5 Things to Know about Animal Rescue Groups

Over the past decade, breed rescue groups have become a major force in dog adoptions. These rescue groups limit their effort to a particular breed of dog including purebreds. This is a help to people who want a certain breed of dog but can't or won't use breeders.

To make the best use of a rescue group, however, there are a few things to keep in mind.

1. Watch out for scams.

Some wholesale breeders and brokers who can't meet federal and state laws advertise themselves as "rescue" organizations. Crooks have even collected money for non-existent rescue groups.

Unlike animal shelters and local humane societies, rescue groups usually do not have storefronts. They are a collection of breeders and breed fanciers who perform their services from their homes.

Ask any rescue group if they are incorporated or registered as a nonprofit group in your state.

The best way to find a rescue group is to go to the American Kennel Club's (AKC) website at www.akc.org and search under the breed you're interested in getting. If no rescue group is listed, contact the national breed club and ask for references.

2. Don't trust everything a shelter tells you.

In some areas, the county or charitable animal shelter feels they're in competition with rescue groups and take pains to color these groups as irresponsible.

Some people who volunteer at shelters are animal rights extremists who despise anyone who breeds dogs to serve as pets. This is a source of tension as many rescue group members are hobby or professional breeders.

Some rescue groups have made this worse by advertising how they "rescue" dogs from the shelter implying they are the guys in the white hats.

A further issue of contention between the groups is the fee charged to obtain a dog. Some rescue groups deliberately undercut the fees the shelter's charge.

Shelters may be limited by law or organization rules to charging a certain amount and can't compete on price with rescue groups.

3. Ask about foster care for the dog you're considering.

Responsible rescue groups place dogs in foster homes to assess the dogs and determine what behavior problems, if any, exist with the dog.

This information is crucial to determining what type of permanent home would be best for the dog. For instance, one without children or one without other pets.

Be leery of a rescue group that is trying to place a dog that it has just obtained without having an interim placement.

4. Expect to be interviewed.

Responsible rescue groups do attempt to match a dog and his personality with an appropriate owner. They can only do this by asking questions including what your experience is with dogs, what you know about the breed and what type of lifestyle you have.

Please do not be offended. I would never accept a dog from a rescue society that did nothing more than ascertain if I could pay the fee they want.

5. Be prepared for anything.

There are no overarching laws, regulations or oversight of rescue groups. Some are run very professionally and some are basket cases. Unlike shelters, they are rarely subject to any state or local inspections.

You may call a rescue group and never get a response. Part of the problem is the rapid turnover of volunteers involved in rescue groups. Realize that you may need to be very, very patient when dealing with a rescue group.

Always ask how the dog came into rescue. Some well-meaning group members "rescue" any dog, especially a neglected looking dog, they find outside without an owner.

The dog may or may not be abandoned but few rescue groups, in my experience, make much of an effort to try to find owners especially if in their opinion the dog does not appear to be well treated.

Find out if they check for microchips or tattoos and if you do get a rescue dog, have your vet check them right away for this as well as diseases.

You may expose yourself to emotional trauma and even liability issues if you wind up with a lost dog whose owner tracks him back to you.

As a final caution, it pays to make two or three visits with the dog you're considering adopting before making the final decision.

Louise Louis is a long-time dog person and operates the ToyBreeds.com website.

---

How to Start a Pet-Sitting Business

Everyday someone asks me, "How do you start a pet-sitting... Read More

First Aid for Parrots

Unfortunately, accidents can - and DO happen, so it's always... Read More

Birdie Body Language

Most parrot people are aware of some of the basic... Read More

Easy Tips for Healthy Pets

Do you want a long and healthy life for your... Read More

Is Dog Dental Care Necessary?

Caring for your dogs teeth is a vital part of... Read More

Safety Tips for Moving With Pets

Which kind is your pet? The pooch who is the... Read More

How to Paint Your Cat

Why paint your cat? After all cats are beautiful creatures... Read More

Dogs & Kids: Happy Together

Dogs and kids, it's a combination that at it's best... Read More

Dog Aggression: How to Recognize & Respond

Many dog owners are bewildered when they hear their dog... Read More

5 Surefire Ways to Show Your Dog You?re The Boss

You Must Be The Alpha DogFirst, let's take a look... Read More

How to Protect Your Dog and Family from Roundworms

Nearly every puppy in the world is born with roundworms.... Read More

How to Teach YOUR Cat to Use a Litter Box - Secrets to Litter Tray Success

Even the most dedicated cat lover has little patience with... Read More

Pet-Rabbit Information ? What Is Domesticated Rabbits? How To Care For Your Pet-Rabbit?

Domesticated rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart... Read More

Wooden Bird Cages

Gone are the days of boring bird cages. Today's bird... Read More

How to Keep Your Cat Free from Diseases with Your Quick Guide to Cat Grooming

Even a cat that compulsively cleans itself can benefit from... Read More

Make Your Home Cat-Safe - How To Keep Your Cat Happy and Healthy

* Lock things up that could cause harm* Keep the... Read More

Does Your Dog Have Allergies?

Many people don't realize that their dogs, just like human... Read More

Westie Merchandise that Benefits your Dog

There are many places to find Westie merchandise, but before... Read More

The Artful Dog Shopper

I am a dog lover by nature. I have just... Read More

Charming Trends in Dog Jewelry

The wearing of charms dates back to 400 or 500... Read More

Stop Cat Scratching Today!

Your new living room furniture is in tatters. Your nerves... Read More

5 Ways to Pamper Your Parrot

We are all busy these days and I know it's... Read More

Filtration Methods For The Discus Tank

Good filtration is the prime priority in the discus tank.... Read More

Kittens Are Just The Cutest Things

Is there anything more cute and cuddly than tiny little... Read More

Flea Control for Pets

Flea control can be a very hard thing to do... Read More

Rabbit As Pet

Rabbits are one of the most popular pets, apart from... Read More

The Geriatric (Older) Dog

Dogs mature and age at much different rates, usually according... Read More

How To Toilet Train Your Cat

Tired of cleaning the cat box? Here are some tips... Read More

A Dog Day Care Business Can Be A Lot of Fun!

If you love dogs and you enjoy making money then... Read More

Dog Worms -- Dont Let Them Get Started

There may be no warning before dog worms strike.It was... Read More

Dog Boutiques ? Perfect Pampering for Your Pooch!

Believe it or not boutiques for dogs are everywhere. Nowadays,... Read More

Improve Your Dogs Health With a Natural Diet

It goes without saying that your dog needs suitable nutrition... Read More

Build A Better Mousetrap, And People Will Buy It

This is an old saying that many of us have... Read More