A New Project for Everyone [Archive]

Karen

03-13-2006, 04:55 PM

Since we started this website, we have learned of many places that we didn't know existed - from small local shelters, to foster programs, to breed-specific rescue organizations, and caring individuals who don't have official titles, but just do the work - all of these places have pets that need homes.

We'd like to have a webpage on the PetoftheDay.com, DogoftheDay.com and CatoftheDay.com family of websites to awaken people to the wide variety of places that have animals waiting for a good, loving home.

If you have suggestions and contributions of where and how people should look for their new pet, we'd appreciate your help. We'd of course mention petfinder.org, but would like to create a comprehensive resource of the available options.

For example

How to find your "local" shelters?
What kind of shelters exist?
What questions should they ask at shelter?
What fees should one expect?
What questions should they ask a breeder?
How do I find a breed-specific rescue?
How do I find animals that are in foster care?

I am sure there are question we haven't thought of, but using the great collective knowledge of Pet Talk, I am sure we can create a wonderful resource that will help a lot of people and animals.

Of course a mention of the horrors of puppy (and kitten and other) mills would be necessary, and a warning against, for example, buying a pet store pup.

If you'd like to help by contributing a paragraph or more, please post in this thread, or Private Message or email me.

catmandu

03-13-2006, 05:07 PM

The Animal Welfare Association that I have often referred to ia available in the Southern Ontario Area at awa.xux.net.
There are so Many Cats that need homes.
All these Cats are saying
Hey Look Me Over!!

buttercup132

03-13-2006, 05:33 PM

http://www.1-800-save-a-pet.com/cgi-bin/public/petsearch.cgi/search_dogs_form
serch for dog or cats only
http://www.1-800-save-a-pet.com/cgi-bin/public/shelter-search.cgi
find a shelters near you!
(this is how I got my Teddy)

K & L

03-13-2006, 05:37 PM

Good idea! My contributions:

The following are excellent links to animal welfare organizations that provide information on feral cats, spay/neuter assistance, pet adoption, animal rescue programs, and more. (from AzCATs website)
-----------------------------------------------------------------
AzCats
www.azcats.org
AzCATs serves as a leader in Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) by developing and implementing innovative programs to humanely end the breeding cycle for feral and other free-roaming cats.

Pets 911
www.pets911.com/
Pets 911 provides accurate, community specific information needed to encourage better care for pets in communities throughout the United States. Visit this link to learn about pet care resources and rescue efforts in your community.

Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL)
www.aawl.org/
The Arizona Animal Welfare League (AAWL) is the largest and oldest "no-kill" shelter in Arizona. Visit their on-line adoption center.

Arizona Beagle Rescue (AZBR)
www.azbeaglerescue.com/
Arizona Beagle Rescue (AZBR) is a statewide 501(c)3 non-profit, all-volunteer animal welfare organization dedicated to saving homeless beagles through rescue efforts, adoption and education on the breed.

Animal Defense League of Arizona (ADLA)
www.adlaz.org
ADLA is a statewide animal protection and advocacy organization.

Alley Cat Allies
www.alleycat.org
Alley Cat Allies promotes nonlethal control for feral and stray cats with Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) programs that effectively reduce their population by sterilization - not euthanasia.

Best Friends Animal Sanctuary
www.bestfriends.org/
Best Friends Animal Sanctuary is the nation's largest sanctuary for abused and abandoned cats, dogs, and other animals.

Alliance for Companion Animals
www.az4animals.com/
The mission of the Alliance is to effect positive social change and create a community-wide network of resources that ensure lifetime, loving environments for all companion animals. AzCATs is a voting member of the Alliance.

Cat Positive
www.catpositive.org/
Cat Positive was established to provide an alternative to euthanasia for asymptomatic FeLV and FIV positive cats.

American Humane
www.americanhumane.org/
American Humane is an excellent source of information on a variety of animal related issues.

Maricopa County Animal Care & Control (AC&C)
www.maricopa.gov/pets/
Click on this link to learn about pet adoptions, licensing, shot clinics, lost and found pets, and more!

Animal Balance
www.animalbalance.org/
Animal Balance works collaboratively with the local authorities and the community on the Galapagos Islands to organize a Trap, Neuter, Return (TNR) program. Collectively, they will humanely stabilize, then reduce and control the number of cats and dogs. AzCATs supports this effort and is working to help them with their TNR project in May of 2004.

World Animal Net
www.worldanimalnet.org/
World Animal Net has resources for animal rescue organizations.

ADLA's Spay Neuter Hotline - for low cost spay/neuter information www.adlaz.org 602-265-SPAY (7729).

Altered Tails www.alteredtails.org 480-563-4351

king2005

03-13-2006, 06:00 PM

ANIMAL SHELTERS and RESCUE GROUPS- Mississauga (http://www.mississaugapets.com/animalshelters.html)

Toronto HS (http://www.torontohumanesociety.com/)

Ottawa HS (http://www.ottawahumane.ca/)

OSPCA (http://www.ospca.on.ca/)

Pit Bull laws in Ontario (http://www.ospca.on.ca/Bill132/index.html)

Laura's Babies

03-13-2006, 06:04 PM

Great idea, there are a lot of people that look at Pet of the Day that don't come to the PT boards.

Kfamr

03-13-2006, 06:05 PM

Maybe make a list of rescues/shelters by state/province? I would be willing to help organize the list if it's too much work.

(I'll be editing and adding more as I get the URLS)

BadRap (Pit Bulls) (http://www.badrap.org/rescue/)

Humane Society of Pinellas (http://www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org/)

Best Friends (http://bestfriends.com/)

buttercup132

03-13-2006, 06:14 PM

Karen

03-13-2006, 07:43 PM

cyber-sibes

03-13-2006, 07:54 PM

Great idea, Karen! I'll get some sites together and reply in a couple days

luvofallhorses

03-13-2006, 07:59 PM

http://www.pbrc.net (pit bull rescue central)

http://www.montanapets.org (montana pets on the net)

that's all I can think of for now.

Giselle

03-13-2006, 09:11 PM

May I have a word about the "horrors" of puppy (and cat) mills and BYBs? :)

------------------------------------------------------

Though there will always be conflicts and controversies surrounding the "perfect" breeder, it is accepted knowledge that the only reason one should breed is to "better the breed". To achieve this, breeders spend incredible amounts of time and money proving their dogs either in the field of conformation or some type of performance event like agility, herding, Schutzhund, hunting, etc. Through this process, they breed only the best to the best. They recognize the importance of keeping their bloodlines free from health maladies, and, thus, spend hundreds, even thousands, of dollars to health test their breeding stock through organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA), Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF), PennHip, Optigen, etc. If the breed should be susceptible to a wide array of diseases, the breeder would test for the appropriate illness. For example, it is common practice to test for hypothyroidism and von Willebrands in Doberman Pinschers.

With so much care and thought put into the breeding stock itself, it is not surprising that the reputable breeder would take equal precautions in screening prospective homes. The reputable breeder does not sell to just anybody with a wad of cash, and they often screen to the point of homechecks (where the breeder makes an appointment to check out the home of the prospective buyer). However, this is not to say that all reputable breeders require homechecks nor does it imply that a breeder is unreputable if s/he does not screen prospective homes as aggressively as another breeder. This does mean, however, that the reputable breeder would not sell his or her puppies to a middleman, a puppy broker, or a petstore. These facilities use puppies as a main source of money and the only objective of these facilities is monetary profit.

Because pet stores need a large supply of puppies for a minimal amount of money, they acquire their pups from "mills". Simply put, mills are extremely large kennels breeding hundreds of puppies at a time, often churning out both mixed and purebred dogs. Because profit is the primary objective, mill owners do not take the time nor money to prove their dogs or health test. Additionally, they overbreed their dogs and care little for the overall well-being of the animals. The resulting puppies are often badly malnourished, subject to a wide range of oftentimes fatal health maladies, and are frequently reported to have social/emotional problems. Since mills need to provide a large amount of puppies consistently, they take the puppies away from the mother prematurely. Consequently, these puppies often have a more difficult time housetraining, polishing their social skills, and have a harder time learning bite inhibition.

While the puppy at the petstore may tug at your heartstrings and attempt to break your willpower, just say no. Say no to the pet store. Say no to the puppy mills. Break the vicious cycle and adopt a furry friend instead.

Giselle

03-13-2006, 09:20 PM

LOL, just because this topic intrigues me so much.

The big one : What kind of questions should I ask my breeder?

- First and foremost, WHY do you breed?
The correct answer will always run along the lines of: a deep passion for the breed and the duty to further/better the breed.

- What kind of health tests do you perform?
An annual vet check does not mean anything.

- What kind of events do you do with your dogs?
The above relates to... How do you "prove" your dogs? How do you choose which dogs to breed and which ones to pet out?

- Do you provide a lifetime guarantee? If my dog should develop a congenital or hereditary defect, what will you do?

- If for any reason in my dog's lifetime I must relinquish the dog, will you take it back?

- May I see the parents?
Oftentimes, the stud dog is not on site. This is normal, but you should be able to see the mother. She should be happy and well fed.

- May I have references to past families?

- May I have references to your vet?

-To be continued...LOL. My brain is mush right now :p

Lady's Human

03-13-2006, 09:36 PM

Karen,

We CANNOT forget dogorphans, after all, two of your canine family members came from there!

http://www.dogorphans.com/index.cfm

Karen

03-13-2006, 10:41 PM

Remember, we want to let people know how you found out about your local shelters - like, Lady's Human, how did you first find Dog Orphans?

Cinder & Smoke

03-14-2006, 01:45 AM

We want to let people know how you found out about your local shelters ...

Hmmmmm ... http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/confused.gif

Not sure, or wonder why, the method of "finding" (or how you contacted)
your local Shelter or Rescue is important??

Over the years I've had to jump through some pretty tall "hoops" to be able
to talk to some Shelters and Rescues - some local and some pretty distant.
In a few cases I was looking for a pet;
in others I was trying to find a home or a place of refuge for a homeless animal ...
in all cases it usually wasn't a matter of looking in the phone book ...
http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/rolleyes.gif

The real challenges are:
1) Learn the name and the existance of a particular rescue ...
there are usually several Shelters or Rescues operating in even the small towns -
that most residents have never even heard of - let alone know how to contact.
Some places seem to "like" not being known or being "findable" by the average person -
ya gotta "know someone" to be able to talk to them. (I always wondered "Why?")

2) Learn a phone number that some human will either answer or return a call from ...
I can't tell you how many UN-answered calls I've placed to Rescues / Shelters.

Keeping the Names & Phone Numbers lists "correct & current" can be an almost
impossible task - many of these agencies "switch" personnel frequently -
sometimes by choice; sometimes by need - but phone numbers never seem
to stay current very long.

But my point - the "method" or the "tail" of how they were contacted isn't as important
as the actual Point of Contact - that can be duplicated by others.

Fees / Costs / Prices ???
They're all over the map - anywhere from "free / no charge" to HUNDREDS of dollars -
and you get anything from a filthy, un-vetted and poorly observed unknown animal,
to a fully Vetted & Vaccinated, clean, trimmed, and sometimes partially trained,
housebroken, and socialized "pet" ... and what you pay doesn't always reflect
what you get!
Breed-specific "Rescues" frequently charge high fees ...
County-run "Pounds" often charge low fees yet furnish quality animals.

Example:
My Cinder was "advertised" to me by Cinder's "Angel Moms" = two Volunteers
in the Shelter/Pound that took pictures and published a web site for the Pound
and answered inquiries faithfully.
I "adopted" Cinder for a County Fee of $60.00 + a $4.25 WV License Fee ...
and they Refunded $51.00 as a partial payment sent directly to MY Vet
upon certification that she had been spayed.
Net "Cost" for Cinder = $9.00 + $4.25 = $13.25 paid to Ohio County, West Virginia.
(And about another $50.00 or so to Doc Mike for the rest of the spay job and some shots.)
This was all back on July 3, 1999.

Smokey was almost as "cheap" ...
Cinder "found" him on the front porch on Sunday night, January 21, 2001;
Tuesday night he was delivered to "Angels for Animals" as a "Sponsored Foster Dog" -
I paid $90.00 for his heartworm test (negative), Neuter, Rabies & Puppy Shots,
Ear Wash & Nail Trim, and 6 months of heartworm preventative.
I had to "Foster him" in MY home till they had room to move him into a kennel
for display
as an adoption candidate. When he got adopted - I would get my $90.00 back.

Six Days after Cinder "found" him, Smokey had a name and his status had been
changed from "Foster" to "Adopted". http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/wink.gif

The bottom line ?

Very few Shelters or Rescues have the same policies - and often the sometimes
fuzzy "policy" can be modified by Who you Know in the organization.
I've played my "I Know the Founder (personally)" card three times at
Angels for Animals -
and Diane has pulled the proper "string" for me each time. http://petoftheday.com/i/our_smilies/biggrin.gif
I've NEVER asked for a price or fee reduction; but she has changed the shelter Manager's
"we have NO rooms" to "I'll find a place for him, somewhere, bring him over".

(Abd I DO "own" a $100 Engraved Brick in her patio between the wings of the New Shelter.)
;)

/s/ Phred

Uabassoon

03-14-2006, 02:35 AM

Remember, we want to let people know how you found out about your local shelters

I found Tibby on Petfinder, but not by searching. I posted an add in their pets wanted classified section. I stated that I was looking for a siamese or siamese mix kitten. The next day I had an email from a wonderful lady who fostered cats in her home. I went over to go meet the cats for adoption and met Tibby who she had emailed me about. Her adoption fee was $95 and it included her shots, spay, one free vet visit at the clinic of my choice and one month of shelter care insurance. I have to say it was a bargain! She did require a home visit, but it wasn't anything too intense she just wanted to make sure that my home was ready for Tibby. Overall it was a great experience and if it wasn't for that add I posted I would have never found out about her rescue.

Another great way to find a rescue is to just keep your ears open for events happening around your town. Once a year Tucson puts on a pet fair, in addition to all the great vendor booths there are always rescues for just about any pet you could want. This year not only did I see cats and dogs up for adoption I also saw ferrets, rats, guinea pigs, donkeys, pot bellied pigs and many other wonderful pets needing home!

Pawsitive Thinking

03-14-2006, 09:31 AM

Two from the UK

http://www.pdsa.org.uk/pages/page04.cfm

http://www.dogstrust.org.uk/

Roxyluvsme13

03-14-2006, 09:42 AM

Ooh!! If you wanted to add a little tad of BYB and puppy mill...You can use my Website!
JALPD (http://freewebs.com/justalittlepixiedust)
As for shelters, you can use my shelter :D
Tailchasers(WCJCAC) (http://tailchasers.org)
If that's the wrong website, oops!

Albea

03-14-2006, 10:14 AM

Yankee Golden Retriever Rescue
http://www.ygrr.org
The Home Page has a list of all breed rescue organizations.
I don't know about other rescues, but all Goldens from YGRR are treated for any health or behavioral problems before the are ready for adoption regardless of their age. There is a special program for seniors.
Another very good "no kill" private rescue is Friends of Homeless Animals in Merrifield, VA, for both dogs and cats:
http://www.foha.org

cyber-sibes

03-14-2006, 03:04 PM

This is the Adopt-A-Husky, the Siberian Rescue site we raised money for on the Husky Hike. It's a large organization with sites in several states, but I don't know what their policys are.

http://www.adoptahusky.com

and I've been to this rescue - Northwest Ohio Siberian Rescue

I think they charge between $150 or $175 adop[tion fee, mostly goes towards the dogs medical care. We have visited on w of the three kennels that work with them. close to ohio & michigan. These people all sled, so there are Siberians and sometimes Alaskan huskies. They do not accept surrenders from individual owners, the dogs must come through humane shelters. This group is easy to work with.
http://members.petfinder.org/~OH94/

I found both of the rescues through the internet.

Just to pass on some info, I didn't have much luck with some of the rescues I contacted through petfinder ads. Found that some groups had a kind of snooty attitude. So don't give up, but know that you may have to go through some searching to find one your situation is compatible with.

Always try surrounding humane societies. The Findlay Humane Society in Ohio is very good about placing huskies, because the gal that interviews prosepective adopters owns four huskies herself, so she makes sure they go to a good husky-safe environment.

Sudilar

03-14-2006, 05:29 PM

Anyone looking for a German Shepherd Dog in Illinois can check out:
www.gsdrni.org.
Be prepared to fill out a long application form with references and vet references. You will have to go through a home visit and then a dog "meet and greet" after we find one that might fit into your home. This way the committee can match the perfect dog for your family.

Grace

03-15-2006, 05:59 PM

FLAG - For the Love of Animals, Goochland (http://www.flagpets.com/adoptees.htm) - Just north of Richmond, Virginia. A no-kill facility. My son adopted his two cats from them.

FICAS - Friends of Ingham County Animal Shelter (http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/MI81.html) - Not too far from Lansing, Michigan. We adopted Abby from this organization, after finding her on Petfinders. This is NOT a no-kill shelter, so this organization does wondeful working getting animals into foster homes.

LeahMM

03-15-2006, 06:24 PM

Niki came the Humane Society in Tacoma WA

http://www.thehumanesociety.org/

Buddy came with the help of the Border Collie Rescue. My foster is posted here as well.

http://www.pnwbcrescue.org//

Bozy came from the Aussie Rescue NW

http://www.aussierescuenw.org/

Suki Wingy

03-16-2006, 03:50 PM

In Chicago:
Furry Friends : Dog (specialising in pit bulls) , cat, rabbit, small animal (http://www.furryfriendsfoundation.com/)
C.A.R.E. (this page is also a link of lots of shelters) (http://www.care-evanston.org/shelterlist.htm)
PAWS (http://www.pawschicago.org/ShelterInformation/chicagoshelter.htm)
Animal Care and Control "Ciry Shelter" (http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/webportal/portalEntityHomeAction.do?entityName=Animal+Care+a nd+Control&entityNameEnumValue=2)
Anti-Cruelty Society (Where I got Niño) (http://www.anticruelty.org/)
More about breeders and such when I have more time

cyber-sibes

03-16-2006, 09:43 PM

This group is out of west central Ohio, they rescue all breeds. One of our church members works with them. She doesn't have a website, just an e-mail contact, but I thought I'd pass it on.

[email protected]

krazyaboutkatz

03-18-2006, 01:00 AM

Here are a few links where I've adopted cats before.

Humane Society (http://www.hssv.org/) This is my local Humane Society and I adopted both Storm and Sky from here.

Friends Of San Martin Animal Shelter (http://www.fosmas.org/) I adopted Starr from a woman who worked with this shelter group.

Stanford Cat Network (http://www.stanford.edu/group/CATNET/) This rescue group helps homeless cats at Stanford University. I adopted Cirrus from them. Most of their cats are ferals or semi-feral.

Here's a link in adobe format that lists California rescue groups: CA Rescue Groups Master's List (http://www.rescuers.com/MasterList.pdf) I adopted Sunny from Unconditional Love but they don't have a website right now.

Karen

03-18-2006, 01:20 PM

Beauty17

03-20-2006, 09:23 AM

I will post about the Greyhound Rescue Society in my area - somewhere slightly upstate NY. Although I know that other Greyhound Rescue Societies are very good (my sister has two greyhounds), these people took our initial application fee and never contacted for us afterward. We did not follow further, because we were offended at their lack of courtesy.

Lori Jordan

03-20-2006, 05:36 PM

There is a hole bunch of organizations i know of one which i like and am in contact with now this one would be for the Border Collie lovers i found out about this rescue through one of my dogs trainers as i have her in flyball and a little of agilityhttp://www.bordercollierescueont.com (http://)

Lori Jordan

03-20-2006, 05:38 PM

I forgot this link this is pretty much what we are about and what we do at the Ottawa Valley Border Collie club im sure you will all like ithttp://www.ovbcc.com/ (http://)

Ginger's Mom

03-20-2006, 06:27 PM

Can someone post about experiences they've had with breed rescue? I only know of one person locally who was given such a run-around, and then her calls were not returned, and she eventually gave up, even though she would have been an excellent home, and was willing to follow the group's protocols. It was quite disheartening.
I think a lot of breed rescue group are very small individually run programs. I fostered for an American Eskimo breed rescue that covered from Massachusetts through New Jersey. That rescue organization was actually just two women who also had full time jobs (and one had a husband and son to care for), who just cared very deeply about the breed. They would receive many many e-mails from people who wanted to adopt, just wanted more info. about the breed, wanted to turn in their unwanted Eskies, etc. And they were extremely busy answering those e-mails, transporting dogs, and doing home checks. Please don't get discouraged if it takes a while for a breed rescue to get back to you, as I said it is usually only a small group of people who do this in their "spare" time. I think that breed rescue does try to match the right dog with the right home, and "rescuers" are always there to answer questions about the breed if certain problems should pop up once you get the dog home.

Sudilar

03-31-2006, 06:59 PM

Can someone post about experiences they've had with breed rescue? I only know of one person locally who was given such a run-around, and then her calls were not returned, and she eventually gave up, even though she would have been an excellent home, and was willing to follow the group's protocols. It was quite disheartening.

When you go through a breed rescue, it can be quite disheartening. The reason for all the things we make potential adopters go through is for the good of the dog. The dog in rescue has been uprooted already once, so a permanent forever home must be found. This takes a lot of work. First there is the application...I believe ours is 10-11 pages long with lots of questions with a vet referral and other referrals which we do check. Next is the home visit. Then the application and home visit is reviewed. If the applicant is approved, then we will see if there is a dog that will fit that particular home. Sometimes it is not the dog that the potential adopter had his eye on. If we don't feel the fit is good, then it will not happen. Many times the potential adopter will have to wait til a dog that fits his needs comes along...and that may take a while. Then there is the "Meet and Greet" where the potential adopter meets the dog. If all goes well, then shortly after that the adoption will be approved and the dog goes off to his forever home (hopefully). We do everything in our power to place the dog in a forever home. It is all about the dog. Sometimes it may seem too strict, but it is what is necessary so that the dog is not returned to us.
If you go to http://gsdrni.org/forms.htm you can see what the application looks like and what our policies are.

Lady'sOtherHuman

04-01-2006, 10:44 PM

Remember, we want to let people know how you found out about your local shelters - like, Lady's Human, how did you first find Dog Orphans?

We found Dog Orphans online. LH did a search on the web for local shelters.
I believe we paid somewhere around $85 dollars for the adoption. That basicly covered her spay/nuetering. And they were nice enough to cover the first vet visit after we brought her home. They had us fill out a questionaire that included things like "How often will someone be home with the dog?" "How often will she be allowed to go outside?" How many hours a day will the dog be home alone?"

One thing you should ask the shelter person when looking to adopt is why the animal was brought to the shelter in the first place. Also you'll want to make sure the animal you bring into your home fits in with your current family situation i.e. kids, other pets. You want to make sure that everyone will get along.

Sus

07-06-2006, 04:36 AM

Bella and I think that this is a very good idea! Most of you live in large countries with a zillion breeders, kennels and rescue organizations and it must be a confusing task to identify the good ones! Here, in itty-bitty Denmark :p there are only a few rescue organizations most of them are commonly known to people who care for animals.

I am totally in favour of the idea of obtaining one's new pet from a shelter or rescue home! But I would like to contribute another thought - that one should always keep in mind one's own situation (space-, time- & moneywise) when rescuing an animal from a shelter! Otherwise one may inadvertedly turn a less than optimal situation for the animal into something worse... Or in other words: Don't let your good heart talk you into acquiring more pets than you can care for properly....! I don't think good rescue homes ever do that! ;)

Lots of love,
Sus and Bella

moosmom

07-06-2006, 11:04 AM

Personally, I think the best website for any animal is Petfinder.com

But here is my contribution:

Helping Paws - Colchester, CT

http://www.listnow.com/helpingpaws/

Catales - Middletown, CT

http://www.petfinder.org/shelters/CT104.html

I volunteered with both Catales and Helping Paws. They are wonderful organizations and I highly recommend them both!

DrKym

07-06-2006, 11:22 AM

ratchet22

07-27-2006, 03:56 PM

Yes I agree petfinder.com is the best place
I am at www.arlingtonkittensandcats.petfinder.com

GreyhoundGirl

07-27-2006, 04:01 PM

Hey King I never knew you lived so close?:confused:
Missisauga is like 15-20 minutes from me.

same here

my favourite rescue is Greyhound Rescue Montreal. The web site isn't up to much, but I'll post it anyways...

www.greyhoundrescue.bigstep.com

MajesticCollies

07-27-2006, 04:12 PM

I love working with Tri State Collies. I foster collies inbetween transportation legs and those being readied for a home. Sometimes the rescue is full and I will take one in for as long as it takes.

http://www.tristatecollierescue.net/collies.htm#pups

If your in ohio I hope and refer anyone to a collie that needs a forever home. Also I recommend looking for a community affair that may be giving a Meet the Breeds area to educate dog owners to be on what breed will fit your family and lifes For all of you in the Findlay, Ohio area I will be at the National Duchsund Races this year in the Meet The Breeds area with my collies. Tell all your friends to come out and meet the different breeds that will be out there. Would love to meet some of you all also.

wolflady

07-27-2006, 05:39 PM

What a great resource, Karen! :D

KAK pretty much covered the gamut of the local animal rescues here, but I can definitely vouch for FOSMAS (http://www.fosmas.org/).
I volunteered there for quite some time, and the people there were wonderful.

Some other sites that I had perused when trying to find the right dog for my home included:

Bay Area Siberian Rescue: http://www.bayareasiberian.org/dogsForAdoption.html
A neighbor of mine adopted his two huskies from this organization.

Northern California Sled Dog Rescue:
http://www.norsled.org/

Central Coast Northern Dog Rescue:
http://www.ccndr.org/

German Shepherd Rescue of Northern California:
http://www.savegsd.org/
A friend of mine recently adopted his dog from here :)

Dogworks Canine Rescue (dobies and greyhounds)
http://www.dogworks.org/
The woman that runs this also volunteers for FOSMAS, and lives about 2 miles from my house!

In terms of finding some of these places, a simple Google search for the type of pet your looking for + state, city name usually yields pretty good results. For example, if someone were to type into Google "german shepherd rescue, bay area", they would likely find several GSD rescue group options.

A great resource about Puppy Mills is: http://www.nopuppymills.com/
This site has been redone a couple of times, but I believe all of the same information is still there. Very good resource.

Adding to the list for "reputable" breeder questions, here are a few more (can you tell I worked in a vet office? *laughs*):
1. what is the difference between "pet quality" and "show quality"?
2. do you require that ALL pet quality pets be spayed/neutered? (this answer should be yes)
3. how many different breeds of dogs do you breed?
(if it's more than one, this could be a red flag. A reputable breeder shouldn't breed more than one...maybe two (if they're very similar like Tervs and Malinois) different breeds of dogs.
4. What steps have you taken to decrease defects in your dogs?
5. What are the good and bad points of the parents, and what titles do they have?
6. Where were these puppies raised? How have you socialized them?
(a good answer will be in the home, underfoot, with other animals, kids, cats...etc.)
7. Do you offer a Health/Hearing/Temperament guarantee with your puppies?
8. Were there any temperament problems in the ancestry of the puppies? Have the sire and the dam been temperament tested?
9. How much time do you spend planning your litters and rearing the pups ?
10. How many litters do you have per year? (this is to see if there is any "overbreeding" going on)
11. Are the sire and dam OFA Certified? BAER tested? Do you have certificates for me to see ?
12. What is the incidence of deafness, allergies, infections, thyroid dysfunction, seizures, stone formation, hip dysplasia, etc., in the pedigree?

Ok...that's all for now. :o

**hugs**
Karen

Maya & Inka's mommy

08-08-2006, 03:12 PM

This is such a great project, Karen!!
I fear it is useless to add links form my country, since I am the only Belgian member.... :( .

Lots of the info given in all the links already mentioned are useful for me too, as I speak English rather well (well, I hope I do ;) )

mruffruff

08-09-2006, 10:18 AM

In the South there are two organizations that I can recommend.

Southeast Pug Rescue of Atlanta. GA deals in Pugs and pug mixes. They screen homes for new adopters. All dogs are spayed/neutered and up to date on shots. They have a contract as well as an application form. Prices vary, usually around $150.

Pets, Inc. in West Columbia, SC takes in and adopts out all breeds of dogs and cats. They spay/neuter all adult animals and require adopters to have younger ones done at the age of 4-5 months (Deposit required which is returned on proof of surgery). All animals are seen by a vet, updated on shots and given "Home Again" tags. The contract is two pages long and has a $300 charge for failure to live up to it. Prices start at $99 and go up to $175 for a pure bred. Seniors citizens can get a break on price. Also, some animals are less, some are "Two-fers" and payments can be arranged.
Their web page is petsinc.org.

Reachoutrescue

08-15-2006, 12:03 AM

REACHOUTRESCUENFP (http://WWW.REACHOUTRESCUENFP.ORG)

THIS IS MY RESCUE BASED IN HOMETOWN, ILLINOIS. WE ARE COMPLETELY NOT FOR PROFIT. WE ARE NOT GOVERNMENT OR STATE FUNDED. IT IS RIGHT OUTSIDE OF CHICAGO AND OAK LAWN, ILLINOIS. WE HELP ANIMALS ALL OVER ILLINOIS AND NORTHWEST INDIANA.

PAWSCHICAGO (http://WWW.PAWSCHICAGO.ORG)

THIS IS A NOT FOR PROFIT SHELTER AND CLINIC LOCATED IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS. THEY OFFER LOW-COST VACCINES AND SPAY/NEUTER. PEOPLE ON PUBLIC ASSISTANCE RECIEVES FREE SPAY/NEUTERING FOR CATS/DOGS.

cassiesmom

10-02-2006, 09:11 PM

We'd also like people's thoughts on the questions I posed and any others - like what to ask a shelter employee, and what you should expect to pay - if you can list examples what your shelter charges, that would be helpful.

1) My shelter fee was $50, but that was 10 years ago. It went up to $75 and then to $100. The shelter affiliated with the Petsmart at which I shop also charges $100. That seems to be the "going rate" around here. There are fund-raisers for potential adopters who can't afford the $100, and my shelter can refer cats to free or low-cost spaying/neuter programs for families that qualify.
2) I had to agree that I would not have Cassie declawed. Her front paws had already been declawed when I got her, and I have never had a reason to have her back claws removed. That would be another question I'd ask - must I agree not to declaw?
3) What steps do I take if the adoption does not work out and I need to readmit the cat to the shelter for some reason?
4) Can you help me obtain a copy of the cat's medical record from the shelter DVM (if I'm not planning to continue using the same doctor).
5) What follow-up can I expect from the shelter - if I have a problem, can I call you? Will you call or e-mail me to see how we are doing?

Terrific cat book: Cats for Dummies, by Gina Spadafori and Dr. Paul Pion. I have the first edition but there is a second edition out now.

Let me know if I can help! Thanks - Elise, Cassie's Mom

BC_MoM

10-02-2006, 09:17 PM

Funds For Furry Friends
- cat & dog rescue
Brandon, Manitoba, CANADA
www.fundsfurfriends.com
^where Mickey was from

Winnipeg Animal Services Agency
- cat & dog kill shelter
Winnipeg, Manitoba, CANADA
www.winnipeg.ca/animalservices
^where Molly was from

cassiesmom

10-03-2006, 08:50 PM

I learned about the shelter from which my cat was adopted through a former co-worker. I live in a pet-friendly apartment building, so I've learned about a couple of other no-kill shelters in nearby suburbs. I used to shop at a Petsmart near my work until one opened up near my home. Each of those 2 stores have a relationship with a different animal shelter. I'm on a team of pet people at work and we swap information, too. The same shelter programs and centers keep coming up in our conversations. If I have learned anything in the past ten years it is that pet people love to talk about their pets!

Craftlady

10-03-2006, 10:08 PM

I want answer the question regarding pet stores . To say not all pet store pups/cats are bad. You have to do your research and ask questions of the store owner etc.
My nephew got a wonderful female sheba ino pomerianian (hope I spelled that right). :)
Ellie was in excellant health and was very well taken care of at the pet store where he got her. She has been the joy of his life for over a year now and spoiled rotten by his human grandparents :) If I lived closer, as his human auntie, I'd be added to the spoiling list LOL

sumbirdy

10-04-2006, 10:57 AM

www.arkofmccurtaincounty.org
Cat or Dog adoptions. They have some very beautiful animals there. They also have a wish list if you would like to donate anything.

kitten645

10-22-2006, 11:52 PM

I just found this website for missing pets in Florida. Don't know if you have it yet.

Pets 911 (http://www.pets911.org/main.html)

NoahsMommy

11-06-2006, 07:11 PM

There are a lot of rescues that deal with dogs and/or cats locally. These 'smaller' rescues (as opposed to placed like Best Friends, Pet Finder, shelters) sometimes are known at their own vets. When I worked at a vet people ALWAYS asked if we knew of anyone with dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, etc. We had a rolodex for rescues in the area.

Going to your vet, wherever you live, is a great way to help rescues!!

A lot of rescues will contact vets and put up fliers. This is a great way for them to find homes for their rescues.

PetCo and PetSmart and like stores also have weekend rescue "fairs"....this is an excellent way to find a critter to love.

GREAT idea, Karen. You'd be surprised at how many people DON'T have any idea how to get a rescued or quality bred animal.

:)

heidiv

01-16-2007, 05:20 PM

My local Purebred Cat rescue that I have kept a close eye on is the Pure Bred cat rescue. They are located in Kenosha Wisconsin they deal with all purebred cats. Siamese, lots of persians and himalayans and they also once in a great while they will get Devon Rex, Sphynix and Ragdolls. The people at this rescue are absolutely amazing and extremly easy to work with. They really do an awesome thing here. Many of the animals are from Bad Breeder seizers. It would be amazing if they could be placed onto this list.
www.purebredcatrescue.org

I help my local Humane Society I fostered and I adopted my youngest Cat Paris from this shelter. Its located in Eau Claire Wisconsin
www.eccha.org
Very helpful and kind faces at this shelter. And I may be a little bias but I was lucky to get the sweetest little kitty from this shelter also ;)

crow_noir

03-29-2007, 12:56 AM

I've actually been thinking about making an updated list for MI one of these days organized by County. The main portion would only list those that have websites. Down at the bottom would also include those with just addresses. Below that would be other related organizations. I'd also have notes for which shelters still use gas euth.

In the mean time here is one of my favorite links for MI rescues. http://www.kalamazooanimalrescue.org/michlink.htm

I'd suggest for people looking to adopt to look County by county in a search engine. (Also to not forget that the phone book can be a great resource, as well as asking a vet what organizations they might know of.) Type in each of the following. County means the name of the county. "County dog pound" "County animal control" "County Humane Society" "Humane Society of County" "County ASPCA" "County Animal rescue" And also trying the name of any major metro city in any of those combinations. Even the re-arrangement of words can produce different results. AND don't use just one search engine. USE at LEAST three different search engines. (I suggest Yahoo, Goodsearch, and Google. ...with safe search turned off.) If you are truly serious in finding the perfect companion this will be well worth your time!

A good question to ask a shelter is what vaccinations are given? Tests performed?

Fees should be reflective of the care that a shelter gives an animal.

If it is a rescue rather than just a shelter, you should ask what experiences the animal has had since it's time with them and if they know of it's history.

Oh, i wish i had the link on hand, but i remember finding an excellent page on what to ask breeders. I do know to stay clear away from those that don't have questions to ask you. Don't buy any dog site unseen!!!

Barbiecat

05-23-2007, 11:57 AM

I recently bought items on Ebay from a women in Sayreville, NJ, who does feral rescues. Her organization name is Whiskers Rescue, and this is what is says on her Ebay site:

Whiskers Rescue is a non profit cat rescue based in New Jersey. Our ebay store consists mostly of items that have been donated to help raise funds for medical expenses. We often have vintage and other kinds of jewelry. What we sell completely depends on what has been donated.

I don't know if she has a website, but you can find her on Ebay by looking up sellers. I believe it's listed as one word, Whiskersrescue.

crow_noir

05-24-2007, 12:36 AM

www.whiskersrescue.org (http://www.whiskersrescue.org/)

I recently bought items on Ebay from a women in Sayreville, NJ, who does feral rescues. Her organization name is Whiskers Rescue, and this is what is says on her Ebay site:

Whiskers Rescue is a non profit cat rescue based in New Jersey. Our ebay store consists mostly of items that have been donated to help raise funds for medical expenses. We often have vintage and other kinds of jewelry. What we sell completely depends on what has been donated.

I don't know if she has a website, but you can find her on Ebay by looking up sellers. I believe it's listed as one word, Whiskersrescue.

catfamily

02-21-2008, 09:00 PM

http://www.harvesthills.org/cats.php
this is a wonderful shelter in fryburg maine.they really take great care of the cats and dogs there.there are many volunteers that work there.
and they all enjoy helping out.the cats i have seen there really need a home.they are all very loving cats,and very well cared for by the volunteers.
please...if your in fryburg maine and you can take an adult one preferably.the kittens go to quick.

maerlyn

11-15-2008, 10:30 AM

Tucker County (WV) Animal Control has a relatively new shelter for cats and dogs. Up until 3 or 4 years ago, the dog pound was 4 open kennels in a back yard - no covering whatsoever. There was absolutely *nothing* for the cats! I've become friends with the cat shelter manager and the couple who volunteers there, and I can assure everyone that they are the most compassionate, caring people there are. The shelter is a donated (and much used) house trailer which Cathy (the manager), her husband, and the volunteer couple have fixed up nicely. Cathy runs it as a no-kill shelter & works with some rescues to move the kittens and cats on to good homes. She needs all the help she can get! She hasn't the time to do home visits for potential adopters, but does require a veterinary reference. I'm not certain, but I believe her adoption fee is $50, which is more than reasonable. (And some people complain about that!)

I don't know anything about the dog shelter, which is a cinderblock building on the property; it now has suitable covered runs. Things have improved so greatly for the companion animals of that county, but help is always needed.

Their website is http://members.petfinder.com/~WV56/index.htm

Thanks for looking!

Pinot's Mom

01-13-2009, 10:58 AM

I'm in Maryland, so...

Our "local shelter" - Baltimore City: http://mdspca.org - Maryland SPCA (that's where Pinot came from!)
Howard County (my county):
http://www.howardcountypets.org/ non-profit rescue from kill shelters- Animal Welfare Society of Howard County
www.animal-advocates.org non-profit, promotes pet adoptions from the Howard County Shelter
http://www.lastchanceanimalrescue.org/ non-profit, rescues & cares for animals in the Baltimore/Washington area. Cats available can be seen at the local PetSmart stores-so not all pet stores are dealing with mills!!

How you find these shelters? On line, phone book, vet.

What kind of shelters exist? There are kill and no kill shelters - you have to check!

What questions should they ask at shelter? Always ask if the animal has any health issues that were treated at the shelter, what meds they're on or have been on, where the animal came from, how long they've been there, and any behavioral issues. Are there possibilities for covered insurance for any period in time (sometimes there are-we didn't know and could have benefitted)?

What fees should one expect? In this area $80-$135.

What questions should they ask a breeder? I don't have input on
How do I find a breed-specific rescue? either of these, sorry.

How do I find animals that are in foster care?
Petfinder.com specifies, my vet has postings, and the shelter has postings.

I think this would be a wonderful resource, Karen, thank you for doing it.

As far as "stories" - I think mine's been posted, but here's a short version.
Pinot was adopted from the SPCA; she seemed fine, although I was told she had been treated for a respiratory infection and was through with meds. She was 10 months old and 5 lbs. Within a week, she had been treated by the vet for severe dehydration, given antibiotics, had stopped eating and was making HORRIBLE respiratory sounds. We took her (after one week of having her) to the emergency hospital, we were told she needed a lot of things by IV immediately, they would have to keep her overnight and it would be about $800-900. We said-"go ahead"-what else can you do? Anyway, they had her for 11 hours and she turned a big corner that day. She's fine now, and the love of our lives, but, from what I understand, this is NOT uncommon for a shelter kitty. It's adopter beware!

I think that addresses everything - let me know if you have any other questions for my small corner of the world!

Maggie