TMI Weekly
City Animal Shelters: What you should know about adopting a pet from the pound
Yesterday, the TMI girls discussed the advantages of adopting a pet from the pound rather than buying from a puppy mill-stocked pet store. A TMI viewer (and animal shelter volunteer) explained how city animal shelters work versus online or alternate pet adoption networks. Here's her insider knowledge:
Hi. I volunteer at the ACC on 110th street...
At base:
This is a city run shelter with three locations, and it is required to take in all pets from nyc residents, no questions asked. This is also where any animal rescued from an abusive situation, or found as a stray, is brought.
How it works:
Animals are then evaluated, and if deemed suitable, are put into adoptions. ...It often takes a while for the [adoption] groups to get these dogs, and animals tend to loose weight, become overly stressed and depressed, or become severely ill when in the shelter for too long.
There is a dedicated staff as well as many volunteers such as myself who walk and socialize these dogs, but most of their time is spent in the cages. However, these animals (mostly mutts, many with pit bull mixed in) are the sweetest, most affectionate, and friendliest dogs I have ever met.
Why you should take part:
My parents actually adopted a dog directly from a shelter and she was completely house trained and knew every command in the book. She is also the sweetest, most lovable dog ever!! Please keep in mind, rescue groups do not euthenize animals. That is why they are so "picky", they already have the dogs in foster care or at a rescue facility. City run shelters, such as the ACC, are where unadopted animals are euthenized. Of course adopting any animal is a wonderful thing to do, whether it be from a rescue group or a shelter. However, please keep in mind the animals who are at risk for being "put down" in our city shelters when reseraching a dog. Thanks!!
Thoughts? Experiences? Leave a comment below and send your own insider DL to omg@tmiweekly.com
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