I often hear what is the difference between a rescue and a shelter?  What does it mean to be high kill vs. no kill?

A no kill shelter is a facility where dogs are safe from euthanasia.  They will not be euthanised simply because their stay has been too long.  They will remain at the shelter until the right home is found.  Dogs are only euthanised if they are too sick to be treated or to aggressive to be adoptable.

A high kill shelter on the other hand will euthanise based on space.  If a dog has not been adopted or pulled by a rescue after a period of time, they will be euthanised simply because their time is up and the pound needs more space.  The animals in these situations are NOT safe.  Many pounds euthanise every Friday and sadly some still put as many animals together in a room and gas them.  It is a very sad ending for all.

While pounds sound like horrible places, the people there do what they can to get as many animals to safety as possible.  Due to funding and the numbers of animals left, there is only so much they can do.

Rescue groups and no kill shelters are a save haven for dogs.  Shelters often times have a facility and rescue groups operate out of foster homes.  The dogs in these situations are safe from euthanasia.

But where to adopt from: a shelter, rescue, pound?  The answer is simple. Any of them.

Rescue groups and shelters have done temperment tests and have had dogs living in home environments and can tell you many of the ins and outs of each dog.  Pounds often times don't guarantee health or temperment.

But the pound dogs are not safe and rescues are?  Sure while that is true, a dog adopted from a rescue opens up another spot for that rescue to pull another dog to safety.

Check out the various resources about what to look for before adopting a new dog