Oct 11
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What kind of dogs do they have for adoption at animal shelters?

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I want to adopt a puppy for my 4 year old son. But with all the animals that end up in animal shelters, I would like to adopt one there as opposed to buying one from a pet shop.

I worry that at an animal shelter, there will be no puppies for adoption. And I want a puppy so my son and the puppy have a better chance of bonding.

Here are my questions:
1) Do animal shelters have puppies for adoption or just older dogs?
2) Does the age of the dog even make a difference in whether or not the dog and my son will bond?

Thanks!

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Posted in FAQ by Allan 18 Comments

18 Responses to "What kind of dogs do they have for adoption at animal shelters?"

  • sez says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    they should have puppies and older dogs the animal homes near us have puppies and older dogs they have pure breeds and mixed dogs in there good luck in finding the right dog for you and your son

  • hill bill y says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    they have all kinds and ages of dogs

  • Bon Bon says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    Animal shelters have everything which includes puppies and adult dogs from just born to senior ages.

    Age is *NOT* a factor that decides if a dog will bond or not. It's a myth that somehow dogs older than puppies won't bond. I've never seen this! In fact, an attention starved adult dog is probably going to become like a velcro dog. The advantages of an adult dog (in my opinion), outweigh getting a puppy. Why? Well, you are going to know the temperament – it will likely have been temperment tested at the shelter. You can see what size it will be. You'll know more about the general health that can be expected.

    With puppies, you have your hands full. You have to be careful about socializing it. You have be careful about feeding. You really don't know what it's going to be like once it's an adult dog. Temperaments can change once a puppy grows up. Puppies take a lot more work than an adult dog…and adult dogs can be trained a bit quicker (just my experience – probably because they have longer attention spans).

    You really just have to interact with dogs wherever you are looking in order to see what seems most suitable.

    Since you want a dog that is geared to having a temperament that is reliably tolerant of children, it would be in your best interest to contact a local animal shelter and they will probably have people that will be more than helpful in setting you on the right path to getting a suitable dog that might fit your situation.

    Of course, I would have to ask – Do you want the dog for your son (a 4 year old doesnt know the difference between a plush puppy and an actual dog), or yourself?
    Dogs and children just don't always mix as people fantasize they are supposed to. I have dogs and a nephew and niece. My dogs love to play with them but it's not long before the dogs are trying their best to get away from them.

    I, myself, had dogs when I was 4 yrs old but these dogs were my parents dogs, not myne.

    More so, I've recognized over time, that dogs rarely ever respect kids under the age of 8. Kids have high pitched voices and they're tiny. Dogs have no reason to look at kids as effective leaders. Dogs bond best with whomever feeds them – that would be you. But, still dogs will play with kids and clearly dogs do well with families but one should not get a dog as entertainment for a child.

    Don't add a dog to your family unless the dog is going to really be thought of as family. Dogs do not make adequate toys for kids -that's how good dogs end up back in shelters – at no fault of their own.

  • sniffydogs says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    Bless your heart for considering adoption!

    Animal Shelters have ALL types of dogs and ages. 25% are purebreds.

    I would not go with a puppy for your 4 year old. Puppies bite, chew and need to be housebroken. Your first concern is your son's safety.

    I would go with a more mature dog that has been raised around kids and likes them. Older dogs bond well, if not better with children. The added benefit is; they're already housebroken, usually know commands, won't destroy your home and can be trusted around your child.

    Tell the shelter exactly what you're looking for. Many times these dogs end up in the shelter because their owners can't afford to take care of them anymore because of the lousy economy (here in Michigan anyway). A rescue or humane society is another option.

    http://www.petfinder.com

    Again thank you for considering saving a dog!

  • deirdrefaith says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    a lotta whining spastic pit bulls
    I saw a lot of them last time

  • Karen W says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    Varies from shelter to shelter and and sadlly from day to day.
    Many times people surrender a pregnant female or a mom with pups, so yes they do have puppies.
    Age does not make a difference; dogs long for a loving forever home, and it seems the older ones are even more appreciative. Our local shelter has an area where you can bring the family and even other pets (with proof of vaccination) to see how all will interact.

  • Lizard_Girl says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    There are alot of shelters so you never know where the puppys are at. I think the younger the dog the more years it has to spend with your son.

  • Claudia says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    sometimes there will be unwanted puppies. and the age doesnt matter. but if you do get a dog make sure you go to the vet and tell them you need all 4 sets of Parvo shots. my puppy recently died of parvo.

  • ♪♫♪PompomPup♪♫♪ says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    um well they have mix dogs alote but who knows they do have alote of puppys but maybe your son and a more experienced dog who is already trained would be better

  • nepherym says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    While researching a report for my English class last quarter, I found out that about half of the dogs at shelters are purebred. There's no way to tell what kind of dogs are at your local shelter until you check. Do try to look into different breeds and their temperments/sizes before you go. Find what's right for your family. I'm glad to hear you're choosing a shelter dog. A lot of the animals in pet stores come from puppy/kitten-mills and I dont' even want to get into that. They're terrible.

    Older dogs can be great pets too, but they may come with their own baggage, as do purebreds (genetic diseases).

    TIP: Diseases can run rampant in a shelter. Make sure your animal is healthy! If it isn't the shelter may be able to provide free vet services! (personal account while adopting my kitty)

  • rodeochic8706 says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    YES!!! they have puppies, NO!! age usually does not matter.

    Actually, I would recommend a young adult dog rather than a puppy because 1: they are past all the annoying puppy phases such as house breaking and teething and 2: you already know the personality and like and dislikes of the dog. In other words, what you see is what you get. Also, the dog and you son should bond beautifully, regardless of age

    I would also suggest that you go to YAHOO! and type in "dog breed selector" Several questionnaires will come up. They will ask you about your lifestyle and preferences. This should give you a good idea about the breed good for you. Even if you chose to go with a mixed breed, They present great questions to ask yourself about what you would like in a dog. Knowing what you want in a dog is extremely important in making your decision, rather that just going with the "cutest" because the cutest may not always be the best dog for your family. Remember, you will have to live with this dog for many years to come so choose wisely and do LOTS of research

    HAPPY HUNTING!!!!!

  • sarsy says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    OFFCORSE THERE WILL BE PUPPIES!! somtimes there's a whole section of puppies
    no age does not matter lov is the key a bond is a bond ur new pet can be just as cute as a store bought dog ( the ONLY diffrence is that ur SAVING A LIFE!!)

    always adopt first!!
    good luck with ur new dog!!

  • Bonsylar says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    There are puppies at shelters
    Especially in spring and summer.

    There is no greater bond than a kid and his dog. Don't worry about that, just get a dog that best suits your life.
    Talk to the shelter attendants. They spend lots of time with the dogs and can show you the perfect pet for your family.

    Trust me, bladder control is a good thing in a pet.

    Shelter dogs are temperment tested, inexpensive and come with lots of "extras". All vet care is taken care of for the entire first YEAR of the dog's life with you. If you buy a dog from a breeder or a pet store, you have to pay hundreds for the dog, then hundreds again in vet bills.

    Good luck

  • CheerGirl says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    They have all kinds of dogs, old ones yound ones small ones big ones. They even have puppies to.and age doesn't matter either.

  • Meaghan Edwards says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    Thank you for considering adoption!

    Animal shelters have animals of all ages, adults and puppies alike. If there are no pups, just keep checking back. I would select the dog or puppy which would best suit your needs and lifestyle; an adoption councilor may help in your decision.

    As for the age and bonding, I don't think there is really much of a difference. Oftentimes an adult dog is more suited for a family, as they won't be into all the puppy stuff, like chewing, and many have had some training.

  • the_samurai_lullaby says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    1) YES, puppies are available! In fact, puppies are most often snatched up in shelters because they're "cute," or for the same reasons you stated, which brings me to:

    2) No, it makes no difference whatsoever. Sadly, adult dogs have trouble finding homes for this reason. Most dogs that are euthanized at shelters are adult dogs. Very few are puppies.

    For this reason, I would encourage you to adopt an older dog, and not a cute little puppy. Puppies will ALWAYS get adopted, but rarely will the older dogs get the same chance. If you want a younger dog to grow with your son, try within the age range of 1-3 years.

  • Lady X says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    There are all kinds of dogs at shelters. I am an animal control officer and I bring in all breeds and ages of dogs, daily. Some shelters have what ours calls a "wish list" where you can sign up for a specific breed or age. I know our shelter brings in puppies and kittens that are days old and require foster care to dogs that are eight years and older. You just have to look around. As for the age of dog you should get for your son, my opinion is it depends on the dog. You can find many dogs that are turned over to shelters that have been raised with children and bond easily with them. It can be a good idea to get a puppy too that way they can grow up together. Like I said though, in my opinion, it depends on the dog. Good luck in your search for a new family pet. My advice is to check out your local shelter often. I know our shelter has a large turnover with many animals coming and going. Hope this helps…

  • maxmom says:
    April 11, 2009 at 4:10 pm

    1. Animal shelters have puppies and young dogs all of the time.
    2. It is not so much the age of the dog, but the temperament of the dog that is going to matter in terms of dealing with a young child. The age really will not matter in terms of bonding.
    Many shelters have dogs that came from homes with small children whose owners surrendered them for different reasons.

    Get a gentle, well tempered dog. I would not get a breed that is known for aggression for a young child.
    Mixes and mutts make great pets, so be open to not having a pure breed.

    A dog a year old or older has a better chance of already being house trained (a BIG bonus).

    Make sure you train the dog, and teach your son how to behave with a dog and how to treat a dog.

    Good for you for wanting a shelter dog. Speaking from my own experience, they are the best!
    You will not be sorry, and you will be saving a dog's life.

    Most ASPCA's and humane society in every city and rescue groups in every area have websites with pictures listed.

    Good luck. Hope this helps.

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