Did you know that October is ASPCA “Adopt A Shelter Dog Month” and American Humane's “Adopt-A-Dog Month”? If you have been thinking about adding a new furry family member, there is no better time than now to find your next best friend. Here at Pet Hospitals of Hawaii, we love every dog that comes through our doors, but we have a special place in our hearts for those pups who have found a new home through a rescue or humane society adoption.

If you are one of the many potential dog owners who are thinking about adopting a rescue dog, you probably have a few questions. Whether you have your heart set on a specific breed or you're worried about adopting a dog that might have behavioral issues, the truth is that there are always pets available that just need a little love and research to be a perfect fit for your household.

Finding the Right Breed

One of the most common reasons that new dog owners give for buying a puppy from a breeder instead of adopting is that they are looking for a specific breed. If that sounds like you, you have plenty of options to find the specific breed you are looking for while still adopting a rescue dog. Many families of mixed-breed dogs will proudly tell you that "undetermined" is the best breed out there, but your circumstances might make a specific breed the right option for your household.

An increasing number of breed-specific rescue organizations have sprung up in recent years, and they work closely with shelters, breeders, and breed associations to re-home purebred and mixed-breed dogs. So, for example, if you are committed to getting a miniature poodle, a poodle rescue group can put you in touch with a dedicated group of humans who can help you find the perfect dog.

Addressing Behavioral Issues

Shelter dogs sometimes get a bad rap. If you haven't known a rescue dog before, you might assume they're dogs that were surrendered because of behavior problems or maybe have been abused or in a shelter for so long that they've developed neuroses or aggression. If that is your concern, visiting a shelter may not have done anything to reassure you. Dogs can grow bored and lonely in even the best-run shelter, and seeing a new person come in to visit can make any dog jump and bark in a way that turns off potential adopters.

The truth is that dogs find their way into shelters for a lot of reasons, many of which have nothing to do with their behavior. Even the best-trained dog can find itself in a shelter if its owner dies, moves, or lacks the resources to care for it. Other dogs that may be surrendered for behavioral issues will be much more responsive to appropriate training and better behaved in a new environment.

When dogs find their way into a shelter or rescue, staff members learn everything they can about those dogs' histories and closely observe their behavior inside the shelter. Except for the case of strays, most dogs come with some history, and rescue workers will evaluate each dog carefully. Potential adopters should talk to staff members to learn everything they can about their new dog's background and pay attention to recommendations for what their dog needs in a new home.

Meeting Your Best Friend

When you have decided you are ready to adopt a dog, it is time to carefully research your options. Many adoption organizations offer photos of their dogs online and checking those out ahead of time is important. But, before you go visit a dog in person, you should also do a little research into the organization caring for the dog so that you know what to expect in terms of cost, available information, and types of dogs available.

For many people, community shelters and humane societies can be a great option for finding the right dog. These shelters are frequently affiliated with city or county governments and may be part of the local department of animal control. These shelters will generally be the first stop for strays picked up from the streets or animals taken from abusive homes. Unfortunately, limited government budgets mean that many of these shelters are forced to euthanize dogs that either are not adopted within a specific time frame or are deemed unsuitable for adoption based on temperament or health status. When you adopt a shelter dog, there is a good chance you are truly saving that dog's life. On the other hand, you may not have access to as much information about the dog when adopting from a shelter.

Private rescue groups, like the breed specific rescues discussed above, are the other most common option for adopting a dog. These rescues are typically funded through grants, donations, and adoption fees, which means the adoption costs might be higher than at a shelter. Private rescues also generally do not maintain their own shelters, instead, relying on foster families to care for dogs in their system. That means that if you're interested in meeting a dog from a rescue group, you need to either attend an event hosted by the rescue or contact them via their website or phone number to set up a time to meet a specific dog or dogs they recommend for you.

No matter how your rescue dog comes into your life, your friends at Pet Hospitals of Hawaii are excited to meet your new friend and help you start your lifetime of health and fun together!