In the United States, almost 40 percent of households are responsible for at least one companion animal. According to a 2007 "Business Week" report, Americans spend over $41 billion a year on their animals, double the amount from a decade ago. Yet, according to the Humane Society of the United States, over 6 million dogs and cats of all ages are surrendered to shelters every year, and almost 4 million are euthanized. But before resorting to euthanasia, animal shelters work to find homes for these animals by providing temporary housing, veterinary care and working with a network of rescue groups.
Instructions
1. Look to local governments. They typically pay for maintenance of animal shelters. These facilities are usually the first stop for stray and surrendered dogs. If you are searching for a companion, animal shelters often have many adoptable dogs. Locate your nearest shelter by searching in a phone book under "animal shelters," "animal control," or "animal care and control." You can also search online by going to a directory.
2. Turn to organizations designed to help place pets. Check out the website www.animalshelter.org. This organization maintains an extensive database of shelters listed by U.S. cities and zip codes.
3. Ask your local shelter for references to nearby dog rescue organizations if it does not have an adoptable dog that matches your requirements. Many privately funded animal rescue groups work in partnership with public shelters to provide the same services, but they typically house dogs in private foster homes with trained volunteers who can help rehabilitate the dog and facilitate the adoption process. Many of these groups are also specifically geared toward certain breeds of dogs.
4. Turn to the local vet. If the local shelter does not have contacts with private dog rescue groups, the Humane Society of the United States also recommends "contacting a veterinarian in your area. They may have a better idea of what resources are available to you." Veterinarians often provide discounted services to rescue organizations and may have contacts with these private sources of assistance.
5. Look to resources outside of your immediate locale. If you feel that your geographic region lacks responsible places to surrender or adopt a dog, try to find rescue groups and shelters outside of your area. Search pet adoption directories such as www.petfinder.org or www.petharbor.com. These websites maintain listings of adoptable animals in the care of individuals, public and private shelters.
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