Episode #107 Shelters, Humane Societies and Rescues

Considering our upcoming summer days, and thinking about things we can do to help make a difference for good, today I want to talk about shelters, rescues and humane societies. What’s the difference or are they the same and how can you get involved, even if you didn’t get your dog from one?

Transcript

Shelters, Humane Societies and Rescues

Hi everyone! How are you today? Summer is crazy busy at our house and it goes faster each year. When my kids were little I stressed some over what we were going to do each day and what activities I could plan to help them learn and make progress during the break from regular school days. Now I’m just holding on trying to keep up with the fun things they are individually involved in as well as organizing time to be together. Crazy but fun. And Baxter is along for the ride through it all. He goes with the flow pretty well and loves to go on adventures with us when possible. I hope your summer months are full of memories too. 

Considering our upcoming summer days, and thinking about things we can do to help make a difference for good, today I want to talk about shelters, rescues and humane societies. What’s the difference or are they the same and how can you get involved, even if you didn’t get your dog from one?

We partner with many professional organizations, including breeders, trainers, rescues, shelters, vet clinics, animal hospitals and other canine community organizations. We appreciate everyone who is pet passionate like us, and together we are making the world a better place for our dogs to live. 

First, shelters, humane societies and rescues are all valuable! They are similar in that they take in animals and provide them with shelter, food and water. They are different in who runs them, how they operate and the costs associated. Even within rescues though there are differences among them - same with shelters and humane societies. They are oftentimes independent organizations, but with similar missions - all trying to help.

Shelters are local facilities where pets are dropped off for a variety of reasons. Most have an open door policy where all pets are welcome. While terms such as the city pound, animal control or animal services are also used, the term shelter means a place where animals can get shelter, food and water - the basic necessities of life. Unfortunately, as animals come in, room must be made and animals who do not get adopted out may be put to sleep, or euthanized. Please know not all shelters will euthanize animals, which are sometimes referred to as no-kill shelters. Many modern shelters do a wonderful job of keeping their facilities bright and clean, welcoming in the public to adopt out an animal living there and hopefully giving them a new chance at life. 

Humane Societies are independent organizations - independent from the Humane Society of the United States as well - and have the option to accept all pets or have a limited number they accept, which helps prevent them from euthanizing animals in order to make room. Many use foster homes or boarding facilities to help with animal intake as well. Others work together and move animals from one Humane organization to another in hopes a new community may be a good fit for the animals being transferred there. Still others may operate just like a city shelter. 

Rescues are an individual or non-profit organization run by volunteers which vary in how they are operated. Many take in animals, get to know them, and foster them until they are adopted. Adoption prices vary across the board from shelters to rescues and geographic locations. Policies at these facilities also vary so you’ll want to ask about those when you first contact a shelter, Humane Society or rescue about adopting a pet.

Something these three organizations have in common is the need for volunteers! Even if you didn’t get your dog from a shelter, Humane Society or rescue, there may be one in your area who needs your help!

I have volunteered at my local Humane Society off and on as my time allows, and helped with laundry, cleaning the kennels and surrounding areas, washing food and water bowls, walking dogs, playing with the dogs, and training them on basic manners and behaviors. We had a dog come in one day who was scared of the floor drain that went through the front of the kennel. I played a simple game where I tossed a treat away from the floor drain for the dog to go and enjoy. When they turned around I tossed another one away from the floor drain. Eventually he became more comfortable moving my way to get the next treat tossed and stopped caring about the floor drain! I also worked on dogs coming to the front of their kennels and sitting for a treat. We practiced this over and over again to help them have better manners when people came to see them. 

My brother’s family recently fostered a litter of four kittens. They were not sure about having a full-time pet but had a few months they felt like they were willing to give it a go and fostering allowed them to help the local Humane Society as well as get the experience of having pets in their home. They have adored the experience, and we love hearing the stories their kids excitedly tell us each time we see them. 

I live in a college town. Our local Humane Society allows people to come take a dog on a jog or walk, even on overnight experiences to get the dogs out and about, socialize them and expose them to everyday life experiences. This is popular with many students on campus who can’t have a pet due to their rental agreements, but want to spend time with a pet. It benefits both the human and the dog! 

Many rescues have fundraisers and benefit greatly from community involvement! Dinner auctions, art shows, dog walk-a-thons, etc are some of the things we have experienced here locally to raise money and awareness about pet adoption - and we anticipate if you look you will see similar options close to you too. Check out your local area and see what needs are around you and choose to become involved. You may find volunteering is a good fit for you or someone in your household. As the saying goes, when we each contribute a little, together we accomplish a lot!

Those who work in shelters, humane societies or rescues have a hard job, but a rewarding one. We appreciate the work they do and encourage everyone to become involved in lifting a hand when you can.

On that note, when you find someone who has recently adopted a dog from a shelter, humane society or rescue, tell them about our online training program and how it is good for new puppies and older dogs too. We help any dog in any circumstance and look forward to helping as many pet families this summer as we can. 

Have a great week! I hope you find a fun adventure to enjoy with your dog this weekend! 

Happy Training