Shelters or Rescues? How to Choose the Best Place to Adopt a Pet

Thinking about adopting a pet, but not sure where to begin? One of the first decisions you’ll face is where to adopt from: an animal shelter, a breed rescue, or a non-breed-specific rescue. While all of these organizations share the same goal (finding loving homes for animals in need), they differ in how they operate, the types of animals they take in, and their adoption processes.

In this article, we’ll break down the differences between these three options. Knowing what sets them apart can help you navigate the adoption process with more confidence and choose the path that aligns best with your lifestyle and preferences.

Key differences: animal shelters vs. breed rescues vs. non-breed-specific rescues

While their end goals are similar, these organizations differ in how they function. Here’s how they compare.

• Animal shelters are operated by cities or nonprofit groups and take in all kinds of pets (mostly cats and dogs, but sometimes bunnies, guinea pigs, and other small animals, too). They’re usually staffed by paid employees and funded through a combination of government support, donations, and grants.

• Breed rescues tend to be independent nonprofits that depend on volunteers, donations, and foster homes to operate. They focus on at-risk dogs or cats, often taking in animals from overcrowded shelters, surrenders, or neglect cases. These rescues focus on one breed, a mix of that breed, or a small group of closely related breeds.

• Non-breed-specific rescues operate much like breed rescues but take in a wider variety of animals. They typically accept dogs and/or cats of all breeds and may also care for other pets, such as rabbits or small animals, depending on their capacity and focus.

Animal shelters: what to expect

Now, let’s take a more in-depth look at what you can expect when adopting from an animal shelter. 

Focus and mission

Animal shelters are typically government-run or nonprofit organizations that aim to serve their communities by providing safe havens for lost, abandoned, or surrendered pets. They house, care for, and rehome as many animals as possible. 

Animal intake

Animal shelters take in all types of animals, often housing a diverse range of breeds and mixes. In many areas, they’re legally required to accept every animal brought to them. Shelters usually operate out of a physical facility, though some also rely on foster homes for overflow or special cases.

With high intake and limited resources, it can be challenging to provide each animal with individualized care, especially those with serious medical or behavioral issues.

While shelters work hard to care for every animal they take in, euthanasia may be used in cases when an animal is very ill, poses a safety risk, or has remained unadopted for an extended period.

Adoption process and fees

Adopting from a shelter is typically a straightforward process. After submitting an application and possibly undergoing a brief interview or meet-and-greet, you can typically take your pet home the same day or within a few days. 

Adoption fees vary from organization to organization, but typically range from $25 to $125 at shelters. This fee usually includes spay-neuter surgery, vaccinations, and microchipping.

Related article

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Breed rescues: what to expect

Next, let’s explore how breed rescues (aka breed-specific rescues) operate. 

Focus and mission

Breed rescues are typically run by volunteers and aim to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs or cats of a specific breed (or a small group of related breeds). The animals may be at risk in shelters, surrendered by pet parents, or come from neglectful situations. 

These rescues are often founded and run by people who are passionate about the breed and committed to helping animals who may be misunderstood, overrepresented in shelters, or have unique care needs.

Animal intake

Breed rescues focus on a specific breed, that breed’s mixes, or a small group of closely related breeds. For example, a rescue may specialize in Australian Shepherds but also accept Australian Shepherd mixes or other herding mixes with similar traits. 

Some breed rescues take a broader approach, focusing on categories such as small breeds, large breeds, Arctic breeds, or bully breeds. 

While some breed rescues have physical facilities, most rely on networks of foster homes. This foster-based setup allows pets to relax in a home setting and helps volunteers learn more about each animal’s behavior, personality, and needs. 

Because they’re not tied to a fixed location, rescues often have more flexibility to care for animals with injuries, illnesses, or behavioral challenges. However, unlike many shelters, they aren’t legally required to take in every animal.

Euthanasia is rare in most rescues and typically only considered in cases of severe illness or dangerous behavior that cannot be safely managed.

Adoption process and fees

The adoption process with a breed rescue tends to be more in-depth than at a shelter. Expect a detailed adoption process that typically includes an application, interview, reference checks, and a home visit. 

Adoption fees typically range from $100 to $300. The higher fees reflect the more personalized attention each animal receives while in foster care.

Related article

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Non-breed-specific animal rescues: what to expect

Finally, let’s discuss non-breed-specific rescues and what you can expect if you choose to adopt from one. 

Focus and mission

Non-breed-specific rescues are usually run by volunteers. They aim to save and rehome a wide variety of animals who are at risk of euthanasia in shelters, surrenders, or rescued from neglectful situations.

Animal intake

Non-breed-specific rescues take in a broader range of animals, most commonly dogs and cats of all breeds, ages, and backgrounds. Depending on their resources and network, some also care for small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, or hamsters. 

Some of these rescues may have a more specific focus, such as only taking in cats, dogs, senior pets, or animals with medical needs. But regardless of that focus, they generally accept a wide range of breeds.

Like breed rescues, they typically rely on foster homes rather than central facilities, and euthanasia is only considered in extreme cases involving untreatable illness or unsafe behavior.

Adoption process and fees

Expect to fill out an application and have an interview. Many rescues also conduct home checks or virtual home tours (or request pictures of your home and yard) to assess if the environment is safe and suitable for the pet.

Adoption fees vary from rescue to rescue, but typically range from $100 to $300. 

Choosing your adoption path: which is right for you?

With so many wonderful animals in need of homes, there’s no wrong choice — just the one that aligns best with your goals, lifestyle, and preferences. Here are a few tips to help you navigate this decision. 

Think about what you’re looking for

If you're open to different types of animals or breeds, or just want to meet a variety of pets and see whom you click with, an animal shelter is a great place to begin.

But if you’re looking for a specific breed, a breed rescue is an excellent option. Many people assume the only way to get a specific breed is through a breeder, but that’s not the case. Breed-specific rescues exist for everything from Beagles to Border Collies to Maine Coons. They’re a great way to adopt the kind of pet you’re looking for, while still giving an animal in need a loving home.

Additionally, since many rescues house their animals in foster homes, you can often get in-depth insight into each pet’s personality, behavior, and ideal home environment. This extra layer of knowledge often leads to more thoughtful, successful matches.

Think about your timeline

Shelters typically have a quicker adoption process, making them a great choice if you're hoping to bring home a pet ASAP. Rescues, especially breed-specific ones, usually have more steps, like detailed applications or home checks. But that extra time often leads to better-matched adoptions.

Consider your impact

Shelters often face space and resource constraints, especially in high-intake areas. By choosing to adopt from one, you’re giving an animal a second chance and helping free up space for another animal in need. It’s a direct, immediate way to support your local community and reduce overcrowding in the system.

Adopting from a rescue makes a meaningful difference, too, but shelters are often more overwhelmed and in urgent need of help.

Tips for a successful adoption journey

No matter where you choose to adopt from, bringing home a new pet is a big step. Here are some practical tips to help make the process smoother and set up you and your new companion for success.

Be open-minded

It’s natural to picture the “perfect” pet in your mind, but keeping an open mind can lead to the most rewarding matches. Plenty of adopters fall in love with a pet they hadn’t considered, such as a shaggy mutt or a gray-faced senior. Instead of focusing on appearance, pay attention to the pet’s personality and how they will fit into your life.

Ask questions

Don’t be shy about asking the shelter or rescue staff/volunteers anything you think of, such as the animal’s health, behavior, background, and daily routine. The more you know upfront, the more prepared you’ll be.

Prepare your space

Before bringing your new pet home, make sure your house is safe and ready. Pet-proof your home and stock up on essentials such as food, bowls, a crate or carrier, toys, and cleaning supplies. Set up a quiet area where your pet can decompress during the first few days.

Take it slow

Transitions take time. Your new pet may be shy, confused, scared, or overly energetic at first. Give them space, keep routines consistent, and allow them to adjust at their own pace. True personalities often come out after a few weeks. So be sure to familiarize yourself with the 3-3-3 rule. 

Commonly asked questions

What are the benefits of adopting from an animal shelter?

Animal shelters offer a wide variety of pets at lower fees. You’ll be supporting your local community, potentially saving a life, and freeing up space for other animals in need. Shelter adoptions are also usually a bit faster than rescue adoptions. 

What types of dogs do breed rescues typically have?

Breed rescues specialize in one breed, breed mixes, or closely related breeds. They often have adult or senior dogs surrendered by people or pulled from shelters, and they focus on matching those dogs with adopters who understand the breed’s traits.

Are breed rescues more expensive than shelters?

Yes, breed rescues often charge higher adoption fees. This reflects the more personalized care, breed-specific support, and additional vetting or rehabilitation many dogs receive while in foster care before they’re adopted.

Do shelters or rescues provide vet care before adoption?

Most shelters and rescues provide basic veterinary care, including spay or neuter surgery, vaccinations, and microchipping, before adoption. Some may also treat medical conditions or offer follow-up support after the pet goes home.

How long does the adoption process usually take for each?

Shelters often allow same-day adoptions or quick turnarounds. Rescues usually have a longer process that includes applications, reference checks, interviews, and possibly home visits, which can take days or even a few weeks.

Can I adopt a purebred dog from an animal shelter?

While mixed breeds are way more common in shelters, it’s not unusual to find purebreds there. If you’re looking for a particular breed, check your local shelter frequently or consider a breed-specific rescue. 

How can I find a pet to adopt? 

You can visit or reach out to local shelters and rescues, or attend adoption events in your area. You can also search online at sites like Adopt a Pet, where you can filter adoptable pets by type, breed, age, size, and location. If you don’t see a solid match, sign up for New Pet Alerts, so you’ll immediately know when your dream pet comes up for adoption.

Resources 

“All Shelters Are Not Alike – the Important Differences That Can Affect the Mission.” Humane World for Animals www.humaneworld.org/sites/default/files/docs/all-shelters-are-not-alike.pdf.

“Animal Shelters versus Animal Rescues — What’s the Difference.” Second Chance Pet, secondchancepet.net/sheltersvsrescues.

“Understanding Animal Welfare Organizations: Types of Shelters, Rescues, and Services.” Shelter Animals Count, 23 Oct. 2024, www.shelteranimalscount.org/understanding-animal-welfare-organizations.