I often hear people asking “How much does it cost to adopt a dog?” and I know they are speaking of the actual cost for the dog. Shelter dogs come from various places such as animals found wandering the streets by Council Animal Control Officers and general public or sometimes people have to surrender dogs because their circumstances have changed and they can no longer keep their dog.

Distrust any dog shelter or rescue group that willingly accepts your money without getting a feel for who you are. The transporters physically transport the dogs to the rescuer group, many times at their own expense. There are some devoted hobby breeders who treat their dogs well though.

Rescue shelters rehome abandoned, abused and unwanted dogs and other animals. Instead, look for a different rescue or go to your local shelter or Humane Society. When a dog has been sent to a rescue shelter, it can be nervous that it will be left again. When you give an abused dog or animal a chance to lead safe, happy lives in a loving home they will reward you with love and is almost as if they know they have been rescued.

Ideally, neglected or abused dogs require adult families where at least one person is home at all times to care and treat the dog inside the home. Volunteers will ascertain how he or she interacts with children, adults, and other pets, and provide this information to prospective adoptive families, allowing them a clear picture of the dog’s state of health and socialization.

Or there is the RSPCA (or SPCA), or your local dog shelters. Dogs found at dog shelters are some of the most loving and grateful to be rescued pals you will ever find. Abandoned and abused dogs are now found in many shelters across the country and are waiting for a new owner to take them home and care for them.