Widely recognized as an umbrella organization for animal rescue groups, Petfinder.org is an online, searchable database of more than 13,000 shelters and adoption agencies across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Some organizations (such as Old Dog Haven) work with older animals whose age would likely cause them to be euthanized in county pounds.
Each year, approximately three to four million cats and dogs are euthanized in shelters due to overcrowding and a shortage of foster homes.
Specialized and trained rescue staff must identify signs of aggression and anxiety and work to remedy these behaviors.
[6] As its name implies, breed-specific rescues save purebred dogs of a certain breed, for example, Akitas, Boxers, Dalmatians, Labrador Retrievers, etc.
Most rescue groups use similar adoption procedures, including completing an application, checking a veterinary reference, conducting an interview (can be in person or by phone) and a home visit.
[7] The adoption fees do not always cover the significant costs involved in rescue, which can include traveling to pick up an animal in need, providing veterinary care, vaccinations, food, spaying and neutering, training, and more.
Most animals in the care of rescue groups live with foster home volunteers as members of the family until an appropriate adopter is found.
The Canadian Federation of Humane Societies accounts for the largest amount of dog and cat shelters in Canada.
The remaining majority were left to be euthanized, sent back to their previous owners, or stayed in the shelters, possibly being transferred from one to another hoping for better outcomes.
The rise of social media has since aided in adoption of pets, as shelters and rescue groups can now post pictures and biographies of the animals on their Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter pages.