Why Do Animal Shelters Want So Much Information?

Have you browsed an animal shelter or the website of an animal protection organization and found that you need to provide a detailed self-disclosure just to get to know the animals? Many people are confused or even put off by this. But why does animal protection require so much information from you? Here are some surprising answers.

Why Do Animal Shelters Want So Much Information from Potential Adopters?

Self-disclosures, bank statements, permission from landlords to keep a dog, confirmation from employers about the ability to work from home permanently, pre-checks, and post-checks—the list of requirements for adopting a dog from an animal shelter can be quite long. This varies depending on the organization or shelter.

But why do shelters and foster homes have these high requirements when you only need to visit a breeder and pay the fee? There are several valid reasons. Let’s take a closer look:

#1: Shelter Animals Have Often Had Irresponsible Owners

When animals end up in shelters, it is usually due to a thoughtless purchase. Often, the breed wasn’t chosen appropriately, and people were only swayed by the dog’s appearance. Many aren’t aware of the amount of work a dog requires or how much time and money it costs.

In many cases, owners haven’t planned for emergencies:

What if they get sick or injured?
What if the dog can’t be left alone but also can’t come to the office?
What if the owners separate and neither partner can take full responsibility for the dog?
What if the owner dies, becomes chronically ill, or loses their job?

Animal shelters and reputable animal protection organizations want to prevent another thoughtless acquisition from occurring. They ask many questions that each potential adopter should have considered beforehand:

Am I allowed to keep a dog? Or could my landlord prohibit it?
Do I have plans for emergencies?
Where will I leave my dog if it can’t be alone?
Who will take care of my dog if I am sick?
Do I have enough money for food, veterinary care, taxes, and insurance?
Do I have enough time to properly care for a dog every day?
Am I willing to work on any issues that arise?

Unfortunately, many people still rationalize their decision to get a dog. „It will be fine!“ „You can’t plan for everything!“ „I’ll find a solution!“

Keep in mind that the first owners of the dogs in shelters thought exactly the same way. They may have even paid a fee to relinquish the dog. But the biggest toll is on the animals, who are uprooted from their familiar environment due to being placed with an incompetent or irresponsible owner.

To prevent this from happening again, shelter staff would rather ask one question too many than one too few. They want to be as certain as possible that they can place the dog permanently, so it doesn’t end up being returned or become a „pass-around“ pet. This brings us to the second reason for thorough checks:

#2: Shelter Dogs Carry a Stigma

When a dog ends up in a shelter, many people immediately think: This dog has problems. It has issues. It’s probably untrained or even traumatized.

Unlike the perfect little puppy from a breeder, a shelter dog comes with a backstory, and many assume that the animal is somehow to blame for ending up in the shelter.

A second-hand dog might be the perfect choice; perhaps the previous owners were simply unable to care for it. However, we must address the potential issues when it comes to dogs that came back to the shelter multiple times:

1. The dog is so behaviorally challenging and demanding that a normal life with it is not possible without experience.

2. The shelter is incompetent in placing the dog.

3. The shelter is hiding something.

The chances of such an animal finding a loving and capable home significantly decrease as a result. To mitigate the risk of such mismatches, potential adopters undergo thorough evaluations. This is true for reputable animal protection organizations.

#3: Rigorous Checks Filter Out Unsuitable Owners

People outside of animal protection can hardly imagine how many individuals impulsively want to adopt a pet, often without considering their suitability or the responsibilities involved.

They see an image of a cute dog and „fall in love“ at first sight. While this may sound sweet and understandable, it is dangerous.

A dog represents a significant responsibility. It’s a commitment that requires careful consideration. Time, money, planning, and ongoing learning are crucial for a successful relationship.

Even this small example highlights the impact a furry family member can have on daily life:

Planning a vacation with a dog? A vacation without a dog? No vacation at all? Traveling with a dog or arranging for pet care can be expensive. Completely forgoing travel is unthinkable for many.

Whereas before, you might have just packed your passport and clothes and left, with a dog you need to consider entry regulations, vaccinations, and local rules. In some countries, certain breeds can be seized. Missing a vaccination could lead to weeks of quarantine.

Responsible owners weigh the restrictions, additional costs, and time considerations ahead of time. They know if their landlord allows dogs and can prove it. In short, they have contingency plans for all potential emergencies and changes.

„You can’t predict everything in life!“ – this phrase often comes up when asking about precautions. While it’s true that no one can achieve 100% certainty, preparation says a lot about a person. Additionally, a solid foundation is a better basis than hoping things will work out somehow.

Is the Shelter Being Intrusive?

When shelters or animal protection organizations ask numerous questions, require proof, and even conduct checks, some people feel offended and perceive the approach as intrusive. Perhaps you’ve felt this way yourself.

However, remember that the animals often wouldn’t have ended up in shelters if breeders, private sellers, and less reputable animal protection organizations thoroughly vetted future owners.

Adopting a puppy only to find you can’t afford it after two months? Taking in a dog and then having your landlord threaten eviction? Getting a dog while working from home, only to have to return to the office?

Such cases are far from rare.

Checks Are for Your Safety, Not to Annoy You

Even if the demands of a shelter or animal protection organization seem absurd or intrusive at first glance, try to understand the perspective of the facilitators.

They hear that adults can decide for themselves what kind of pet suits them on a daily basis – even when these individuals haven’t informed themselves at all. They also witness daily what happens when people make the wrong choices or aren’t truly ready for a dog yet proceed anyway.

Keep in mind that the evaluation also benefits you. You wouldn’t be happy with an unsuitable dog, just as the dog wouldn’t thrive with you. Having to give up a beloved pet due to mismatched circumstances is a terrible experience for you and represents yet another massive upheaval for the dog.

The requested information serves both of you and is not intended to thwart adoption or annoy potential owners.

Extra Tip: Educate Yourself and Ask Questions

Well-informed and genuinely interested inquiries are appreciated in animal protection just as much as they are by breeders or private individuals who must reluctantly part with their pets. So show that you don’t just want a dog because you find it cute.

You should be aware of the responsibility and clearly articulate what you can offer a dog.

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