yes, rescues can "fill up" on occasion -- because they DON'T kill the animals (they keep them until they're adopted), and there is only so much room in each facility. When our shelter is full, we put dogs on a "waiting list" until space opens up for them.

No, it's not just Florida it's all over. Some of these "Rescues" are run by collectors and they make it very difficult to adopt a pet. Not all of them are like this they just want to make sure they are going to a good home for life. If Rescues are driving you crazy go to your local shelter or buy a dog from a breeder.

I think it's just in Florida because in Toronto, Canada the humane society gives away free animals in the summer when they have a lot and need to get rid of them and a lot of ppl adopt animals everyday without a having to go through a long process of questions.

No, rescues across the national are this way. This is why: Shelters and rescues are trying REALLY HARD to put themselves out of business. The people who work and volunteer their time at these places really care about the animals, and wish that there wasn't a need for shelters and rescues. (BTW, I have been one of those volunteers.) To that end, they screen applicants and potential adopters very heavily to ensure that the dog is not going to end up back at their shelter, or another rescue or shelter, in six months, a year, two years. They want the dog to go to the best home for that invidual dog and they want the family to have the best dog for that family. That decreases the risk that somewhere down the line, the dog is going to end up back in the same situation again. I know it's hard, and it seems like they don't want you to have the dog. What's really going on is that they're screening out the people who just have a case of the gimmes. Also, some people may be convinced that they want a certain type of dog, let's say, just for example, a husky. A husky is a very very VERY high energy dog that sheds A LOT. They are also notorious for going after cats, they have a very high prey drive. So, let's say the Smith family goes to Happy Endings Dog Shelter and fills out a form to adopt a Husky, because they REALLY REALLY want one. And on their form, the shelter workers note that the Smith family is out of the house on average 8-9 hours a day, one of the kids has allergies, and they have two cats. NOT a good home for a husky, no matter how much someone thinks they want one. These people are going to be turned down for the Husky in favor of someone who can give it more excersize and attention, doesn't mind a ton of dog hair when it sheds, and has no cats, and the Smith family will probably be directed toward a dog more suited to their lifestyle. They work on the premise that with an innocent life on the line that's already been abonded by one family and had a hard life, "You don't always get what you want, you get what you need." And I know, it can be frustrating, and people don't like being told that what they want is not what is good for them or in their long-term best interests. But trust me, these people aren't there just to get their kicks on a power-trip denying people the fun of having a dog just because that's how they have fun. They really aren't. They're trying to make the best decisions for all involved. Please don't give up on adopting a dog. There is a homeless dog out there somewhere that is right for you.

I am active in a rescue group and we currently have a dog that we are fostering. Rescue groups absolutley want to find homes for all of their dogs. We often have a long waiting list for dogs to be able to be accepted into rescue. The need is greater than the resources.That being said, the majority of the dogs are given up for reasons that are not their fault, many have been abused. When they come into foster care it can literally take months before they have been resocialized and are trusting enough to give us humans another shot. Making sure that a home understands the breed and is not taking a dog for ulterior motives is done to protect the dog. If they were to be abandoned again, they may not be readoptable.As far as funding- you have to be kidding? Each dog that we place costs the rescue about $300 over the adoption fee. It can be significantly greater than that for dogs with serious medical problems. Our funding comes from donations and from the wallets of the volunteers. As a foster family we don't get dollar 1 for the care of the dog and we commit to taking care of the dog for the rest of its life if no one adopts it. The rescue covers the medical, we cover the food, shelter, and routine items. Most rescues are volunteer non profit organizations. If you pick up a dog from a shelter or from an owner that just doesn't want it anymore, or spend time rehabilitating a dog that has been abused, you would do everything you could to make sure that the dog never finds itself in that situation again. If that means asking questions and making sure the home is a good one and the match between human and dog is the right one- then so be it

Many dogs have been destroyed because they went to the wrong home. When getting a dog, an understanding of behavior and training is necessary, or at least a willingness to learn. In the wrong hands, a perfectly well behaved dog can turn into a "monster." The people who rescue these animals are only too aware of what can happen, therefore they (myself included) are very particular about where their rescues go. Please, if someone does not allow you to get a certain dog it isn't personal. Most people will help you find a dog that is suitable for your circumstances.

You also have to remember, with breed specific legislation running rampid around the world, rescue shelters have a potential liability lingering over their heads too, fair enough that they screen the family and match it to a dog that suits. Give them a fair go, they are trying to do the right thing by that particuarly animal they are dealing with in that moment, but also protecting the general community and other dog owners, why allow a great big hard to handle dog to an ederly couple that may not be in the position physically to train and control the dog properly.
I pat the shelters on their backs, and applaud them for their screening, think of this perspective
If they were just handing over any dog to any person and if they are not capable of controlling that animal and something bad happens, not only is that the potential end of that animal, but also giving those that support the BSL a free nail in the coffin for that breed.........this screening protects more than just the dog and the potential new family, but the dog community in general.
Oh and you will find that more and more good breeders are now doing the same, i know i got the spanish inquisition before we were given the OK to buy our dog, but we also bought from a breeder that wants to make sure that her dogs go to families that ensure that the pup will grow up to be a good canine citizen.
I believe we need more of this sort of screening and that it should be even harder. If you think about it in the long term future, it could very well help control the number of unwanted and dumped animals. The screening can weed out who is capable of caring for a dog properly and who is not ready for the responsibility.

I myself do not like to see breeders who "just let you buy a puppy with no questions." What does that say about them, and how concerned they are that a defenseless pup has gone to just anyone? Just because someone pays a sum of money for a pure bred does NOT make them a good home!! You would not believe how many PB's end up in shelters, or worse, because the person who had them was uneducated in responsible dog ownership, the breed, or just didnt care. There are not "bad dogs", but, "bad, irresponsible owners" who let the dogs behavior become the way it is because they do not take the time to train and socialize it properly.
I can assure you rescues are not in it for money, and they do not "kill" their dogs. While I agree that I have seen some cases where I think a person was denied and possibly could of been a good match, there are MANY shelters who let you fill out an app., call a landlord to verify pets are ok and then an animal goes to people that they have no other info about. It should not be "easy" to get a dog, and if it was, I would be very leary about the place or person you are getting it from.