Both of my SSs got their dogs for free. Guess you have to have friends who love animals to give you one. Or friends who adopt an animal and then can't keep it.

I got my last kitty for free. SILs cat had kittens and she gave the litter away. I could pick out the one I wanted by playing with all of them and seeing their temperments. She is the best kitty.

It can be done. One needs connections. LOL