How to Find Alternatives to Leaving Dogs at Shelters

The philosopher Immanuel Kant said how well we treat our pets is a clue to how well we treat other people. People leave unwanted dogs at shelters because they don't see alternatives. Sadly, animals left with shelters become less adoptable because of crowded conditions, and they often end up being euthanized.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Recognize your alternatives. Many people abandon dogs because they're moving, or family circumstances change. Once the initial panic passes, you may find ways you can accommodate your dog.

2. Try to fix the problem at home. Most dogs are abandoned because of poor house training, barking or aggressive play. Look for books and websites on dog behavior.

3. Discuss your dog's needs with your veterinarian. Quite often dogs misbehave to tell you there's a problem.

4. Try to find a home with friends, relatives, co-workers or others who are close to you. Make sure your dog gets along with the new family and that they can take care of him. Make sure the new house has room for the dog to play. Far too often, adopting families send the dog to a shelter anyway.

5. Look for a rescue group. Your pet is more likely to get individual attention and less likely to get sick. Many groups cater to specific breeds. Ask your veterinarian for references, or search on the Internet for animal rescue groups by breed and city.

6. Look for a no-kill shelter. Make sure shelter representatives spell out their no-kill policy before surrendering your dog. Some shelters define "no kill" so narrowly they can euthanize very young puppies and elderly dogs. Others will ship dogs they can't adopt to shelters without no-kill policies.

Tips & Warnings

• Start training your dog as soon as possible, before bad behaviors become habitual. Dogs are pack animals and training establishes you as the pack leader. Puppies don't train themselves, but if you don't train them they train you.