Pit Bull Adoption

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What do you need to know before you adopt a Pit Bull? We asked the experts!


California Pit Bull Rescue says:

We would say that before adopting a Pit Bull type dog, people should know that there are no special behaviors that make "Pit Bulls" different from other dogs.  Their behavior is canine behavior. Furthermore, all Pit Bulls (and all dogs) are individuals with vastly differing personality traits.  Some are couch potatoes while others are sleek athletes. Some are party-hardies while others prefer a quiet life with just their special people.

The most important thing people should be prepared to do when they adopt a Pit Bull is to be responsible dog guardians - with any breed, training and public representation are very important but this is especially so for Pit Bull type dogs because of the burdens put upon them by ridiculous myths and media misrepresentation. Educate yourself, be open-minded, and be prepared for a lifetime of priceless, enthusiastic love.

Sioux Empire Pit Bull Rescue says:

Regarding adopting a pit bull, they are wonderful dogs for the right family! Pit bulls are very intelligent and they need a structured home that will teach them how to be well mannered and socialized. Pit bulls are not a type of dog you adopt to ignore and leave on the end of a chain. Pit bulls are great in families with kids. They are rough and tumble type dogs that are not easily scared or hurt, making them a great jungle gym. Pit bulls love their owners with a heart and devotion unlike any other breed and with this kind of admiration comes great responsibility! To know the love of a pit bull is like nothing else, and families that are responsible, committed owners know their dogs are well worth it!

Bombshell Bullies Pit Bull Rescue says:

Choose a dog to adopt based on whether his personality is a good match for you and your household/lifestyle.  Too many dogs are returned/dumped at shelters because the owners don't have time for a high-energy dog, or the dog doesn't get along with the other pets or children in the home.  Don't choose a dog because of what he looks like; choose a dog based on if he, as an individual, is a good match for you.

Attending obedience/training classes with your pit bull is a must.  Remember that the dog that you are adopting will not only be a reflection of you, but a representative of his breed.

Pit Bulls tend to be high-energy dogs that need a lot of exercise, attention, and training. Be sure you are up for it.

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Find a Pit Bull Terrier available near you!

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More about the Pit Bull Terrier

Thinking about adopting a Pit Bull puppy? Here are three reasons to adopt an adult instead:

1. You have kids.

Like most people, you’ve probably heard time and again that if you have kids, you should adopt a Pit Bull puppy (or, gasp! find a Pit Bull puppy for sale). The rationale is that an adult shelter dog is an unknown quantity, so buying or adopting a Pit Bull puppy is safer. Actually, the opposite is closer to the truth. Puppies are not usually a great choice with kids; they have very limited control over their biting/mouthing impulses, and when you mix that with lots of energy and unbelievably sharp little teeth, it’s a recipe for your small fry to be in tears.  Puppies are tiny chewing machines and can destroy a favorite stuffed animal or security blanket in short order.  Adult dogs, on the other hand, are generally calmer, and their personalities are already fully developed and on display.  When you meet an adult dog, you can see how they are with kids and with other animals.  This takes the guesswork out of wondering how a puppy will turn out as a full-grown dog.

2.  You value your possessions.

Puppies teethe.  They have a biological need to chew, they want to play constantly, and they can’t discriminate between appropriate chew toys and, say, your favorite pair of Manolos.  Puppies eventually can be trained out of this behavior, of course, and there are exceptions to every rule, but generally speaking, an adult Pit Bull (or any adult dog) is much less likely to shred your drapes like coleslaw or function as a “helpful” canine document shredder.

3.  You work, or otherwise leave the house.

Pop quiz: how often does a two-month-old puppy need to be taken out to do his business during the day?  A) every six hours; B) every eight hours; or C) every two hours?

If you answered B, or even A, you’re an eternal optimist! The correct answer, though, is C: every two hours. When you’re housetraining a puppy, the general rule of thumb is that they can hold their bladder one hour for each month they’ve been alive (up to a max of about eight to ten hours).  So a three-month-old Pit Bull puppy needs to go outside every three hours, a four-month-old needs to go every four hours, and so on.  If you’re retired, or you work from home, or you’re taking the puppy to work with you or to a doggy daycare (make sure your puppy is up-to-date on all vaccines before considering that last option), great! But if you’re planning on leaving your dog alone during your workday, you’ll definitely want to adopt a full-grown dog, ideally from a Pit Bull rescue that can help you find the right dog for your lifestyle.

Let’s bust these myths about adopting a Pit Bull

Time to get real: when we ask people what reservations they have about Pit Bull adoption, we hear the same things over and over again.  If you’re operating under any of these mistaken beliefs, you just might be missing out on meeting the best friend you’ll ever have.  So it’s time for us to set the record straight:

  • You CAN find purebred Pit Bulls for adoption in an animal shelter or rescue group.
  • Pit Bulls and Pit Bull puppies for adoption are NOT in any way inferior to or different from those for sale.
  • The dogs in the shelter are NOT there because they’re bad dogs.
  • If you want a puppy, you DON’T have to buy a Pit Bull puppy.  Pit Bull puppies ARE available for adoption.
  • If you have children, adopting a dog is likely the SAFEST option.

Here’s the truth: you absolutely can find a Pit Bull, even a Pit Bull puppy, for adoption in an animal shelter or rescue group.  And they don’t end up there because they’re bad dogs.  In fact, often the only difference between the dog in the shelter and the one on your couch is a bit of bad luck.  Think about it: let’s say you buy a Pit Bull puppy for sale by a breeder. Your new dog is great; you immediately enroll the two of you in obedience classes, and soon your best pal is housebroken and well trained. But what would happen to your wonderful Pit Bull if, tragically, something happened to you? What if he escaped from your home and ran away? Your best pal would very likely end up in an animal shelter.  The lucky person who adopts your Pit Bull would be getting a great dog!  Animal shelters are filled with wonderful, healthy, well-behaved dogs who have been in homes before, but whose owners have fallen on hard times.  Many of them are housebroken and trained.  Pit Bull rescue organizations often care for their adoptable dogs in foster homes, which means their foster families will be able to tell you if the Pit Bull you want to adopt is good with other animals or kids, and if he or she is housebroken and knows any basic commands. As you can see, adopting from a rescue organization is likely the very safest way for people with children to add a new Pit Bull to their family!

Pit Bull Rescue Organizations

Below you'll find many Pit Bull focused rescue organizations. This is not a complete list! If you are a Pit Bull focused rescue and would like to be included, please sign up for an Adopt-a-Pet.com account here, then submit your request using the Contact Us link after you login to your Adopt-a-Pet.com rescue or shelter account. Thank you!

  • Pitbulls for Life - Calgary AB
  • Smiling Dog Rescue - Tucson AZ
  • Underdogs Animal Rescue - Chilliwack BC
  • The Chako Rescue Association - Sacramento CA
  • The Bully Connection - Los Angeles CA
  • Just A Dog Pit Bull Rescue - San Diego CA
  • West End Shelter for Animals - Ontario CA
  • Shorty's Rescue - Los Angeles CA
  • Angel City Pit Bulls - Los Angeles CA
  • Jades Rescue and/or Therapy Dog Service JRTDS - Fontana CA
  • Berkeley Animal Care Services - Berkeley CA
  • Sonoma County Animal Care & Control - Santa Rosa CA
  • Paw Printz Rescue - Oakley CA
  • Connecticut PitBull Rescue - Los Angeles CT
  • Pit Bull Rescue of So. FL - Jupiter FL
  • Peach Pits Pit Bull Rescue - Kennesaw GA
  • Q.C. Lab Rescue - Eldridge IA
  • Boise Bully Breed Rescue - Boise ID
  • Rags 2 Wags Pit Bull Rescue - Waukegan IL
  • Macon County Animal Control and Care Center - Decatur IL
  • AKA Pit Bull Rescue - Brookston IN
  • The Humane Society of Greater Kansas City - Kansas City KS
  • Game Dog Guardian Rescue - Lawrence KS
  • Underdog ResQ - Framingham MA
  • PittieLove Rescue - Framingham MA
  • Tias Promise Animal Rescue - Boyds MD
  • Pits And Rotts For Life Rescue - Randallstown MD
  • Mid Atlantic Bully Buddies - Reisterstown MD
  • Southern Maine Pit Bulls - Westbrook ME
  • Peace for Pits -- Pit Bull Rescue - Portland ME
  • Second Chances - Charlotte MI
  • Bulldogge Safehaven - ALL PLACES MI
  • Michigan Pit Bull Rescue - Ypsilanti MI
  • A Rotta Love Plus - Golden Valley MN
  • Minnesota Pit Bull Rescue - Saint Paul MN
  • The Bully Connection - Los Angeles CA
  • Gemini Rottweiler and Pitbull Rescue - Madison MN
  • Underdog Rescue and Placement, Minnesota - St. Louis Park MN
  • Pit Bull Rescue Central, Inc. - Fulton MO
  • Rescue Angels - Kansas City MO
  • American Pit Bull Terrier Rescue and Referral - Linwood NC
  • Fugee's Rescue - Raleigh NC
  • Pit Bull Referral Center of Central Jersey - Woodbridge NJ
  • Rubydogs Rescues - Long Branch NJ
  • Bella's Wish Pit Bull Rescue - Vernon NJ
  • The Princess Buttercup Foundation - Clementon NJ
  • Gentle Souls Sanctuary, Inc. - Santa Fe NM
  • Ador-A-Bull Dog Rescue - Nova Scotia CA
  • Monsieur Pit Bull Rescue Inc. - North Las Vegas NV
  • The Animal Foundation - Las Vegas NV
  • Out of the Pits - Albany NY
  • Real Dog RsQ, Inc. - Brookhaven NY
  • Seneca County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, Ltd - Seneca County NY
  • The Well Mannered Pit Bull - New York NY
  • Animal Farm Foundation, Inc. - Bangall NY
  • Adirondack Pit Bull Rescue - Plattsburgh NM
  • The Silver Lining for Pit Bulls - Kenmore NY
  • Pitty Love Rescue - Rochester NY
  • Daisy Dog Rescue - Canton OH
  • For the Love of Pits - Cleveland OH
  • Paws & Claws Animal Rescue - Troy OH
  • MuttleyCrue - Berea OH
  • Bark Ark Bully Rescue - Cincinnati OH
  • James Dean Bully Breed Rescue - Columbus OH
  • Barlee's Angels Rescue Network (BARN) - Mississauga ON
  • Advocates for the Underdog - Windsor ON
  • K-9 Rescue - Beaverton OR
  • Small Time Dog Rescue & Dead Dog Walking Pit Bull Rescue - The Dalles OR
  • Good Dog Adoption Agency, Inc. - Wernersville PA
  • For The Love of the Underdog, Inc. - Stroudsburg PA
  • Hello Bully - Pittsburgh PA
  • Pit Stop Montreal Rescue - Montreal QC
  • Handsome Dan's Rescue for Pit Bull Type Dogs - Providence RI
  • Warwick Animal Shelter - Warwick RI
  • Pittie Rescue - Providence RI
  • Blue Ridge Rescue and Rehoming - Greer SC
  • South Carolina Pit Bull Rescue - Charleston SC
  • Crystal-Bull Pit Bull Rescue And Referral - Bluffton SC
  • Semper Fi Pits Rescue - Charlotte NC
  • Tender Heart Canine Rescue - Allons TN
  • Rainbow Ridge Pet Rescue - Atoka TN
  • Luvabull Foster Home - Dickson TN
  • Happy Hearts Pit Bull Rescue - Cross Plains TN
  • LJs Pit Rescue - Goodlettsville TN
  • Memphis Pit Bull Safe Haven - Memphis TN
  • Second Halo Rescue - Dickson TN
  • Streetdog Foundation - Memphis TN
  • Pit Happens - Hixson TX
  • St. Francis Rescue - Nacogdoches TX
  • Saving Grace Pit Bull Rescue - Lubbock TX
  • Heaven Sent Pit Bull Rescue - San Antonio TX
  • Texas Pit Bull & Bully Breed Rescue - Corsicana TX
  • Brooklyns Home for Unwanted Bullies - Bullard TX
  • Canine Rescue & Adoption Program Inc. - Caroline VA
  • Bully Advocate & Rescue Collective (BARC) - Zuni VA
  • Pit Bull Project - Seattle WA
  • Boldog Training Kennel Rescue - Olympia WA
  • BullsEye Dog Rescue - Seattle WA
  • The Pit Stop - Maple Valley WA
  • Recycle-A-Bulls Rescue - Olympia WA
  • Wisconsin Independent Pit Bull Rescue - Mount Horeb WI
  • Midwest Area Pit Stop Inc. - Madison WI
  • Bully Friends Pit Bull Rescue - Appleton WI
  • WV Pit Bull Haven - Wardensville WV
  • MOE JOES Family Friends Rescue Inc. - Tempe AZ
  • Tails of Hope Sanctuary - Mt. Airy MD
  • Ring Dog Rescue - Richmond VA

 

Breed Photo

Rescues and shelters near you

Dogingham Palace Rescue/Ashburn
Ashburn, VA

FOHA - Dogs
Aldie, VA

Pet Rescue Foundation, Inc.
Gloucester, VA

Virginia German Shepherd Rescue
Sterling, VA

With Our Regards, Inc.
Sterling, VA

Dogwood Sheltie Rescue
Sterling, VA

Admiral's Advocacy
Herndon, VA

Blue Ridge Border Collie Rescue
Herndon, VA

SCMR - VA
Herndon, VA

Humane Society of Loudoun County
Leesburg, VA

Forget-Me-Not NoVA
Leesburg, VA

Open Hearts Rescue
Leesburg, VA

Furry Suits Rescue
Herndon, VA

New Love Animal Rescue
Herndon, VA

New Rattitude - Maryland
Poolesville, MD

Friends Of Homeless Animals - Cats
Aldie, VA

Love Shack Dog Rescue
Aldie, VA

NBRAN-Virginia
Reston, VA

Akita Rescue Mid-Atlantic Coast, Inc.
Silver Spring, MD

Boxer Rescue and Adoption Inc.
Reston, VA

Dogingham Palace Rescue/Great Falls
Great Falls, VA

A Forever Home Rescue Foundation
Chantilly, VA

Collie Rescue, Inc.
Chantilly, VA

Blue Ridge Great Pyrenees Rescue & Education
Fairfax, VA

Kim's Urban Hounds Rescue - Fairfax
Fairfax, VA

Kim's Urban Hounds Rescue -Fredericksburg
Fairfax, VA

NOVA Pets Alive!
Fairfax, VA

Tails of the Unwanted - Fairfax
Fairfax, VA

Healing Hearts Animal Rescue Group
Centreville, VA

Home At Last Sanctuary, Inc
Potomac, MD

Little Buddies Adoption and Humane Society
Centreville, VA

Fur-Ever Paws Dog Rescue - Boyds MD
Boyds, MD

Loudoun County Animal Services
Waterford, VA

Annies Orphans
Gaithersburg, MD

No More Sad Eyes Rescue
Oakton, VA

Bourbon County Rescue
Germantown, MD

Independent Animal Rescue
Germantown, MD

Rescue Without Borders- Germantown MD
Germantown, MD

Sweetheart Sanctuary
Vienna, VA

United Maltese Rescue
Germantown, MD

Worthy Dog Rescue
Vienna, VA

Loudoun SPCA
Middleburg, VA

Middleburg Humane Foundation
Middleburg, VA

Wolf Trap Animal Rescue
MCLEAN, VA

Nova Rottweiler Rescue
Germantown, MD

PetConnect Rescue
Potomac, MD

Dewey Animals, Inc.
Centreville, VA

Lab Rescue LRCP - Purcellville VA
Purcellville, VA

Walk by Faith Ministry
Purcellville, VA

Adoption by private owner (Vienna)
Vienna, VA

Mutt Love Rescue
Fairfax, VA

American Lhasa Apso Club Rescue - Northwest Region
Gaithersburg, MD

City of Fairfax Animal Shelter
Fairfax, VA

MIRRAGL
Fairfax, VA

The Commonwealth Humane Society
Fairfax, VA

The Humane Society of Fairfax County
Fairfax, VA

Whitney Foundation
Fairfax, VA

Gentle Creatures
Rockville, MD

Hedgesville Hounds
Rockville, MD

K-9 Lifesavers
Rockville, MD

Montgomery County Humane Society
Rockville, MD

Chesapeake Area Alaskan Malamute Protection, formerly Potomac Valley AMR
Virginia, Maryland, DC, MD

GROWL - MD
Gaithersburg, MD

Sheltie Haven Sheltie Rescue, Inc.
Adamstown, MD

Dachshund Rescue of North America Inc.
Manassas, VA

Westie Rescue MidAtlantic
Dunn Loring, VA

Montgomery County SPCA
Gaithersburg, MD

Pets Bring Joy
Fairfax, VA

United Yorkie Rescue - VA- Fairfax
Fairfax, VA

United Yorkie Rescue - VA - Jennifer Methot
Fairfax, VA

Friends Of Montgomery County Animals
Germantown, MD

BB&G Pomeranian Rescue
Lovettsville, VA

Blue Ridge Border Collie Rescue
Mclean, VA

Jasmine's House, Inc. - MD Chapter
Clarksburg, MD

Hope for Donghae Paws(VIRGINIA)
Fairfax, VA

Appalachian Great Pyrenees Rescue
Clifton, VA

Lab Rescue LRCP - Frederick MD
Buckeystown, MD

One Planet Rescue - MD chapter
Rockville, MD

Mid-Atlantic Chinese Shar-Pei Rescue Operation
Bethesda, MD

Tailed Treasures of MD Inc.
Rockville, MD

Blue Ridge Doberman Rescue
Bluemont, VA

Promises Animal Rescue, Inc
Gainesville, VA

Empty Shelter Project
Manassas, VA

Bull Terrier Rescue of Virginia (BTRVA)
Manassas, VA

Friends for Animals
Manassas, VA

Mid-Atlantic Great Dane Rescue, Virginia Chapter
Manassas, VA

Best DAWG Rescue Inc.
Bethesda, MD

Lab Rescue LRCP - Rockville MD
Rockville, MD

Maryland Bichon Frise Rescue
Rockville, MD

DC Area Weimaraner Rescue
Manassas Park, VA

Doberman Assistance Rescue & Education
Arlington, VA

HART (Homeless Animals Rescue Team)
Fairfax Station, VA

Homeward Trails Animal Rescue
Fairfax Station, VA

Lost Dog and Cat Rescue Foundation
Arlington, VA

Allbreed Rescue & Referral Inc
Gaithersburg, MD

Mutts Matter Rescue
Rockville, MD

Bring Home the Brindle Dog Rescue
Ijamsville, MD

Rhodesian Ridgeback Rescue Inc. District of Columbia, Virginia
Washington, DC

MerryLea Rescue
Frederick, MD

Operation Paws for Homes - MD Chapter
Frederick, MD

Ambassador Pit Bull Rescue
Bristow, VA

American Maltese Assoc. Rescue--Maryland
Bristow, VA

Reggie's Friends - Arlington
Arlington, VA

Lab Rescue LRCP - Fairfax VA
Fairfax, VA

USNMC Rescue
Jefferson, MD

Grand Dogs Rescue 2
Silver Springs, MD

Chow Chow Rescue of Maryland
Silver Spring, MD

Roxie's Fund, Inc*
Silver Spring, MD

Mid-Atlantic GSP Rescue
Arlington, VA

The Halfway House Animal Rescue - Arlington
Arlington, VA

Dog World Rescue, Inc.
Alexandria, VA

SPCA of Northern Virginia
Arlington, VA

Lucky Dog Animal Rescue
Washington, DC

Capitol Canines Animal Rescue
Washington, DC

City Dogs Rescue & City Kitties
Washington, DC

Tails of the Unwanted - Maryland
Silver Spring, MD

Tara's House Animal Rescue, Inc. - Silver Spring Chapter
Silver Spring, MD

Capital Animal Care
Arlington, VA

Dogs Deserve Better-DC Metro Area
Arlington, VA

Dogs Deserve Better of Northern Virginia
Arlington, VA

Dogs Deserve Better - Virginia Chapter
Arlington, VA

Rescue Angels, Inc. - Virginia Chapter
Arlington, VA

Rescuzilla - Northern VA, D.C.
Arlington, VA

Caring Hearts Rescue
Springfield, VA

Ozark Mutts and Stuff, Inc VA
Springfield, VA

Pups 2 Luv Rescue
Springfield, VA

Purrs, Paws, and Claws - Springfield Chapter
Springfield, VA

To The Rescue Inc.
Springfield, VA

Blackdogs Rescue - Bluemont Foster Group
Bluemont, VA

New Beginnings German Shorthaired Pointer Rescue
Monrovia, MD

Animal Welfare League of Alexandria
Alexandria, VA

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