Often, adopting a dog from a shelter is the best choice for both pets and potential pet owners. But when it comes time to adopt a dog from a shelter, those interested in adoption face a choice whether to adopt from a kill shelter or a no-kill shelter. Atlanta residents that are interested in adopting a pet from the Atlanta Humane Society may be wondering whether it is a kill shelter or a no-kill shelter. Continue reading as the Atlanta dog sitting company Critter Sitters explains whether the Atlanta Humane Society is a kill shelter or no-kill shelter and what you can do to adopt a pet today.
The Atlanta Humane Society is a No-Kill Shelter
The Atlanta Humane Society prides itself on being a no-kill shelter. For years they have worked to save the lives of animals in the Atlanta area and currently boast a live release of 99.7%. Euthanasia is treated as a last resort and is used only when an animal has serious medical or behavioral issues that cannot be treated or rehabilitated.
Being a no-kill shelter requires the help of the entire community. To maintain its status as a no-kill shelter, the Atlanta Humane Society is committed to giving its resources to spay and neuter programs that prevent puppies and kittens from entering shelters in the first place, active transport programs that bring in animals from other shelters, and active foster programs that rehabilitate and treat animals with medical issues.
Why It’s Good to Adopt a Dog From a Shelter in Atlanta
If the idea of kill shelters bothers you, the best thing you can do to keep animals from being killed is to adopt one. Adopting a dog from a shelter is much more beneficial than getting one from a breeder or pet store. When shelters get overpopulated, they sometimes have no option but to euthanize the pets that are the least likely to be adopted. When you adopt a pet from a shelter, you not only give a dog in need a good home but you make more space in the shelter for other dogs that need care. Adopting a dog from a shelter is also preferable to getting one from a breeder because many breeders use cruel and inhumane methods to enhance the desirable traits in certain breeds. When you buy a dog from a breeder, you allow them to continue to mistreat animals.
How to Adopt a Dog From the Atlanta Humane Society
If you or your family would like to adopt a dog from the Atlanta Humane Society, you can do so by following a simple process. First, you’ll have to visit one of the Atlanta Humane Society’s locations to find the animal that’s right for you. Once you’ve chosen one that you connect with, you’ll be interviewed by the staff and asked to complete paperwork, which includes a questionnaire and proof of permission to own a pet from your landlord. The Atlanta Humane Society discourages potential dog owners from hurrying through this process. Adopters must be at least 18 years of age and bring a valid photo I.D. with them at the time of adoption.
Adoption of a dog also requires potential owners to pay a fee. This fee covers the Atlanta Humane Society’s costs of caring for the animals in the shelter and includes PetFirst Pet Insurance, vaccinations and deworming, spay and neutering, an initial exam and health guarantee, a microchip used to identify the dog, a collar and identification tag, and a 4-lb. bag of dog food. Adoption fees vary for each animal and are based on the needs of the other animals in the Atlanta Humane Society’s care.
What to Look for When Adopting a Dog in Atlanta
Making a dog a part of your family is a big decision. You should take special care to choose a dog that is well-suited to your lifestyle and your family’s needs. When choosing a dog from a shelter, consider the following things.
The Dog’s Age
Senior dogs usually have a more difficult time getting adopted, which means you’ll be giving a home to a dog that has probably spent a lot of time in a shelter. Senior dogs, however, can be temperamental, so keep that in mind if there are small children in your family. You should also note that senior dogs are more likely to be special needs dogs, which can be expensive. Senior dogs are best for families that have older children or that don’t have the time and energy needed to raise a puppy.
The Dog’s Breed
The breed of the dog you adopt will determine how likely they are to match your lifestyle. If your family is active and likes to exercise, a big dog with a lot of energy is best for you, especially if you want to take them to one of Atlanta’s dog parks. If your family enjoys hanging out inside and watching movies together, a smaller dog might be more your pace. The dog’s breed can be an indicator of the amount of medical attention the dog will need at certain points in its life — pugs, for example, are likely to have breathing problems and labradors often have issues with their hips.
Professional Dog Sitting Service Serving Atlanta
If you’d like to adopt a dog or cat, it’s important to know the kill policy of the shelter you’re adopting from. Once you’ve adopted your pet, you might need a trustworthy service to come to your home to take care of your pet when you’re not able to. Know that you can always depend on Critter Sitters, the Atlanta pet sitting company. Get in touch with us today to discuss your pet sitting needs by calling (404) 793-6178.
