Adopt from a Rescue

Animal rescues are benevolent organizations that take in at-risk animals such as red-listed pets from overcrowded shelters, captured strays with good temperaments, and sometimes pets with special health needs. Adopting from a rescue is a sound choice since animals are generally evaluated for temper, behavior, and medical issues, and rescues generally will not adopt out if they deem a family or home a bad fit.

Like municipal shelters, rescues desperately need homes for their pets to reduce overcrowding and make room for more animals in immediate need.