Adopting from the Atlanta Humane Society (AHS) is a wonderful experience! We've done it three times so far. AHS is a well run BUSINESS by highly trained employees and highly trained volunteers. Some of the rescue groups we looked into are run by well-intentioned, part-time volunteers, and the groups require lots of paperwork and have lengthy waiting periods to get a pet.

I say it depends on which organization you try to adopt from. I had a wonderful experience with Atlanta Humane Society and actually adopted 2 wonderful mutts (best kind of dogs by the way) one was a collie mix who lived for 12 yrs and the other was a lab mix that lived for 16 yrs. After losing them I tried to adopt from Dekalb Humane Society and the experience was horrible--after SEVERAL visits I just continued to get the runaround and finally gave up, well as luck would have it someone abandoned a g. shepherd mix in a park, a friend got it and lucky for my family he has been our favorite family member for 10 years and runs the house!! I say shame on u Dekalb H. Society --your paperwork and ridiculous attitude is causing some animals to miss out on gettin a fantastic home!!

If you are looking to foster or adopt, there are plenty of abandoned animals in our area who would love to meet you. Search Petfinders, 30030 and check out the dogs and cats. Not all animals are listed and unfortunately may not get the exposure they need to find a home. Ask your vet about options as they can point you to the many unwanted animals who need loving homes.

My wife volunteers for Furkids, the lead org since Small Dog Rescue has merged with them.They are usually at the Pet Smart in Sandy Springs every Saturday.

I was amazed at first at the review and paperwork, but it is needed because some people have no clue about caring for a dog. Many make a spur of the moment decision which changes as time goes on. They allow you to foster dogs to see if they get along with your other dogs and children. They check your history if you have had a dog before to see if you were diligent with their care (talk to your old vet). They let you bring in your dogs and children to see how they interact before allowing the dog to go home with you.

If you want a dog, you must be up to the responsibility of caring for them, so No, it is not overkill.

We adopted a Great Pyrenees from Great Pyrenees Rescue of Atlanta (http://www.greatpyratlanta.com/) and had to fill out paperwork and show that we were fit to take care of this magnificent dog who had previously been abused. I think their caution -- and that of other rescue groups -- is necessary to prevent more abuse. Too bad we can't require the same for parents!

No. Some organizations are stricter than others, but that's their right. There are really plenty of "easy" places to adopt a pet (re: various animal shelters in the metro) but when you adopt from a reputable rescue you know--or at least you hope--that the animals have been fostered, vetted properly, etc.

I think that the barriers the rescues put up can also be helpful for some well-meaning people. I know they made me think twice about whether or not a dog would fit into my lifestyle. Turns out one doesn't, so I ended up not adopting one. I never got rejected by a rescue but I knew some of their qualifications and that helped me make the decision. There are always going to be idiots who will go to any lengths to get a "disposable" pet but I'm glad I am not one of them. For the pets I already have, I am committed to them for life.

Vet visits, spay/neuter, dog food, heart worm preventative, flea medication, grooming, etc... these things add up to a lot of money each year. If people can't afford adoption fees, they probably can't afford to take care of a dog. If answering some questions or filling out paperwork is too hard for people, they probably can't be inconvenienced by owning a dog either. These "barriers" often weed out people who might not be committed pet owners. Pets are a lifetime commitment. I think it's great that rescue groups try their best to find appropriate, loving homes for these pets.

Recently, we tried to adopt a dog from small non-profit pet rescue group and were disappointed when they would not let us take our new best friend home because we had two indoor cats and did not have our vaccination records for the cats with us (It's not the kind of thing we keep on us at all times). After going home, I discovered we had let the rabies vaccinations lapse (these are 100% indoor cats) and we could not get them vaccinated in the amount of time they gave us to provide proof. Of course, if we had never mentioned the cats, it would not have been a problem. Unfortunately, that little dog missed out on a great forever home. But, we ended up adopting from Royal Potcake Rescue (http://www.potcake.org/), which I highly recommend. It was a good adoption experience and our Potcake is the perfect family dog!

Rescues try hard, and some people are well intentioned, but take it too far. It is an ongoing debate in the pet rescue industry. But what people are not mentioning is the number of dogs returned because they are not perfect, or cats dumped because after the owner declawed them the cat no longer used the litter box correctly.
Those adoption fees are CHEAP. The same services would cost an owner $400-$600 and you are getting a vetted animal. Rescues can tell you personality, whether it gets along with other animals or children. So what if you have to do a little paperwork to verify you are going to care for the animal.

Our experience with Atlanta Humane Society was very good. We adopted a lab mix 5 years ago and he was neutered, had a microchip put in, all his vacs. We were told he was 6 months old and his other breed was probably border collie but over a three month period he tripled in size, growing to be about the size of a greyhound, a little smaller than a Great Dane. So one caveat might be, don't totally believe what they say about the parentage! We love our big old boy and I would not have him any other way. His deep bark and long teeth scare any prospective burglars away. And he's a sweetie to all who I designate as a friend.

I believe that the fees at shelters like Dekalb Animal Control (which are lowered some times ) are quite reasonable . The fees include spay / neutering.

Also, please consider that the funding and staffing for Dekalb has been cut in recent years while the demand for services has increased so much (probably due in part to the econimy). The staff are overwhelmed and are trying hard to provide care in a building that is very old and delapidated. They now have 3 adoption coordinators who I believe are great. Unfortunately, due to staffing, they at times get pulled to do other duties.

I would encourage anyone considring adding to your family with a dog or cat to please visit Dekalb Animal Control and Services. They have so many wonderful animals. Also, after your visit, please contact your county Commisioner and Burrell Ellis and tell them you SAW what the facility is like and a new facility is needed NOW. Thanks

I think it's important for an organization to strike a balance. Yes, there is a need to get pets off the streets and into homes, but these animal organizations also have a responsibility to make sure these animals are going to safe, decent places. Most animal welfare orgs don't make their money from adoption fees. They make it from donations. The fee is to ensure that the person adopting understands the commitment and the means it takes to care for a living, breathing animal. I think some organizations are too strict--making potential adopters jump through hoops and turning good people away for one nitpicky reason or another. The fees at some breed-specific rescues are nearly as high as a breeder would charge. Several people have mentioned Atlanta Humane Society--and we've had a great experience there as well. I believe the fees there range from $100-150 and the pets are already spayed/neutered and microchipped. I know that fee doesn't even cover the cost they've put into caring for the animal. And they do have an application to fill out, but they don't turn people away for silly reasons. And the whole process can take just 1-2 hours from selection to adoption. I also can't tell you how many beautiful, purebred dogs I see on their website regularly. People just need to understand that adopting a pet is not the same as going to Wal-Mart and picking the cutest toy. It's an investment and a big decision!

Very difficult to adopt small or toy breeds (outside of Chihuahuas and terriers, which are plentiful). Many shelter personnel members decide to keep the dog for theirselves. However, they should NOT ADVERTISE the dog if that is THEIR INTENT.

Pet ownership is a serious life commitment....financially, emotionally, and literally! You WANT pet rescue organizations to carefully vet (pun intended!) potential adopters to make sure they understand and can handle the serious responsibility of becoming a pet parent. A primary reason is to prevent the number of pet surrenders that occur later on....when they didn't consider their work/travel schedule and boarding expenses, their home environment, their lifestyle preferences, the veterinary costs, etc.

I highly recommend ATLANTA PET RESCUE & ADOPTION(APRA) which is a non-profit, volunteer-based, no-kill shelter that can be found online at http://www.atlantapetrescue.org/.

You should consider volunteering or applying to be a FOSTER parent with APRA - it is a great way to learn about different breeds and see how well they acclimate to your home environment, your lifestyle, and your other pets.

In fact, my two APRA fosters are the ones that adopted ME, and they are the two most spoiled pooches in Atlanta! I am not ashamed to admit that they are the ones that actually rescued ME!

The animal controls and large humane societies tend to operate a high volume operation with little screening or hoops to jump through. They also don't claim to be no-kill and will and do euthanize for illness or behavior. Most of the rescue groups are completely no-kill and will take back any animal if the adoption doesn't work out. They also provide more vet care (for instance, our pet adopted from a rescue had a teeth cleaning, was groomed and had been treated for heartworms -- something the large shelters don't do). Because they invest so much time and effort for the pets and will always take them back, the rescues tend to ask more questions and have more hoops. But I adore the dog I adopted and am so thankful that she ended up in a rescue and not a large animal control or humane society where she probably would have been euthanized.

We have adopted from Rufus Rescue. They are a wonderful caring organization. Especially Harriet! We had no "hoops" to go through. The biggest problem is Fulton County and towns like Roswell which limit the number of pets in the home to 3!!! this isn't based on the size of your home or any financial means-simply a silly number they decided to use. It limits many more animals that could be taken in by loving caring families.

I adopted my gal seven years ago from the Atlanta Humane Society. Unless it has changed, I'd say a minimal amount of paperwork, not a long process. She's insanely amazing and curled up like a ball at my feet under a blanket at the moment. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that I had a positive experience, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

I'll second a few thoughts above. Check with Dekalb animal services, with stories I've heard lately, the animals don't have a decent life there, and lastly... I hate to be preachy, but, if filling out paperwork is a hassle, you may not be ready for a new member of your family just yet. Obviously they require a lot of work, and puppies have crazy energy, and need lots of walks/attention/behavior training. It's not easy (or cheap), but it's absolutely worth it.

We adopted an English Springer Spaniel which had been turned in to Fulton County animal control by his previous owners and pulled from the shelter by ESRA (English Springer Rescue America). Judging by his age, they guessed he was possibly a Christmas puppy who turned out to be more than the owners were prepared to take on and decided that owning a dog was just too much for them. ESRA got him current on all his shots and had him neutered and we adopted him. We had preciously gone through a home visit and screening when we adopted our first Springer, so the adoption process was quicker this time. We discovered that he had hip dysplasia and ESRA offered to take him back and find another home for him if we didn't feel we could deal with the associated health care costs. We were in love with him by then and are fortunate enough to have the means to take care of him, so he's been part of our family for two years now.
A reputable breeder would have let the previous owners know that they could return the puppy to them if they had second thoughts. A rescue group would have done the same. Both would have let the potential owners know how high-energy the breed is and helped them decide whether they were really ready for a puppy in their home. And whether they really had thought through the lifetime costs of dog ownership.

I have had nothing but rescue babies all my life. My latest being Arthur...a poodle that I adopted from Ruffus Rescue. I think if it is a reputable organization, they will take the time to talk with you, find out about your habits, home, work hours, is your yard fenced, will the animal(if it's a dog) be crated, how many hours are you gone a day, etc. Adoptions are for life, so the organization should take extreme care to match a baby with the right home, and make sure the family knows the time, care, and expenses involved with having a rescue. If a person/family can meet requirements, it really isn't difficult to adopt. I had been searching for just the right rescue baby when I saw Arthur's picture on the Ruffus Rescue site. I immediately sent an email with my long adoption history and *perks* of being in my family. IE: lots of love, sleeping on the bed......things like that. We communicated, and I went to meet Arthur. We insantly fell in love and he came home with me. It is extremely important that the baby is spayed or nuetered. There is far too big of an animal over population problem. I think puppy mills(which is where Arthur was rescued from) should be shut down and legislation should be in place for these types of places. I have loved every rescue baby I have had. They have, and will, all live long happy lives in my home.

i hope when they build the new DeKalb Shelter they will consider adding sound absorbing material to the ceiling. It is deafening in the back where the dogs are located. I don't know how the Employees stand it. Looks like there were be some code so the Employees hearing is protected. Material on the ceiling and down the walls should help.I signed a Petition at the Dekalb Animal Hospital in Tucker for a new shelter.

Interesting comments! My experience was not pleasant. However, I am grateful for the various facilities that dont euthanize animals. I still say that some of them are too strict. Maybe I fell in love too quickly but I pictured the dog as a family member too soon and was heartbroken when each time I went to visit, thinking this was the day I would bring him home, I was heartbroken. I must admit though even after all of the interviewing, discussions and my telling them my lengthy hx with dogs, they really didnt know me. I just hope that dog got a wonderful home.

Atlanta Beagle Rescue helped us find our last two dogs and were great to work with. They do a terrific job of vetting the dogs and getting to know them and finding the right dog for your family and lifestyle. We also rescued from Dogs on Death Row (they specialize in dogs in imminent danger) and they were good also. Please rescue from somewhere. There are wonderful dogs that need homes and love.

I agree that some of these places make it much more difficult to adopt a pet than it would be a human child! Too many pets lose out on finding a perfect home because of this nonsense. I understand they have rules...but come on- do they really even WANT their pets to find forever homes?

Urgent Fulton Pets in Danger.LifeLine placed a bid to take over animal control but the County is still heavily considering and as of now giving preference to a regressive terrible option . Please sign the petition and alert others to also let the county know how they feel. Petition and story at this link http://petadvocatesnetwork.org/wordpress/2013/01/06/animal-lovers-urgent-action-needed/

To complain about an $80-100 fee for adoption of an animal that has been tested, vaccinated, spayed/neutered is one of the most absurd things I've heard lately. My position is very simple - if you cannot afford $100 adoption fee, you certainly cannot afford the wellness check required within 3 days of adoption, the heartworm medication ($100-120/6 months) for a dog, the food, the annual vaccinations snd, in all likelihood will dump the pet or let the pet suffer from neglect within a short period of time. Although the studies of this kind of behavior are not extensive, they are conclusive. If you are not willing to commit to several hours or form completion, questioning by the animal services/rescue personnel and payment of a very modest fee, you probably have no sense of the responsibility required to care for a pet for the duration of that pet's life. Sorry. I wish I could be kinder about this but I've seen too many instances of childish "I wanna puppy or a kittie" impulses resulting in horrible neglect or abuse of animals.

BTW, I don't really like the process of adoption, but I am unable to think how it could be made 'easier,' and still protect animals. I don't have to like a lot of things, like cats, but I know how to work the process.

Axel.

I had been trying to adopt a pet in the Atlanta area for months and was denied many times. All the long application filled out only to be denied because I work 12 hour shifts or live in an apartment. Well, finally broke down and bought two Cocker Spaniels from a wonderful breeder. Yes, they are well taken care of. Even thou I love my my adopted furry friends, my heart still goes out to those pets in a shelter who will never be adopted. I could have saved two pets. The thought of a pet being put to sleep just breaks my heart.