Is it harder to adopt a dog than buy a dog?

Around here, it depends on where you go. Some rescues are very picky, as well as our local Humane Society. On the other hand, some are not as picky and that includes the county animal shelter.

With the ones that are really picky, I can't help but think it has a lot to do with how very different these worlds are from each other. In working with a reputable breeder, if you are doing dog activities, you are more likely to have connections in that area that your potential breeder may very well know... or can follow a chain of people to get reliable information on you. Rescues and shelters don't have that option usually, unless their volunteer background checking people are into dog activities and have some resources to work with.

All in all, this is supposed to be done in the best interest of the animal, but sometimes I think some places put too many restrictions and actually prevent some animals from going to nice homes.

Yes it's a lot harder. Most breeders don't question you enough either because they don't care or presume you know what you are doing!

Even though I've always adopted and have been house checked previously, I still had to go through it again when we adopted Willow last year.

The German Shepherd Rescue was even thorough enough to check with my Vet, who has treated my animals for the last 20 years. They asked the questions I'd expect them to for this breed though and I felt they were doing the right thing.

I think it depends on the breed and whether it's a specialist rescue or just an 'all dog' shelter but some seem too picky to me. It's perhaps right if people haven't owned a dog or a particular breed before but sometimes I think they get it very wrong. I'm sure those dogs would have been very happy with someone with your experience!

In your case I can't understand why they've refused you. I think I'd feel a little offended too.

It depends on where you go. To buy a puppy from a reputable breeder (who does not know you personally, of course) you should have to answer a lot of questions. Most breeders really screen their puppy buyers. BYBs, pet stores, and millers will sell to whomever shows up with the money, making it really simple.

Rescue wise, some rescues are VERY picky- some so much that they rarely even adopt out dogs. Others let just about anyone bring home a dog- our local shelter for instance, so long as its ok with your landlord, you can adopt. Others fall somewhere in the middle. I've adopted several pets and it wasn't too hard. I did get turned down several times on my last try, but it was always because the dog I applied for had gone to a different home. Most rescues in my area require references and an adoption application, in addition to proof that a dog is ok with your landlord. Some go beyond that and do home checks as well, or make a point to always require a fence. I've found if I don't like a groups adoption policies, i just find a different rescue who is happy to work with me. Its the rescues loss.

You're not the first person who's run into this. I've heard some crazy stories about folks who try to adopt. Did the rescue group give you a reason why they wouldn't adopt out to you? Maybe its time to try a different rescue group (if you don't end up with a puppy of course). Just because one group wont work with you doesn't mean no group will. -Neb

In some cases, yes. I know several very knowledgeable, responsible dog owners who have had a hell of a time getting accepted by rescue groups to adopt.

It makes sense though. Rescue groups are of a different mindset than most breeders because the dogs have already been put in a position that has left them homeless. Rescuers want to do as much as they possibly can to prevent that from happening again. It's not that breeders don't care about their dogs- it's just under totally different circumstances.

If you are trying to adopt a dog through a rescue, they are very careful.Generally a home check is done,they may ask for references or who your vet is.Once they have done their homework, you should have no problem adopting.Perhaps you ran into a difficult person as well.The idea is to make a good match so the animal doesn't land back in the system or worse.

County & city shelters are not difficult.Private rescues have likely fostered,had dental or any medical required done,worked to socialize & have evaluated the animal.

okay-just saw breed specific adoption.They can be very very difficult to deal with & very snobbish to boot.We offered to adopt a 14 yr. yorkie that had been on petfinders for over 1 yr.They wanted well over 500$,never did show for the home check either.Many rescue people keeping the animals in mind as 1st priority are beginning to drop out of National 'whatever' rescues as the folks in charge ask insane amounts & make placement go impossibly slow.Your story is a perfect example & they missed an adoption opportunity.

Picky is okay-rude or impossible to deal with is not.

I find adopting easier for the fact that it is cheaper. And since I'm not into showing and what not it's a simpler process for me.

The deal with pet adoption is that, especially in shelters, their dogs have already had a rough go of it in life. And they want to be DARN sure that it won't happen again, so they try to find just the right fit. I would guess your suspicion about your show background in relation to breeder caution is true. A breeder of show dogs probably has a stronger understanding and respect for people who show dogs. Or, if you are buying from nonreputable breeders, then they are probably just impressed and assume you're good because you show, it would depend.

All the pound puppies I've adopted have had a long list of requirements and questions, but they do that so that you'll be most likely to adopt the dog, then keep it instead of bringing it back or getting rid of it. Most of the little guys have already had a hard life and they want to make sure it won't have another round of a bad owner.

I guess adoption would be harder, but I've never gone through either. I got my first dog as a present, my second from S.C. We traveled up there to pick it up and visit the friend that got it fo me since she knew I wanted a Jack Russell. My third was an arranged present. Forth was from a friend that was moving to a place that didn't allow pets. So, I've never had to go through this "screening process" or even literally buy one. I don't even know what they'd look for when the shelter officials visit. After all, the people could always lie, put fake stuff up, pay peoople or get friends to say they're good, and such.

I got my pug from a shelter, no questions asked. If you're adopting from a rescue agency, then yeah, they ask a lot of questions. They want to make sure the dog isn't going to be abandoned because many of the pets have already been in a few previous homes.

It's harder to adopt. I suggest you wait and buy a dog, or check local breeders, ask to see the pups, ask good questions about both mom and dad, and show them that you will be a very responsible and loving owner and they just might sell the dog to you in a good deal. But if you adopt they will ask you many numerous questions, and as you said they're very very picky. So definitely buy one!