I'm on the west coast, and even two years ago, there was a six month wait. I'm in a city known for a high rate of animal adoptions and pets are flown in from high kill areas to meet the demand.

I decided to get a pet (after unsuccessfully talking myself out of it) and like you couldn't get call backs on the dogs who were a good match. I emailed a couple different rescue groups to ask for tips, and one replied and said the best thing I can do is fill out an application in advance, so that once approved, I'd move further ahead in line and could put in for dogs that match what I'm looking for as soon as they become available. I put my app in a few weeks ago, and haven't heard back since then.

A month or so ago, I realized if I wanted a pet sooner than later, I might have to consider a pure bred, so I did my research and narrowed down to a couple of breeds and started emailing breeders about availability and wait lists. Most reputable breeders had waitlists up to a year long, though there were some questionable sources with puppies available right now. In my emails, I also mentioned I was interested in an adult dog if they happened to have one who was retiring. My preference was for an adult dog, 2 and up.

I was about to go meet someone about one of the questionable puppies (not knowing whether it was legit, a scam, a puppy mill etc) but as I was leaving home felt an overwhelming sense of panic and called off the meeting. Within an hour, one of the breeders emailed and said she had a 3 yr old adult dog who would be spayed and ready to retire the end of February. I immediately had a feeling of calm and relief wash over me and I knew that was the dog I was supposed to pursue. She's currently pregnant with her last litter, due soon, and roughly the end of February, she'll be ready to come home with me.

All of this is to say 1) explore unorthodox avenues. Know what qualities you're looking for and research breeds to find the right fit for you and hit google to help you search. 2) Tell people you're looking for a dog so they can let you know if they learn of a neighbor looking to rehome or something. 3) Trust your intuition about a particular dog/situation. Your gut will help you find the right dog. Mostly--be open and communicative. From the time I firmly decided I wanted a dog, and knew what breed, to the time I was matched was a few days, maybe a week or so. If I had gone the shelter route, I'd still be waiting.

There are so many dogs that currently need to be rehomed but may not be on Petfinder or at rescues yet:

https://getyourpet.com/search#/

Audrey: Audrey is about a year and a half old Doberman Pinscher with natural ears and tail. She is a super loving and docile girl, but is very outgoing and friendly. She is very sweet and calm and good with house manners, good on a leash, and is house trained.

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/audrey-49697976/md/westminster/reach-out-rescue-resources-md356/

Jewel: LHAR rescued this sweet girl with the help of an organization in rural WV. She is very sweet and docile girl. She can be a bit shy and timid at first but will warm up quickly. She will do best in a home with older children.



https://www.petfinder.com/dog/jewel-available-wwwlhardog-to-apply-50098837/md/frederick/lonely-hearts-animal-rescue-k9-rescue-md298/

I'm so sorry, but don't give up! There are many dogs just waiting to be adopted by a wonderful family like yours.

With children, I'd be wary of any quick adoption with no vetting by a foster "parent" associated with a reputable rescue organization.

Whether adopting or going with a breeder, getting a good dog takes a LONG time right now unless you want to get a puppy from a puppy mill. We submitted a rescue to put in an application with a rescue in June, were allowed to apply in August, and finally got a dog mid-October. I would suggest picking a few good rescue (and not Lucky Dog -they are such a mess every time I've tried to work with them). Get approved and you'll be assigned an adoption coordinator who will work with you until you find a dog that is right for you. Most of these dogs won't appear on their websites - things are moving so fast that the rescues don't even have time to put up new profiles.

Texas is a sweet guy who is looking for a loving forever home where he can run, play and be your best buddy. Please consider opening your heart and home to this happy fellow. Texas gets along great with people of all ages and is great with other dogs off and on leash. He is active guy but not hyper at all and would make a great family dog!

https://www.petfinder.com/dog/texas-50117733/dc/washington/k-9-lifesavers-dc19/

He might be a good fit: https://www.petfinder.com/dog/jonas-49907944/dc/washington/k-9-lifesavers-dc19/

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP above - seriously put in an application in any state, they'll approve you in the South in 48 hours because the kill shelters are overwhelmed, put gas in your car, drive there in 11 hours and then drive back.

Wham. You've adopted your first dog.

Please share the name of an agency that will let you adopt a dog within 48 hours.

Almost any county shelter.

+1, even around here. I’ve done it twice. I bet in rural shelters you could walk out with a dog same day.

Only if the dog is already neutered. Otherwise they send it for surgery before you can take it.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP above - seriously put in an application in any state, they'll approve you in the South in 48 hours because the kill shelters are overwhelmed, put gas in your car, drive there in 11 hours and then drive back.

Wham. You've adopted your first dog.

Please share the name of an agency that will let you adopt a dog within 48 hours.

Almost any county shelter.

not in the Atlanta area

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP above - seriously put in an application in any state, they'll approve you in the South in 48 hours because the kill shelters are overwhelmed, put gas in your car, drive there in 11 hours and then drive back.

Wham. You've adopted your first dog.

Please share the name of an agency that will let you adopt a dog within 48 hours.

Almost any county shelter.

+1, even around here. I’ve done it twice. I bet in rural shelters you could walk out with a dog same day.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:PP above - seriously put in an application in any state, they'll approve you in the South in 48 hours because the kill shelters are overwhelmed, put gas in your car, drive there in 11 hours and then drive back.

Wham. You've adopted your first dog.

Please share the name of an agency that will let you adopt a dog within 48 hours.

Almost any county shelter.

Anonymous wrote:Wait til 6 weeks after Christmas when people realize how much work it actually is to take care of a puppy.

This. And check at local county shelters.

Awww:

https://getyourpet.com/search#/pet-details/175148