October is Adopt-a-Dog month!  Shelters and rescues are full of adoptable dogs (and other pets) waiting to find their forever homes.

If you are considering getting a dog, it’s recommended that you look at the shelters first.  There is a large overpopulation of unwanted dogs and cats, and unfortunately, there are not enough homes for all of them.  Every day, many homeless pets are euthanized due to overcrowding in shelters.  It’s not something the shelter staff want to do, but it becomes necessary when shelters are full and more animals keep coming in.

Pets are brought to shelters for a variety of reasons.  Common reasons are moving and unable to keep a pet or behavior issues.  Many times, the behavior issues stem from normal animal behaviors that can be modified with environmental changes in the home and a little training.

Franklin County, Ohio, is well served by the Franklin County Dog Shelter and Capital Area Humane Society when it comes to housing and adopting out homeless pets.  All pets coming into the shelters receive a veterinary exam and are quarantined from the general population to be sure they are not carrying hidden illnesses.  Vaccinations are given, and if necessary, the pets are spayed and neutered.  Dogs are tested for heartworm disease and started on monthly heartworm prevention.  Pets are also evaluated behaviorally prior to being placed up for adoption.

Both of the above facilities are great at checking out potential homes before placing a pet.  They want to make sure the pet is going to the best home possible, and preferably, their forever home.  Adoption counselors are available to chat with you about what type of pet you are looking for and what would fit your living situation.  For example, if you say you work 10-12 hours a day every day, then a highly energetic breed such as a Weimaraner is not a good fit for you.

Many shelters and rescue groups will ask for a veterinary reference.  This is because they want to make sure the pet is going to be well cared for and receive necessary preventative care (annual exams, vaccines, heartworm prevention).

Did you know that shelters and rescue groups often have puppies and kittens available for adoption?  Before you go to the pet store for that cute puppy, consider checking out your local shelter.  Franklin County Dog Shelter and Capital Area Humane Society include vaccines and spaying or neutering in their adoption fees.  If you buy a puppy from a pet store, you are responsible for all of the vaccines and the spay/neuter surgery, which can add up to considerably more than an adoption fee.

Shelter animals make great pets….check your local shelter for your new furry family member today!