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I know shelter restrictions are hard sometimes. When we adopted our first dog, Louie, the shelter just did a couple reference checks and called our landlords to verify a dog was allowed at our rental. We went back a year later to adopt a second dog, and the requirements had changed to 1) owning your own home, 2) having a yard with an 8' foot, and 3) job verification and wage checks. We owned a condo, but we didn't have a fenced yard, so we didn't qualify to adopt, which was super disappointing. :(
If you do get turned down by a shelter, you might want to look in the newspaper or on Craigslist for giveaways in your area. We ended up getting our second dog, George, when a friend of a friend had to give away their new puppy due to some rental agreement changes. There's lots of dogs that need good homes, and not all of them are in shelters!
you won't be rejected kitty!
we had a similar experience in 2005 when trying to adopt a cat. my husband (then bf) had to put his BOSS as a reference - and they called her. He's a VP, so that was a little extreme and she definitely ribbed him a bit for it. And after all that, interviews etc, they accidentally gave our cat to another couple. they misfiled the paperwork. I cried all night!
We went to another county and adopted our cat Rocky and it was much easier. If it's meant to be, it'll happen. But kitty please - do not buy a pet from the pet store. It's so horrible that they breed them in bad conditions to sell when there are so many at the pound.
Many groups have different requirements. If you are looking for a smaller dog, definitely check their rules as many of them do realize that apartment owners are just fine with smaller dogs. I've never heard of needing 2 vet recommendations or even 1 before, so I don't know what group you were looking at that requires it. I second checking craigslist and the classifieds as many people are having to give up their pets right now with the economy.
I had the exact same experience and outrage when we adopted our dog this year. Luckily we met all the qualifications, so we got her. I know they are trying to do right by the dog, but they make it so hard!
I know what you mean. We love English setters, and support a rescue group, but couldn't actually adopt one of their rescue dogs because FI keeps his male dogs intact (for reasons that I don't understand but have to do with hunting drive in his mind - I've given up on it). My dog's life is about 10 times better than mine, FI and I are such stereotypical DINKWDs.
If you are looking right now, CraigsList is a good source for dogs that are heading for a shelter but the owners are trying desperately to place first. I know NYC hasn't had the same housing crisis as here in Cal, but I'm sure there are still plenty of people who can no longer care for their dogs but are trying to re-home before going to a shelter.
Keep in mind the requirements are to weed out unsuitable owners. You may know you're going to be great, but to the rescue volunteers you may well be just as irresponsible as the owner that got bored with their pet and dumped it on their doorstep to begin with. We've adopted two dogs, so yes I TOTALLY understand how frustrating it can be (and I DO live in an apt and FI and I BOTH work all day - 2 red flags right off the bat at a lot of rescues!). In the end all the extra work will be worth it!!
Oh - and as others have said PLEASE don't buy a dog! You'll only contributing to an ongoing problem and really, proving the rescue that turned you down right...
I have to say the adoption requirements on Petfinder *looked* a lot more intimidating than they actually turned out to be for me. I'm in NYC too and adopted from a rescue that said they preferred people with houses, wanted vet recommendations, etc.
I just filled out the application anyway and explained why I thought we would be good pet owners. I asked some friends for vet recommendations and I listed those people and explained that I didn't have a relationship with them since I hadn't owned a dog in the city before.
I didn't hear from the rescue for almost two weeks and assumed my application had been rejected automatically. When I followed up the woman was so nice and we talked about our situation and scheduled a home visit.
I bought a crate, toys, and food before the visit so they could see we were set up to be puppy parents. I was nervous about the visit but it turned out to be low key. And soon we had our puppy home with us!
So I would just be honest and upfront with the agencies. If you meet resistance that's probably not who you want to adopt from anyway!
It can be frustrating. We were regected by a lot of rescues because we didn't have a yard. But I guess I can understand where they are coming from. I think they are just trying to avoid the dog ending right back in the shelter. I have seen too many people adopt dogs on a whim, realize how much work the dog needs, (behaviorally, exercise or health-wise) and then return it.
It sounds like you are educated and really care about dogs, and I am sure that will come through to adoption centers!
I share your outrage!
Seven years ago, my first dog was a rescue from a shelter. The only basic requirement to adopt her was having the $65 to pay for her license fee and microchip.
We rescued our second dog from a friend who was giving the whole litter to the shelter.
We recently tried to adopt a friend for him, but the requirements now are RIDICULOUS! No wonder your rescue organization is overrun with animals, you require vet reqs, a home inspection, a yard, and you want to call my boss, my landlord (and probably my mother!!!!). Then, to top it all off, the rescues in my area usually want you to pay some RIDICULOUS fee to be able to adopt the dog!! We're talking $400-$500 dollars!! I understand you had to feed and shelter the dog for however long, but I shouldn't have to pay YOUR org's overhead costs!! If you're worried that someone will adopt the dog without the fundage to care for them, then why don't you require a $400-$500 DEPOSIT at a vet's office instead?? Then the money actually goes to the animal, AND you know the new owner is legit!
I mean they have the sad commercials on tv with the Sara McLaughlin songs that make you cry and guilt you into trying to adopt, then they won't even give you a chance!
I even took my dog with me one time to go see some contenders at the local adoption drive, and they told me to take him back to the car, that dogs weren't allowed in the adoption area! Excuse me??? How the hell am I supposed to know if my dog will be ok with a new dog?? How am I supposed to test that out?? It really pissed me off!
So yeah, I agree with you. The rules are stupid. And if you're going to pay $400-$500 for a dog, I'm sure there are reputable AKC breeders in your area that you CAN get a dog from if your local shelters and rescues make it impossible to go that route. (My FIL bought a dog from Seattle and had it shipped to New Mexico because he COULD NOT find anyone that would adopt out to him! Just because his yard doesn't have an 8' fence!!).
Try the Humane Society. They are very reasonable in their requirements and you'd be saving a life! :)
I used to volunteer at an animal shelter - you'd be surprised how many animals get returned. It was really costly for the shelter to get the animal adopted, and then to have the animal returned? ugh. I mean, rather returned than some situations we saw: animals getting really horribly mistreated and then 'dropped off' at our door.. It's disgusting what some people do to animals.
Anyway, they started cracking down around when I was leaving. It seemed a hassle to me but I'm willing to go through that hassle in the hopes that no more animals ever show up at a shelter bloody and broken EVER AGAIN.
The application processes (although tedious) is really useful... The main things we look for at the shelter I work are vet reference (just one) type of house/fence based on the dog they are interested in, if they have kids and mainly if the dog will be indoor or out... You would be surprised how many people come in who don't have a fence and want a little tiny dachshund mix to throw in their backyard! SERIOUSLY! But it does depend on the dog...
That said we've also had people who seemed like they would be great homes, who once we called the vet they actually said "they have too many animals" or "they really can't afford another animal". And others who we actually have given dogs and they've come back in terrible shape, or they get returned and have really been neglected... So the harder the application process it's just to make sure you will be the right home...
Also, they tend to feel that if you don't have the patience/time/energy to just deal with the application process, then you probably don't have the patience/time/energy to take care of a dog properly... especially in an apartment...
I'm sure you would make a great home, but you have to prove that to strangers who only want THE BEST for these animals.
You live in NYC? There must be a ton of shelters that have less lengthy application forms and especially places that don't require you to have a yard. I can't imagine that being a requirement at any NYC shelter. Yes, some questions are necessary to be asked, for the reason everyone has stated here. Not only is it costly to the shelter to have a pet returned, as stated, but it's harder to rehome an animal because merely hearing that it's been returned turns off a surprisingly large number of adopters--you'd be surprised. They want to make sure the pet is going somewhere that can provide for it both emotionally and physically. Please, please do not buy a dog. As another poster said, if you did that, you just be proving that application-rejecters right by showing that you aren't reponsible and invested in the welfare of dogs, since millions are put to sleep every year because there just isn't enough space at shelters. If this one rejects you, assuming you prove you have the resouces to give the dog basic care, you WILL find someone to approve you.
Although I don't care for your language, I understand your frustration. There is a wonderful organization I would LOVE to foster for, but we wouldn't even be considered because there is a daycare in the home, never mind that our dogs are kept upstairs and the kids are kept downstairs and they do not have contact unless I am right there. I do understand though that their insurance company says it is too big of a risk for them to take.
Also, a complicated application does NOT always mean you will be rejected. A lot of times it is to help them find a dog that is right for your particular situation. For example, your interested in "Fido", but Fido has a history of bolting out of the door, and your adoption application says you don't have a fenced yard. Maybe Fido isn't the best fit for you, but perhaps Eddie, who DOESN'T need a fenced yard would be a better fit. We fostered an older dog who needed to go potty a LOT. A very nice gentleman wanted to adopt her, and he would have been an ideal home except that he worked long hours, and she wouldn't be able to "hold it" that long. He wasn't approved to adopt our foster, but that didn't disqualify him from adopting another dog who would be able to go for longer periods of time without being let out.
A $400-500 adoption fee does seem a bit high, yes, but you have to realize the kind of money that goes in to helping a lot of these dogs. It's not just feeding them until they get adopted. Many need spaying and neutering, flea and tick treatments, heartworm or other parasite treatments, microchipping, basic shots, and more. Some dogs need hundreds or even thousands of dollars worth of care before they get adopted. Most rescue organizations and shelters are non-profit for a reason; they aren't lining their pockets. Most are making just enough through adoption fees and donations to keep their doors open so they can keep helping other dogs. Also, a lot of organizations foster dogs rather than keeping them in a shelter situation. I'm not seeing any of your adoption fee either. As a foster, we are given food, and reimbused for medical expenses. Treats, toys, and extras, we pay for ourselves.
There ARE shelters and rescues with lower adoption fees, as well, but before getting upset about any adoption fee, consider how much money you would have to spend getting vet checks, shots, and paying for spaying/neutering of a cheaper dog purchased from a less-than-reputable-source, (be it petstore, backyard breeder, etc).
If you ARE rejected for reasons you don't agree with, or think an organizations fees are too high, check petfinder.com for other rescues and shelters that are either in your area, or willing to adopt outside of their local area.
This is a tough issue...the rules, regulations, and fees set up to help rescues succeed in their placements can sometimes backfire when people get upset and go buy animals from pet stores or backyard breeders instead. The money that those people receive from the purchase of a puppy just goes to producing more badly bred puppies, some of which will end up flooding the shelters with more unwanted animals. I hope to see the day when we don't NEED animal shelters (or people shelters for that matter). But please keep in mind that these are mostly volunteer organizations doing their best to do what they feel is best for the animals in their care.
I'm thinking of just having my mom adopt the dog for us. We would obviously choose a dog that can be around other dogs (so we can do the dog park) and a smaller dog that will be OK with apartment living. My mom is like a shelter's wet dream - she's practically BFF with the vet in their town, we've had three dogs, has a huge house, yard, etc. So, yeah, it's lying, but I don't need to be "red flagged" because I live in an apartment and have a job. How is a person supposed to pay vet bills without a damn job?!?
And I don't want to buy a dog. I really don't. I mean, I really want an English Bulldog but there aren't that many of them floating around the shelters and I don't want to go to a breeder. I want to take home a dog that needs a good home and lots of love! That's the thing that is so frustrating about it. My heart breaks when I watch those stupid Sarah MacLachlan commercials and I just want to do the right thing and save a dog in need! ARGH!
And again, I get why they have an application process and I don't think that any jerk off the street should be able to come in and leave with a dog, but I do think that some of the requirements I've seen on Petfinder are just ridiculous.
You should read every rescue's requirements before applying. Most are very upfront about their policies, although there are a few bad seeds who are secretive about what they are looking for because they don't want people to lie. This is understandable, but it ruins it for so many other rescues because people take it personally when they are rejected and respond in the way you have. I think the notion of responding to a rejection to SAVE a dog, by BUYING a dog and ineffect putting money in the hands of a person who perpetuates the suffering of millions of animals is puzzling to me, though I do understand your frustration. I think it is misguided though, because there is no reason to take it out on the dog.
Not every resuce requires a fenced in yard, or "acres and acres" of land, or a person who works from home, or someone with 2 vet references. That is just overdramatizing the facts. Every organization is different, some restrictions more lax than others. Generally, state/city funded shelters are much more lax on their regulations because of the sheer volume of animals we see. In Philly we receive one of the largest intakes every year at about 30,000 animals, but we have one of the lowest city fundings in the nation. There simply is not enough space to be overly picky of adopters. HOWEVER, it is very important to find someone that is A) capable and ready to be responsible for a dog and B) capable and ready to be responsible for the SPECIFIC dog in question.
Not every dog is right for every situation. Please realize that rescues are usually comprised of foster homes; people who take these dogs from shelters and keep them in their homes. Dogs spend weeks to months in these homes, and foster parents come to know what is best for that dog in particular. You may think a dog is perfect for you from reading a blurb on a website or seeing a picture, but the foster may know more details of the dog's needs and personality than you do. Rescues aren't in the business of punishing people, they are in the business of finding abandoned and neglected animals LASTING homes.
As someone who works with my city shelter and a No-Kill private rescue, I can tell you that I see FAR MORE returns from shelter adoptions than I do from rescue adoptions. People will literally just leave a cat in a box outside the door, or set their dog free. When the animal is discovered and the microchip identifies the owner, they are contacted, only to state that they "don't want it anymore". People will walk in saying they want an unspayed pit bull to breed with their Gotti/Razors Edge/some other garbage line pit bull. I have seen a cat be brought in after being beaten with a baseball bat. Hour old kittens, still wet, dumped on the doorstep without a mother. I have seen dogs surrendered that cower at the sight of a person, or duck their head when you lift a hand to pet them. I have seen dogs who have had their ears cut off with scissors to make them look "tough". And every day in this city I hear of cases of animal abuse like duct-taping cats and throwing them in dumpsters and setting dogs on fire.
What I am saying is that with the low adoption standards at shelters (ie easier adoption process), the animals are the ones that suffer. They go home with people that never should have been allowed to own a pet. Rescues have the luxury of manpower to do home visits and vet checks, and they use that luxury to the advantage of the animal.
I know some rescues can be outrageous. Some people in rescue can be pompous, and of the belief that no one is really good enough for their foster. Those people are not in it for the animals, they are in it for self gratification and that is not what we as rescues strive for.
I have dealt with one of those myself, and I felt the same frustration. But please do not give up, and do not lump every rescue or shelter together. If you really want to save a dog, you will have the patience to wait until the right dog and the right organization come along. A
Also, just a tip, many organizations will accept personal references in place of vet references if you have not owned a pet before or in a very long time. Just ask the rescue before hand if this is their policy.
@Miss Apricot - Sorry if my language was offensive to you. I'm heated. Also, I didn't say anything about not wanting to pay a lot for adoption fees. I'll pay whatever. I'm a regular donor to the shelter in the town where my parents live. I understand why they charge adoption fees - they need to care for the dogs! Money isn't the issue. The issue is that I'm an intelligent person who knows more than the average person about dogs and what breeds would fit well with our lifestyle and environment, I've been around dogs all my life and know what goes into caring for an animal, we make a good living, and we have lots of love and care to give. I'm not going to put in an application to adopt a dog that I know isn't a good fit for us. The prospect of some random person looking at me and judging me as they would some horrible person who would neglect an animal makes me angry. The idea that I would be rejected when the shelters are overrun with dogs and they have to put down dogs regularly is disgusting. Everyone is always like ADOPT ADOPT YOU'RE HORRIBLE IF YOU BUY DOGS YOU'RE SUPPORTING THE AXIS OF EVIL DOG BREEDERS blah blah blah, and then they reject people who are willing and fully capable to take a rescue dog. It's stupid. That's all I'm saying.
We adopted our rescue dog quickly and painlessly. We found her on Petfinder, met the couple who ran the rescue, and came back to pick her up a few days later. I hope you are able to find a similarly easy to use rescue group.
Best of luck to you- but I would definitely echo that all those annoying rules are in place to try and place dogs in forever homes. It breaks my heart how many dogs are relisted as returns on our local shelter's home for 'not working out' or being 'too active' because the family was too eager to find the right fit.
You'll find a rescue that will work with you! We work full days and live in an apartment, and our little shih tzu mix couldn't be happier sleeping all day. He is well adjusted. happy to see us when we get home, and is a great fit with us. Just have patience :)
Just because you know what breeds would work for you doesn't mean you know which DOG works for you... Every dog has a different personality, different quirks, habits etc.
But that said, your best bet is to call them after you submit your application, TALK TO THEM... We give people a chance if they seem like good people and the dog seems like a good match regardless of whether they have a lengthy vet history or live in an apartment... Call to see if you can set up an appointment to meet with the dog, meet with the people, start a repore with them so they can get to know you, then when the right dog comes along (or if the dog you want is the right one) they will be much more willing... And always call and check on the status of your application if they seem to take a while, alot of rescues also wait to see who is serious about adoptiong the animal, the ones who don't call to check up on it we usually pass over if there are more than one app on a dog...
PM me if you want. My husband works at a private nonprofit shelter in NYC. I will say, the requirements look a lot more strict than they are. At least at hubby's shelter. The thing with his shelter is though, they just don't have a ton of dogs unlike the humane society. They are no kill and they really want to find the best homes possible so that these dogs aren't coming back (which does happen fairly regularly). If you went to Animal Care and Control, I think they have relatively fewer restrictions, but a lot of those dogs are pits (not all, but a lot). They're more likely to have behavioral issues because they don't get as much one on one care, they're more likely to be sick, etc. I really don't think that lying is the answer. ASPCA isn't too strict either, from my knowledge. They do want vet recomendations and they check with the landlord that you are allowed to actually have pets. I just asked my husband "what if you don't have a vet because it's your first dog?" And he said it should be fine if the dog interacts well with you. The thing is though, he said for dogs like yorkies, there is A LOT of people interested (bulldogs probably too), so while you may not be a bad pet owner, if there is someone better, they'll get it. My husband's shelter doesn't even do home inspections anymore. Even before, they never restricted adoption to people in an apartment unless the dog in question was really unsuited for apartment life. That's my experience from within the system though. I'm not sure where you're looking at. I'm also a fan of Sean Casey Animal Rescue, but I don't know how strict their regulations are.
I worked for an animal shelter, so I understand why certain rules are in place. I've seen the flakes come in to adopt a rabbit in March and return it in May because "Easter is over." I've seen the sad cases. I've seen the dogs returned by irresponsible owners. Having said all that...
I still think the reqirements don't get the intended results. Rescue Orgs (ROs) want fewer animals returned. But what actually happens is they have fewer dogs adopted, and therefore fewer animals that they are able to take in. So they end up helping fewer animals in the process. Also, RO foster families tend to get too attached to their fosters. They reject anyone who wants to adopt their dog because that way they can still foster the dog AND get all their vet bills paid by the RO. They have a free pet. A prospective applicant stands no chance.
Also, there is a lot of hate for breeders, but responsible breeders do actually exist. And they have a lifetime guarantee that if you don't want the animal, you can take it back to them. There are also puppy mills and horrible people out there to make a buck. THOSE are the people you should avoid. They're pretty easy to spot, they sell cheap animals, have no guarantees, have no medical records for the previous generations, and usually sell MANY animals, often to people they KNOW will be bad owners.
It's frustrating knowing SO MUCH about rescuing an animal, having the means to rescue an animal, having the knowledge and patience to rescue an animal, having the space to rescue the animal, and STILL being rejected because "You don't have a yard" or "You have too many animals" or "I don't think this is the right dog for you, because she's [shy, hyper, defensive, etc]." I wouldn't be applying for a dog that wouldn't integrate well with my life. Which they would know if they bothered to read anything beyond the initial application, or talk to me for more than two minutes on the phone to tell me to submit an application ("I already have." "Oh, well we'll call you." No you won't.)
Sorry I do support ROs and their goals. I support shelters. I support animal adoption. But mostly I support responsible pet ownership. I just hate being lumped in with someone who wants a novelty item rather than a pet just because of some arbitrary guidelines which are too restrictive.
@MightySapphire: I just wanted to say that the organization we foster for doesn't allow fosters to get a "free pet"; I think it's terrible that there are people who would do that! The way our organization does things, foster families get first dibs on adopting UNTIL an application come in for that dog. After that, it becomes the adopter's choice whether or not they want the dog. We DO have input as foster families, (like the story I mentioned about feeling our foster dog wouldn't be able to go all day without going potty and suggesting the organization probably would want to find a home for her that could accomodate her potty needs), but we do NOT have final say, so we can't just keep rejecting every applicant that comes along in order to keep our foster around.
@Kittyachi: I wouldn't recommend having your mom adopt the dog for you...I can imagine if the rescue organization found out about it, you could lose the dog. Most have it in the adoption contract that you CANNOT rehome the dog. Fraud isn't the way to get into their good graces, but I would definitely list your mom as a reference. Also, I didn't mean to imply you were also upset about the adoption fees. It was something I've seen mentioned in this post and others by other posters. You really do sound like a good home, so please don't get discouraged. Even if one rescue organization can't see that, there are countless others out there that probably will. I know we don't live anywhere near each other, but in my area, most rescues are willing to work with people instead of just rejecting people because they don't have a yard, or don't have a fence, etc. Have you had any luck yet?
I understand your pain. I adopted my dog almost 2 years ago and it was a headache. Since I was (am) in school my living situation was wonky, on break I lived in LA with my parents and during the school year I lived in Tucson with a roomie. I knew there was absolutely no way a rescue was going to adopt a dog out to me because of my "inconsistent" lifestyle. Even though I was committed to paying higher rent fees for a pet friendly/place with a yard because I wanted a large dog, the back and forth living situation was not going to make the rescues happy.
So I went to a LA city shelter and got my dog from there. It was a risk not knowing the personality/behavior issues of my dog but I took the chance. I made this choice because I knew I was committed to owning this dog and under no circumstances would I dump him back at the shelter (although getting an 8 month old lab mix presented some difficult situations!).
City shelters have pros/cons. You won't always get the breed you want and you don't know the background of the dog. But they also don't do a background/home check and their are thousands of dogs being kept there that need a permanent home.
And to all those rescues who wouldn't adopt to me, I would like you to meet my very happy, healthy, and well loved 2.5 years old furbaby :)
@Mrs.Spring and Mighty - An 8' fence?! Are you serious?! Do they want you to live in a police compound or something?! That's ridiculous.
Rather unfortunately, I am very familiar with "houndini dogs." Our pit could probably get over an 8' fence if there was a corner. However a 6' fence with a board over the corner stops him in his tracks. It's all about quality, not quantity.
@Kitty - I agree that the adoption process can seem very discouraging (I'm not looking forward to it and I DO live in the country with "acres and acres" of land and a fenced yard!) but just go for it. Odds are they'll approve you and actually, the requirements will probably be just as strict, if not more so if you buy from a reputable breeder. Good luck and let us know how it goes!
I just wanted to chime in and exclaim my frustration with this as well. Before we got our dog two years ago, we went to a bunch of different shelters. Of course, we asked what all the requirements were ahead of time to prepare, and some of them were so incredibly strict that we left the shelter never to return.
We ended up finding our amazing dog of CL. A family's mom and dad had both fallen incredibly ill, and were no longer able to care for their dog. They posted an ad on CL, and we took her in. It worked out so well for us.
A family member of ours adopted her dog from a local shelter here, and the hell they put her through to get the dog was insane. First, they were super friendly with her, encouraged her to play with the dog a lot. She came back on several occasions to visit the dog before deciding it was the one for her. When it came time for the adoption process, they decided she was an unfit dog owner because she was a freelance design artist and her income was unstable (she does perfectly fine for herself) AND because her BF and her were living together and not married, which could be "confusing to the dog" and prove to be an unstable environment if they ever broke up. Long story short, she got her lawyer friend to call the shelter and raise hell, and she got the dog. This person is the BEST doggie mom ever, and the dog has an amazing life. And to think it could have gone to someone else.
I also thought I'd leave a comment: we adopted our little monster (I say that with affection) from a Cavalier rescue group. I desperately wanted a Cav and the boy wanted a rescue dog. So we compromised and wound up with a puppy born from a mama who was rescued from a puppy mill. We looked at a couple of different adoption groups in the area that were all specifically Cavalier rescues and some of the requirements were absolutely crazy. Some wanted multiple vet references, details of every pet you'd ever owned, and (what aggravated the boy the most) a pre-and post-adoption home visit. It was as though we were adopting a child.
Anyway -- the point of this is that we didn't go with the rescue group that had the crazy requirements. We went with a group that adopted Cavs but had a much looser adoption policy. I filled out the adoption application ahead of time, which was just a one-page sheet and we went to look at the puppies and adopted Winston on the spot. All I had to do was sign a bunch of papers (mostly that if we ever couldn't care for him we would bring him back to the rescue group; that we'd neuter him) and hand over the check. So, as others have said, the requirements are often less stringent then they may seem at first. And if they really are impossible, is there another rescue group in your area that you can adopt from?
And, because I can't help myself, here's some shameless adorableness that is my puppy:
puppyrope.jpg (36.5 KB, 43 downloads) 2 years old 
I'll chime in to agree that rescues have tougher requirements than shelters. Are you completely set on an English bulldog? If so, you'll probably have to go through a rescue and deal with their requirements. If a dog like that came into the shelter, it would be gone in 5 minutes.
I used to volunteer at the NYC Animal Care and Control Center (I'm just taking a little time off right now due to school/work/wedding) 85% of our intake was pitbull mixes. If a "popular" dog came in, someone would call friends or family and the dog would be adopted nearly immediately.
Try the ASPCA on 92nd Street. They have a better "selection" of dogs, so to speak. But they do have tougher requirements than the AC&C. The AC&C just calls your landlord/management company and two references I think. Also, I've heard great things about North Shore on Long Island. I think you've mentioned you have a car, so you can check that out.
And feel free to PM me of course. But please, please, please don't buy a dog.
my co-worker was rejected from a rescue group, bc they are busy, but I KNOW they make their dogs a priority and do doggy day care on their busiest day...they are so in love with their dogs, but then she ended up buying from a local (at least reputable) breeder, so it is sad to me, but I of course have "heinz 57" dogs that worked out amazingly
Someone else recommended the Humane Society; I got my rescue through a humane society and was approved despite wanting to adopt a pit bull and live in a very small apartment with no fence. They just wanted to make sure that I didn't want to fight her or use her to guard multiple kilos of high grade Columbian cocaine. I think they also called my landlord. Good luck - it really is rewarding to adopt, so please don't give up!!
This is just a general comment, not directed towards you Kittyachi.
I think it is GREAT that they make it so hard for someone to adopt. It should be! Then there would be less dogs left out in their backyards in subzero temperature, or a pit bull adopted by someone who is NOT able to train it properly or dogs getting returned because they are no longer "cute" or less Christmas present puppies. I think it should be this hard. Maybe then less idiots would be allowed to adopt.
One less pet going to a bad home is worth all this headache.
Been there! I can totally relate to how you are feeling. And eventually, I did end up buying a dog instead which is NOT what I wanted to do. But after being rejected and mostly IGNORED by rescues, I felt like I didn't have a choice. I found their process contrary to their goal which should be to get dogs good homes and discourage buying but you can't do that if the process is so rigorous and the expectations are unattainable. I now volunteer for an animal shelter with a wonderful adoption rate and a very few returns. And if I ever want another dog I will try the rescue route again. Perhaps it will be easier since I now have a dog and vet records etc.
We had really good luck when adopting our cat by going through a person who was fostering animals at the shelter. At a lot of shelters around here dogs or cats that come in that need special care or have to be separated for medical reasons are put in "foster homes" with employees or volunteers. We found a cat on the website that sounded right for us and then started talking with the lady who was fostering him. By the time we decided to adopt him there was very little rigamarole because we had a good repoire with her and she trusted us. We didn't even have to put in vet recs. And it was good for us because we ended up with a cat that had spent the last few weeks in a house versus cooped up at the shelter.
UPDATE: I talked to my mom this weekend and apparently she is BFF with the woman who runs the rescue org. in their town - like, the woman who started it and runs it was her interior decorator, they get coffee, blahblahblah. My mom basically told me that between her connections and the amount of money we donate to the org., if they don't approve me for adoption she's basically going to throw a hissy fit until they give in. It would not behoove the org. OR the dogs and cats they take care of to piss of my family. So, yeah. Done and done. Do I want to have to play the "my mommy won't give you money anymore" card, no. Will I? Hell yes.
ETA: <3 all the pics posted <3
That is SO frustrating! I had the same thing happen to me. I was looking into adopting a dane and all the great dane rescues in Ohio require home ownership and a 6' fence minimum. No ifs and or buts. No exceptions. Don't ask. Sigh.
I also ran across problems because some places didn't want to talk to me because I had never "owned a dog" before because every other pet I had owned was when I lived at home with my family. Like... okay everyone has to have a first right?
Keep at it though. I went through petfinder.com and found an awesome dog through a Corgi rescue who did not require so much. They just wanted to talk to my landlord to verify dogs were allowed, talk to me on the phone to assure I didn't sound psycho, and wanted ocassional updates after I picked my pup up. No problem by me-- i love showing him off!
Kittyachi you took the words right out of my mouth! My boyfriend and I live in a large apartment and are both college students...but we are great dog owners! I have one dog already, and we wanted another. We have plenty of money to support another dog, and are extremely active people! Our dog is hardly ever alone in the apartment, and she goes with us jogging/rollerblading/swimming/hiking/ or on walks EVERY DAY. We take her to the dog park all the time. Both of our parents have large yards where she 'runs free' on the weekends. We wanted to rescue another dog (australian shepherd) from an aussie rescue. We found the perfect match on petfinder.com, and even drove 2 hours to meet him at an adoption event. Of course...since we are "IRRESPONSIBLE EVIL POOR COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO PARTY ALL THE TIME AND ABUSE ANIMALS" we werent even considered. After they met us at the adoption event, they wont even email/call us back! I'm friends with my vet, and landlord, the rescue never even called them. I'm just so pissed off at the discrimination. Now that dog is going to sit in a foster home, taking up space for another rescue when he could be living the good life with us. I've already contacted a local breeder, who has approved us. I'm not sure what I'm going to do...but these rescues are WHACK.
Hi Kittyachi! I'm glad you are figuring out a way to get a dog! My overall happiness level has gone up so much since I first got my girl 2 years ago. I take her on lots of walks and it makes ME exercise, too! I would recommend taking your new dog to obedience training class with you. I had never owned my own dog before, and it was really informative and also a fun way to bond! Good Luck with your new pet!
I also wanted to add that since I adopted my first dog (which was a fairly easy process) I now have 1 more dog and 2 cats! My grandma died- I inherited her cat. A client at work was mistreating a dog-so I adopted him. A friend found a stray kitty- now she's mine. I think this is my limit, though.
My point is, if you put yourself out there, sometimes pets will find YOU. Let people know that you are looking to adopt!
I have had giant breed dogs for 35 years, own my home, have a 1 acre fenced in (6' chain link) yard and sterling references from vets & friends. I have been rejected (without explanation) by 2 rescue organizations who advertise 8-10 giant dogs who supposedly need homes. I am glad to see that none of these dogs really need homes, nor do these organizations need any help, such as donations. Like you, I will be buying a giant breed dog.
Evidently, the homeless dog problem has been solved.
The problem of unreasonable arbitrary rejection of homes is becoming known. It's attributed to the need of people to exert control. I would add - while also feeling superior.
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...the fact that (at least in some cases I've seen online) there is a hardcore application process and so many hoops to jump through really pisses me off. Like, seriously? I have love and care and attention to give to a dog who got tossed out like trash and lives in a friggin cage right now, OK? Sorry I don't have 2 vet recommendations and a country house with acres and acres of rolling hills for the dog to frolic in. I live in an apartment and would not adopt a dog that wasn't suitable for apartment living because I'm not a moron and I actually care about the dog's well-being which is why I'M ADOPTING A FRIGGIN RESCUE DOG TO BEGIN WITH.
I've grown up with dogs all my life. This is the first time in my life when I haven't had a dog and I hate it. The prospect of getting rejected from adopting a rescue dog makes me want to kill people. Like you seriously want to interview me? Don't get me wrong - I understand the principle behind it: these dogs came from people who were unsuited for pet ownership and/or complete sociopathic a**holes who abused them and they want to make sure that they are placed in good homes. I get that. But I don't like the fact that I'm going to be judged in the process of doing a good deed and adopting v. buying. It will piss me off if some rich lady in the country with no job gets a dog I want over me. And you know what I'm gonna do if I get rejected? I'm gonna go BUY A DOG instead.