By Holly Nash, DVM, MS

Animal shelters can be a good source of many different types of fine quality pets. Most shelters accept dogs and cats, and some also accept birds, small mammals and even horses.

Types of shelters

Not all shelters are alike. Some shelters are actually part of your local government, supported by your tax dollars. Animal Control Officers or the police may be responsible for bringing abandoned or free-roaming animals to the shelter (or 'pound'). Some shelters are independent, and rely on charitable contributions. Some may be associated with national groups such as the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals who can provide them with guidelines on operating the shelter, and educational materials for new pet owners and the community. These are often called 'Humane Societies.' Finally some may be totally independent non-profit organizations. In our area, for example, we have an organization called 'Critter Rescue.' They help to provide homes for pets whose owners may not be able to take care of them, either on a temporary or permanent basis.
Shelters may differ in the services they provide, which is often associated with their operating budgets. Many tax-supported shelters have lower budgets than those who operate through contributions. Regardless of budget, in every shelter there are staff who are dedicated to their work and the animals in their care.

Reasons animals are in shelters

Many animals in shelters are pets whose owners can no longer care for them for a variety of reasons. This may be because their owners:
• Are moving and cannot take their pet with them
• Have health problems
• Have become incapacitated or died
• Do not have time for the pet because of changes in their lifestyle, e.g., new baby, ill family member
• Have other pets who do not get along with this one
• Realize they should never have gotten a pet
Other animals are brought to shelters because they are homeless or come from abusive situations.

Animal evaluation by the shelter

What is included in the evaluation of an animal surrendered to a shelter depends on the shelter. Some shelters provide an in-depth evaluation which includes obtaining a good history of the animal's health and behavior in his prior home, a veterinary exam, screening for various diseases such as heartworm or feline leukemia virus, and an assessment of the animal's temperament and behavior in the shelter. Other shelters, often because of budget constraints, provide only a minimal evaluation. Ask the people at the shelter how they evaluate the animals that come to them. If possible, get a written copy of the evaluation and any veterinary care to keep as part of the animal's medical record.