Do dog shelters have puppies?
Yes, shelters can have puppies. However, puppies are highly sought after so your local shelter may not have puppies for very long.
There’s a common misconception that dog shelters only have older dogs and do not have puppies.
As a result, many people will skip their local shelter and adopt their new furry friend from a breeder instead.
However, this isn’t always the best decision for either the pup or the shelter.
In this blog post, we’ll explore if dog shelters have puppies and what you can do to help out your local shelter and puppies!
Do Dog Shelters Have Puppies?
It may be surprising to hear, but a dog shelter is a great place to adopt a new puppy!
But where do the puppies come from that end up in animal shelters?
In many cases, puppies end up in shelters because their previous owners were not able to take care of them.
Other times, puppies are born in shelters after their mothers were abandoned or surrendered.
Sometimes, they are there because they have been rescued from puppy mills.
But no matter how they got there, all of the puppies in shelters are waiting for loving homes.
That said, not all dog shelters are full of puppies. In fact, most dog shelters have a wide variety of dogs of all ages, sizes, and breeds.
While it’s true that some dog shelters do have a few puppies, they are usually adopted very quickly.
Read More: Can Shelter Dogs Be Service Dogs? If you’re in need of a service animal and are looking for a shelter puppy, for this reason, read this first!
Benefits of Adopting a Puppy From a Shelter
There are many benefits to adopting, and you may just end up with the perfect pooch for your family.
One of the biggest benefits of adoption is that you are giving a home to a dog in need.
There are millions of animals in shelters across the country, and many of them will never find a forever home.
Not to mention that adoption is often cheaper than buying from a breeder or pet store.
And, when you adopt from a shelter, you have the opportunity to meet and choose the perfect puppy for your family.
In addition, puppies adopted from shelters are typically already spayed or neutered and have received their initial vaccinations.
Perhaps most importantly, adopting a puppy from a shelter helps give that pup a second chance at finding a forever home, and a new lease on life.
Puppies in shelters are there through no fault of their own.
By adopting a puppy from a shelter, you’re not only getting a great new furry friend, but you’re also helping to save a life.
Watch this video on 5 reasons you should adopt over buying a puppy:
Read More: Why Are So Many Chihuahuas in Shelters? In your search, you may notice there are a lot of Chihuahuas to choose from. Here’s why!
How Can I Find a Reputable Dog Shelter?
There are many reputable dog shelters across the country that provide loving homes for abandoned or unwanted dogs.
But how can you be sure you are choosing a reputable shelter?
Read More: How Long Will a Shelter Keep a Dog before it’s put up for adoption? Here’s how long you can expect shelters to keep dogs on average!
do some research
Ask your friends, family, and veterinarians if they know of any good shelters in your area.
Once you have compiled a list of potential shelters, visit their websites and see what kind of information they provide.
A good shelter will have a detailed description of its policies and procedures, as well as an FAQ section that answers common questions about adoption.
Read More: Can I Volunteer to Walk Dogs? If you love dogs and want to help your local shelter, walking shelter dogs is a great way to do that!
Take a look at the shelter’s facilities
Are shelter dogs safe from disease at your local shelter?
A reputable shelter will have clean, spacious kennels for the dogs to live in and plenty of room for them to exercise.
The staff should also be friendly and knowledgeable, and the adopters should be made to feel welcome.
Read More: Are Shelters Bad for Dogs? We cover some downsides to shelters to keep an eye out for.
make sure the shelter does a thorough screening of all potential adopters
A good shelter will require an application form to be completed, as well as a home visit from a staff member to ensure that the home is suitable for a new dog.
They will also ask questions about your lifestyle and whether you have any other pets in the home.
By taking the time to find a reputable shelter, you can be sure that you’re adopting a puppy that’s been taken care of from people who put in the time and work.
Read More: Can You Donate Used Dog Toys? Find out if shelters will take used dog toys and supplies in this guide!
Adopting a Puppy From a Dog Shelter
Adopting a puppy from a dog shelter is a rewarding experience.
It is important to do your research to find the right puppy for your lifestyle and to make sure you’re ready for a puppy.
The first step is to visit your local shelters and meet some of the dogs as it is important to find a puppy that is compatible with your lifestyle and personality.
Some dog shelters do house calls and can bring a puppy to your home for a visit to see if you’re the right fit.
Once you have found the right puppy, fill out an application with the shelter and if everything goes well, you will be able to take your new puppy home!
Be prepared for some potty training accidents (this puppy potty training schedule can help) and lots of cuddles. Puppies are a lot of work but they are also a lot of fun.
With some patience and love, you will have a lifelong friend!
