Why is it so hard to adopt a dog in the DC area?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It can be tough - we got turned down by a breed specific rescue after a home visit and it really was disappointing. We have a very nice suburban home with a yard and two sweet elementary school kids. My husband had the particular breed of dog growing up. We both work, but are only out of the house 2-3 days a week and we are committed to hiring a walker. I don’t know, the person who did the visit was retired and it seemed like she wanted someone that could focus on the dog like she could as a retired empty nester. We would give a dog tons of attention but, yes, we are a normal busy family like many that are successful dog owners.

It might have been the dog, not you! For example, maybe the dog had separation anxiety (or just a tendency to bark a lot when alone), so wouldn't do well during the workweek. I volunteered for a local shelter for years and can think of several instances where perfectly lovely adopters were just not the right fit for the dog they liked the best, for lots of neutral reasons (lived near a busy street or lots of other dogs when the dog in question was reactive; worked long hours when the dog needed lots of physical AND mental stimulation; frequently entertained family when the dog wasn't good with kids, etc.).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can be tough - we got turned down by a breed specific rescue after a home visit and it really was disappointing. We have a very nice suburban home with a yard and two sweet elementary school kids. My husband had the particular breed of dog growing up. We both work, but are only out of the house 2-3 days a week and we are committed to hiring a walker. I don’t know, the person who did the visit was retired and it seemed like she wanted someone that could focus on the dog like she could as a retired empty nester. We would give a dog tons of attention but, yes, we are a normal busy family like many that are successful dog owners.

It might have been the dog, not you! For example, maybe the dog had separation anxiety (or just a tendency to bark a lot when alone), so wouldn't do well during the workweek. I volunteered for a local shelter for years and can think of several instances where perfectly lovely adopters were just not the right fit for the dog they liked the best, for lots of neutral reasons (lived near a busy street or lots of other dogs when the dog in question was reactive; worked long hours when the dog needed lots of physical AND mental stimulation; frequently entertained family when the dog wasn't good with kids, etc.).

Still ridiculous. It’s a SHELTER DOG. As long as they will walk, feed and love the dog, nothing else matters!

[Anonymous]

I didn’t read all the responses so apologies if this is redundant, but try Last Chance Animal Rescue. They are based out of Waldorf, but they have a satellite location in Alexandria and bring dogs regularly to different PetSmarts and PetCos in the area.

We adopted a dog from them, and there was no home visit or other “hoops” to jump through. We filled out some paperwork, paid the $375, and brought home our dog (who is awesome, BTW). They often have older dogs. Find them on Facebook, they have profiles of all their dogs so it’s very easy to narrow down which ones might fit your parameters.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can be tough - we got turned down by a breed specific rescue after a home visit and it really was disappointing. We have a very nice suburban home with a yard and two sweet elementary school kids. My husband had the particular breed of dog growing up. We both work, but are only out of the house 2-3 days a week and we are committed to hiring a walker. I don’t know, the person who did the visit was retired and it seemed like she wanted someone that could focus on the dog like she could as a retired empty nester. We would give a dog tons of attention but, yes, we are a normal busy family like many that are successful dog owners.

It might have been the dog, not you! For example, maybe the dog had separation anxiety (or just a tendency to bark a lot when alone), so wouldn't do well during the workweek. I volunteered for a local shelter for years and can think of several instances where perfectly lovely adopters were just not the right fit for the dog they liked the best, for lots of neutral reasons (lived near a busy street or lots of other dogs when the dog in question was reactive; worked long hours when the dog needed lots of physical AND mental stimulation; frequently entertained family when the dog wasn't good with kids, etc.).

Still ridiculous. It’s a SHELTER DOG. As long as they will walk, feed and love the dog, nothing else matters!

It will soon be back in the shelter if it isn’t good with kids. That poster seems to think because her DH Had one dog of a certain breed, any other dog should be the same. That is NOT how it works!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can be tough - we got turned down by a breed specific rescue after a home visit and it really was disappointing. We have a very nice suburban home with a yard and two sweet elementary school kids. My husband had the particular breed of dog growing up. We both work, but are only out of the house 2-3 days a week and we are committed to hiring a walker. I don’t know, the person who did the visit was retired and it seemed like she wanted someone that could focus on the dog like she could as a retired empty nester. We would give a dog tons of attention but, yes, we are a normal busy family like many that are successful dog owners.

It might have been the dog, not you! For example, maybe the dog had separation anxiety (or just a tendency to bark a lot when alone), so wouldn't do well during the workweek. I volunteered for a local shelter for years and can think of several instances where perfectly lovely adopters were just not the right fit for the dog they liked the best, for lots of neutral reasons (lived near a busy street or lots of other dogs when the dog in question was reactive; worked long hours when the dog needed lots of physical AND mental stimulation; frequently entertained family when the dog wasn't good with kids, etc.).

Still ridiculous. It’s a SHELTER DOG. As long as they will walk, feed and love the dog, nothing else matters!

It will soon be back in the shelter if it isn’t good with kids. That poster seems to think because her DH Had one dog of a certain breed, any other dog should be the same. That is NOT how it works!

I’m the PP - we were trying to get approved to adopt any dog from the rescue, I.e. we could have waited for one that was good with kids, etc...it was a family friendly breed as well. We’ve since been approved by a different breed specific rescue for a similar breed so it is pretty random. The first one was our preference but we’ve moved on and are working with this other group.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can be tough - we got turned down by a breed specific rescue after a home visit and it really was disappointing. We have a very nice suburban home with a yard and two sweet elementary school kids. My husband had the particular breed of dog growing up. We both work, but are only out of the house 2-3 days a week and we are committed to hiring a walker. I don’t know, the person who did the visit was retired and it seemed like she wanted someone that could focus on the dog like she could as a retired empty nester. We would give a dog tons of attention but, yes, we are a normal busy family like many that are successful dog owners.

It might have been the dog, not you! For example, maybe the dog had separation anxiety (or just a tendency to bark a lot when alone), so wouldn't do well during the workweek. I volunteered for a local shelter for years and can think of several instances where perfectly lovely adopters were just not the right fit for the dog they liked the best, for lots of neutral reasons (lived near a busy street or lots of other dogs when the dog in question was reactive; worked long hours when the dog needed lots of physical AND mental stimulation; frequently entertained family when the dog wasn't good with kids, etc.).

Still ridiculous. It’s a SHELTER DOG. As long as they will walk, feed and love the dog, nothing else matters!

...does it also not matter if the dog then gets stressed out and bites someone, because it was otherwise walked, fed, and loved?! Your reply makes no sense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can be tough - we got turned down by a breed specific rescue after a home visit and it really was disappointing. We have a very nice suburban home with a yard and two sweet elementary school kids. My husband had the particular breed of dog growing up. We both work, but are only out of the house 2-3 days a week and we are committed to hiring a walker. I don’t know, the person who did the visit was retired and it seemed like she wanted someone that could focus on the dog like she could as a retired empty nester. We would give a dog tons of attention but, yes, we are a normal busy family like many that are successful dog owners.

It might have been the dog, not you! For example, maybe the dog had separation anxiety (or just a tendency to bark a lot when alone), so wouldn't do well during the workweek. I volunteered for a local shelter for years and can think of several instances where perfectly lovely adopters were just not the right fit for the dog they liked the best, for lots of neutral reasons (lived near a busy street or lots of other dogs when the dog in question was reactive; worked long hours when the dog needed lots of physical AND mental stimulation; frequently entertained family when the dog wasn't good with kids, etc.).

Still ridiculous. It’s a SHELTER DOG. As long as they will walk, feed and love the dog, nothing else matters!

It will soon be back in the shelter if it isn’t good with kids. That poster seems to think because her DH Had one dog of a certain breed, any other dog should be the same. That is NOT how it works!

I’m the PP - we were trying to get approved to adopt any dog from the rescue, I.e. we could have waited for one that was good with kids, etc...it was a family friendly breed as well. We’ve since been approved by a different breed specific rescue for a similar breed so it is pretty random. The first one was our preference but we’ve moved on and are working with this other group.

that's ridiculous, surely they get some kid-friendly dogs. Some dog people think that all kids want to do nothing but torture Fido. My kids adore our dog and are so gentle with him. they never want his disciplined either -- he was whining in the car one day and I told him to be quiet and my 5 yo was like "mom, just let him do what he wants!"

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can be tough - we got turned down by a breed specific rescue after a home visit and it really was disappointing. We have a very nice suburban home with a yard and two sweet elementary school kids. My husband had the particular breed of dog growing up. We both work, but are only out of the house 2-3 days a week and we are committed to hiring a walker. I don’t know, the person who did the visit was retired and it seemed like she wanted someone that could focus on the dog like she could as a retired empty nester. We would give a dog tons of attention but, yes, we are a normal busy family like many that are successful dog owners.

It might have been the dog, not you! For example, maybe the dog had separation anxiety (or just a tendency to bark a lot when alone), so wouldn't do well during the workweek. I volunteered for a local shelter for years and can think of several instances where perfectly lovely adopters were just not the right fit for the dog they liked the best, for lots of neutral reasons (lived near a busy street or lots of other dogs when the dog in question was reactive; worked long hours when the dog needed lots of physical AND mental stimulation; frequently entertained family when the dog wasn't good with kids, etc.).

Still ridiculous. It’s a SHELTER DOG. As long as they will walk, feed and love the dog, nothing else matters!

...does it also not matter if the dog then gets stressed out and bites someone, because it was otherwise walked, fed, and loved?! Your reply makes no sense.

A dog is an animal. Any dog can bite a child.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can be tough - we got turned down by a breed specific rescue after a home visit and it really was disappointing. We have a very nice suburban home with a yard and two sweet elementary school kids. My husband had the particular breed of dog growing up. We both work, but are only out of the house 2-3 days a week and we are committed to hiring a walker. I don’t know, the person who did the visit was retired and it seemed like she wanted someone that could focus on the dog like she could as a retired empty nester. We would give a dog tons of attention but, yes, we are a normal busy family like many that are successful dog owners.

It might have been the dog, not you! For example, maybe the dog had separation anxiety (or just a tendency to bark a lot when alone), so wouldn't do well during the workweek. I volunteered for a local shelter for years and can think of several instances where perfectly lovely adopters were just not the right fit for the dog they liked the best, for lots of neutral reasons (lived near a busy street or lots of other dogs when the dog in question was reactive; worked long hours when the dog needed lots of physical AND mental stimulation; frequently entertained family when the dog wasn't good with kids, etc.).

Still ridiculous. It’s a SHELTER DOG. As long as they will walk, feed and love the dog, nothing else matters!

...does it also not matter if the dog then gets stressed out and bites someone, because it was otherwise walked, fed, and loved?! Your reply makes no sense.

A volunteer from a rescue group isn’t going to be able to predict how a dog will act or react to a certain environment. The home visits are a waste of time.

Reminds me of how one rescue makes you use hand sanitizer before touching puppies. They say it’s because the puppies aren’t vaccinated yet. Last time I checked, you can’t spread rabies or other illnesses from touching a dog.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can be tough - we got turned down by a breed specific rescue after a home visit and it really was disappointing. We have a very nice suburban home with a yard and two sweet elementary school kids. My husband had the particular breed of dog growing up. We both work, but are only out of the house 2-3 days a week and we are committed to hiring a walker. I don’t know, the person who did the visit was retired and it seemed like she wanted someone that could focus on the dog like she could as a retired empty nester. We would give a dog tons of attention but, yes, we are a normal busy family like many that are successful dog owners.

It might have been the dog, not you! For example, maybe the dog had separation anxiety (or just a tendency to bark a lot when alone), so wouldn't do well during the workweek. I volunteered for a local shelter for years and can think of several instances where perfectly lovely adopters were just not the right fit for the dog they liked the best, for lots of neutral reasons (lived near a busy street or lots of other dogs when the dog in question was reactive; worked long hours when the dog needed lots of physical AND mental stimulation; frequently entertained family when the dog wasn't good with kids, etc.).

Still ridiculous. It’s a SHELTER DOG. As long as they will walk, feed and love the dog, nothing else matters!

...does it also not matter if the dog then gets stressed out and bites someone, because it was otherwise walked, fed, and loved?! Your reply makes no sense.

A volunteer from a rescue group isn’t going to be able to predict how a dog will act or react to a certain environment. The home visits are a waste of time.

Reminds me of how one rescue makes you use hand sanitizer before touching puppies. They say it’s because the puppies aren’t vaccinated yet. Last time I checked, you can’t spread rabies or other illnesses from touching a dog.

They are worried about the puppies getting Parvo, etc.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can be tough - we got turned down by a breed specific rescue after a home visit and it really was disappointing. We have a very nice suburban home with a yard and two sweet elementary school kids. My husband had the particular breed of dog growing up. We both work, but are only out of the house 2-3 days a week and we are committed to hiring a walker. I don’t know, the person who did the visit was retired and it seemed like she wanted someone that could focus on the dog like she could as a retired empty nester. We would give a dog tons of attention but, yes, we are a normal busy family like many that are successful dog owners.

It might have been the dog, not you! For example, maybe the dog had separation anxiety (or just a tendency to bark a lot when alone), so wouldn't do well during the workweek. I volunteered for a local shelter for years and can think of several instances where perfectly lovely adopters were just not the right fit for the dog they liked the best, for lots of neutral reasons (lived near a busy street or lots of other dogs when the dog in question was reactive; worked long hours when the dog needed lots of physical AND mental stimulation; frequently entertained family when the dog wasn't good with kids, etc.).

Still ridiculous. It’s a SHELTER DOG. As long as they will walk, feed and love the dog, nothing else matters!

...does it also not matter if the dog then gets stressed out and bites someone, because it was otherwise walked, fed, and loved?! Your reply makes no sense.

A volunteer from a rescue group isn’t going to be able to predict how a dog will act or react to a certain environment. The home visits are a waste of time.

Reminds me of how one rescue makes you use hand sanitizer before touching puppies. They say it’s because the puppies aren’t vaccinated yet. Last time I checked, you can’t spread rabies or other illnesses from touching a dog.

There is quite an easy solution, a couple actually, for those of you who continue to bitch and moan about the rescue groups' rules: go to a rural shelter and rescue an animal from the very overcrowded shelters out there (you will walk out with the dog of your choice on the spot); or don't go to a shelter at all.

These rescue groups are doing the best they can with what they have. And I for one am sick to death of the entitled people on here criticizing them. Are they perfect? No. Are they doing the best they can in most instances? Yes. Unless you're getting your hands dirty helping them out, and working to change policies based on whatever it is that makes you think you can do it better, then STFU.

[Anonymous]

I am the OP...thanks again for the posters with great information! We ended up adopting a rescue puppy. Not quite what we what we thought we were looking for, but an awesome fit for our family. For everyone else, please be assured that our lifestyle, finances and yard are also a good fit.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can be tough - we got turned down by a breed specific rescue after a home visit and it really was disappointing. We have a very nice suburban home with a yard and two sweet elementary school kids. My husband had the particular breed of dog growing up. We both work, but are only out of the house 2-3 days a week and we are committed to hiring a walker. I don’t know, the person who did the visit was retired and it seemed like she wanted someone that could focus on the dog like she could as a retired empty nester. We would give a dog tons of attention but, yes, we are a normal busy family like many that are successful dog owners.

It might have been the dog, not you! For example, maybe the dog had separation anxiety (or just a tendency to bark a lot when alone), so wouldn't do well during the workweek. I volunteered for a local shelter for years and can think of several instances where perfectly lovely adopters were just not the right fit for the dog they liked the best, for lots of neutral reasons (lived near a busy street or lots of other dogs when the dog in question was reactive; worked long hours when the dog needed lots of physical AND mental stimulation; frequently entertained family when the dog wasn't good with kids, etc.).

Still ridiculous. It’s a SHELTER DOG. As long as they will walk, feed and love the dog, nothing else matters!

...does it also not matter if the dog then gets stressed out and bites someone, because it was otherwise walked, fed, and loved?! Your reply makes no sense.

A volunteer from a rescue group isn’t going to be able to predict how a dog will act or react to a certain environment. The home visits are a waste of time.

Reminds me of how one rescue makes you use hand sanitizer before touching puppies. They say it’s because the puppies aren’t vaccinated yet. Last time I checked, you can’t spread rabies or other illnesses from touching a dog.

They are worried about the puppies getting Parvo, etc.

Again doesn’t make sense. Pets don’t get parvo from humans.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:It can be tough - we got turned down by a breed specific rescue after a home visit and it really was disappointing. We have a very nice suburban home with a yard and two sweet elementary school kids. My husband had the particular breed of dog growing up. We both work, but are only out of the house 2-3 days a week and we are committed to hiring a walker. I don’t know, the person who did the visit was retired and it seemed like she wanted someone that could focus on the dog like she could as a retired empty nester. We would give a dog tons of attention but, yes, we are a normal busy family like many that are successful dog owners.

It might have been the dog, not you! For example, maybe the dog had separation anxiety (or just a tendency to bark a lot when alone), so wouldn't do well during the workweek. I volunteered for a local shelter for years and can think of several instances where perfectly lovely adopters were just not the right fit for the dog they liked the best, for lots of neutral reasons (lived near a busy street or lots of other dogs when the dog in question was reactive; worked long hours when the dog needed lots of physical AND mental stimulation; frequently entertained family when the dog wasn't good with kids, etc.).

Still ridiculous. It’s a SHELTER DOG. As long as they will walk, feed and love the dog, nothing else matters!

...does it also not matter if the dog then gets stressed out and bites someone, because it was otherwise walked, fed, and loved?! Your reply makes no sense.

A volunteer from a rescue group isn’t going to be able to predict how a dog will act or react to a certain environment. The home visits are a waste of time.

Reminds me of how one rescue makes you use hand sanitizer before touching puppies. They say it’s because the puppies aren’t vaccinated yet. Last time I checked, you can’t spread rabies or other illnesses from touching a dog.

There is quite an easy solution, a couple actually, for those of you who continue to bitch and moan about the rescue groups' rules: go to a rural shelter and rescue an animal from the very overcrowded shelters out there (you will walk out with the dog of your choice on the spot); or don't go to a shelter at all.

These rescue groups are doing the best they can with what they have. And I for one am sick to death of the entitled people on here criticizing them. Are they perfect? No. Are they doing the best they can in most instances? Yes. Unless you're getting your hands dirty helping them out, and working to change policies based on whatever it is that makes you think you can do it better, then STFU.

Please post some names of these!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Again doesn’t make sense. Pets don’t get parvo from humans.

Just because humans can't get Parvo, doesn't mean that they can't help transmit it. Parvo can live in the environment for a very long time. Like a year. In soil. A person just walking where a dog with parvo has been, can trek it in on their shoes (for instance). Or it could be on their hands, if they took off their shoes, or otherwise handled it. This is why responsible breeders are extra careful with puppies that have not completed their vaccine series. They do need socialization, but they also need careful handling to make sure that they don't come down with a deadly illness.

I volunteer with a rescue. We have several fosters that cannot foster unvaccinated puppies, because they have, in the past, had a dog or pup with parvo. It's too high of a risk in an unvaccinated dog or pup.