Tips on animal shelters?

Not related to bikes, but without exception everyone I've met through the Chainlink has been a good, decent person, so thought this would be a good place to ask—anyone have experience with any animal shelters? I'm looking to adopt a dog into a family with one near-six-year-old and one extremely grumpy old cat, so it would be nice to know if any shelters are especially keyed in on matching the right dog to the right family. There's very little chance we would go for anything but a no-kill shelter, but I wouldn't rule out going elsewhere in certain circumstances. Thanks in advance!

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Permalink Reply by Liz W. Durham on August 2, 2010 at 1:07pm
I am not familiar with any no-kill dog shelters (but if you needed a cat shelter I could help). And I did read that you likely are not interested in anything but a no-kill shelter...

That being said, brief plug to consider Animal Control. They are not no-kill BUT they do work with local shelters in an attempt to place animals outside of Animal Control until homes can be found. They work with various shelters in the Chicagoland Area on an ongoing basis, sending animals to shelters whenever possible (and whenever a shelter will take said animal). And if you are looking for a pet that truly needs a home and you are interested in saving a life, a place like Animal Control is the place. They assess the dogs as to goodness of fit with other animals and with people. I will say that their customer service skills were not the best when we went there. The volunteers were wonderful! It was the staff we dealt with during the actual adoption process...not a fast process.
The input and recommendations from the volunteers matched us with a dog that fit our criteria of sociability, gentleness, comfort with cats, young children, etc.
Permalink Reply by Glenn on August 2, 2010 at 1:28pm
My wife, and a good friend of mine, volunteer at PAWS in Tinley Park. They, as well as I, are very concerned about saving animals, but placement has to be a good fit. From what I have been told by them, there is a whole process that one goes through for an adoption. This takes into account everything they know about the perspective dog's nature, and the living situation where they will go. They seem very carfull in their process to help assure a good fit. From what I have heard, with some dogs, a trained person brings the pet to your house for a meeting/trial to make sure everything works. Hope this is of some help.

Glenn
Permalink Reply by Joel on August 2, 2010 at 1:34pm
I don't have any direct experience with PAWS, but I've heard good things. I briefly dated someone that worked for ASPCA, and being a bit nutty about animals, she was a big fan of PAWS.
Permalink Reply by Amy on August 2, 2010 at 1:38pm
I got my wonderful dog at Anti-Cruelty on Grand. Very well matched, screened for temperament (both of us!). And, there's an onsite vet, so she came to me happy and healthy. I've heard probs with PAWS in that regard.

Also, I figure dogs at no-kill shelters are "safe," whereas the ones at Animal Care & Control and at other shelters are not. So if I can get one out of there, I will.

You might also consider breed rescues - most rescues match their dogs/families very carefully.

Overall, do your research. Know what you're getting into - it's a BIG commitment.
Permalink Reply by Liz W. Durham on August 2, 2010 at 1:39pm
Yes, PAWS is great.
They are one of the shelters that Animal Control works with consistently.
Animal Control also requires an interview, household members to be present, and veterinarian information.

Adriana said:
I took this off their website; it's a great mission...

PAWS Chicago (Pets Are Worth Saving) is the city’s largest No Kill humane organization. Through a solution-based approach to animal welfare, PAWS Chicago has placed Chicago on track to become a No Kill city where pets are no longer destroyed because they are homeless.

Liz W. Durham said:
I am not familiar with any no-kill dog shelters (but if you needed a cat shelter I could help). And I did read that you likely are not interested in anything but a no-kill shelter...
That being said, brief plug to consider Animal Control. They are not no-kill BUT they do work with local shelters in an attempt to place animals outside of Animal Control until homes can be found. They work with various shelters in the Chicagoland Area on an ongoing basis, sending animals to shelters whenever possible (and whenever a shelter will take said animal). And if you are looking for a pet that truly needs a home and you are interested in saving a life, a place like Animal Control is the place. They assess the dogs as to goodness of fit with other animals and with people. I will say that their customer service skills were not the best when we went there. The volunteers were wonderful! It was the staff we dealt with during the actual adoption process...not a fast process. The input and recommendations from the volunteers matched us with a dog that fit our criteria of sociability, gentleness, comfort with cats, young children, etc.
Permalink Reply by Bryan D on August 2, 2010 at 4:19pm
Helping Paws (not related to the PAWS in Chicago) is an AMAZING shelter out in the near NW suburbs.

http://www.helpingpaws.net/

My mother works there, my sister does too right now. I used to volunteer there in high school. Both my cats are from there, as are my parent's two chihuahuas and several other family and friends' pets.

They are no kill, cheap adoption, and you can be sure that every animal there has had proper veterinary care.
Permalink Reply by oncewasenough on August 2, 2010 at 5:36pm
I walk dogs at Chicago Canine Rescue on Belmont sometimes. They are a no-kill shelter and they even take in injured dogs and get them fixed up and ready for adoption. You can learn more about them and see some of the pets that they have available at www.chicagocaninerescue.org
Permalink Reply by Jack on August 3, 2010 at 3:09am
Arf House on Grand is wonderful to work with. I adopted my little Maggie there last August. They do partnership events with PAWS and have discounted services through anti-cruelty. Its worth checking out and its a no kill shelter. Maggie was one of 9 puppies and her mom that were taken in from Terra Haute, IN.
Permalink Reply by A.K.A Paul on August 3, 2010 at 3:07pm
I fostered dogs for a few years with New Leash on Life and I volunteered at the Anticruelty Society for years. Nothing against PAWS but it seems like they get a huge amount of money donated to them every year and the smaller shelters struggle with all volunteer staffs. For that reason I'd get a dog from a smaller shelter to support them so that they can adopt out more dogs.
I'd also recommed a Pitbull as a family dog. The anticruelty has a great reputation for adopting out pits with great temperments and I think pits make one of the best family dogs there are. All of the dogs I fostered are pits.

Click here for the New Leash on Life Website.
Permalink Reply by Amy on August 4, 2010 at 2:36am
I could not agree more with Not Nathan/Paul on PAWS, etc. And, New Leash is excellent.

I am heavily steeped in the dog training world (obedience/Rally) and the dog community here, and very opinionated on this subject!

I adopted a very perky "Senior" from Anti-Cruelty. (They have some of the best trainers/classes in Chicago). Anti-Cruelty is really careful about temperament testing, veterinary care, and matching people with the right animal. Don't be insulted if they spend 2 or more hours with you in a little room interviewing you! They want to be sure you have a plan, know what you're getting into.

Whatever you decide, make sure you enroll in a good obedience/socialization class (not Petco/Petsmart) - that means a group class that trains you to train your dog. Don't discount the time/commitment that takes.
Permalink Reply by Dr. Doom on August 7, 2010 at 3:17am
Thanks for the great advice, all. I ended up going to the Anti-Cruelty Society, who matched us with a ridiculously sweet and energetic fox terrier. It will take some doing to have him and the grumpy cat get along, but it will clearly be doable, and I'd definitely recommend Anti-Cruelty.
Permalink Reply by Amy on August 7, 2010 at 5:28am
Take advantage of the classes Anti-Cruelty offers - you cannot underestimate the importance of socialization/obedience for puppies. Do it ASAP. Don't wait.

The Anti-Cruelty trainers are some of the best regarded in the city. Rates are discounted for Anti-Cruelty adopters, I believe.

Btw, my dog is an Anti-Cruelty alum too!

Dr. Doom said:
Thanks for the great advice, all. I ended up going to the Anti-Cruelty Society, who matched us with a ridiculously sweet and energetic fox terrier. It will take some doing to have him and the grumpy cat get along, but it will clearly be doable, and I'd definitely recommend Anti-Cruelty.

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