Doggie Discrimination: What Characteristics Make One Shelter Animal More "Adoptable" Than Another?

Older animals in shelters are often overlooked.  Those with special needs require extra care, more time, unlimited financial resources, and a healthy dose of patience.  Pet owners who are not looking to make a full-time commitment to their new four-legged friend may find caring for a healthy puppy or kitten easier.  Some prefer younger animals because they have the opportunity to be a part of their upbringing and training.  Others like babies because of their small size and cute appearance.  No matter what the reason may be for adopting younger animals, one thing is certain.  There are certain characteristics that make select shelter animals more "adoptable" than others.  Here are a few of the most common:

• The animal is in good health.
• The animal is well behaved in social situations.
• The animal is able to adapt to new environments quickly.
• The animal does not have any physical disabilities.
• The pet is spayed or neutered.

Despite the overwhelming desire to adopt a certain type of animals, shelters can help add to the animal's success in the following ways.

1.   Prevent breakouts of illness and disease from occurring before they can affect the entire shelter's population.

2.   Nip problem behavior in the bud before it gets out of control.  Teaching an animal not to pull on their leash is one way to make it "adoptable". 

3.  Offer low-cost or no-cost spaying and neutering services at the time of adoption.

4.  Provide training and behavior modification exercises for animals that have trouble socializing or adjusting to life at the shelter.

A New "Leash" on Life for Animals Who Are Difficult to Place in Caring Homes

Rolling Dog Ranch and Indraloka Animal Sanctuary offer a safe haven for animals that have been abused, neglected, abandoned, suffer from illness or have a debilitating disability that keeps them from being adopted.  The organizations have a mission to provide a loving home for animals despite physical limitations.  Rolling Dog Ranch cares for animals that are blind, deaf, and suffer from neurological or orthopedic problems.  Indraloka provides shelter for a menagerie of small and large animals including dogs, cats, pigs, cows, horses, goats, chickens, and porcupines.

Proving that love comes in all shapes, sizes, and breeds, the non-profit organizations depend heavily on donations to care for the animals that live on their premises.  To learn more, visit Rolling Dog Ranch or Indraloka Animal Sanctuary online.