I work with a malamute group that does everything they can to prevent owner turn ins. They have no shelter, but use a network of foster homes. The group slogan is "we help people keep their dogs." Obviously not if the dog is being abused or is in danger ect, but if the owner is having training problems or wasn't prepared for a malamute, we do lots of talking "counselling".

The humane society here doesn't take strays from within the city limits. If they are found outside of the city or in one of the other communitites that has no shelter, they'll take the animal. Strays within the city have to go to animal control first. That gives the owner a chance to reclaim them(and usually pay the large fines for loose animals!) If they aren't claimed and the shelter has room, they go over there. The euthansia rate at AC has declined dramatically since this started.