Adoption has many benefits — for you and the animal — but myths about pet adoption persist. Let’s debunk some of the common misconceptions. 

Myth: Shelter animals have behavioral issues.

Truth: Approximately 14% of people choose not to adopt an animal from a shelter because they are concerned the animal was surrendered due to a behavior challenge. But the truth is animals are surrendered to AHS for a wide variety of reasons, including relocation, allergies, lifestyle, and more. 

Even pet parents with well-mannered, well-loved animals sometimes find themselves in a position where they have no choice but to surrender their pet. 

Every animal receives a behavior evaluation when they arrive at Animal Humane Society and the results and any considerations are shared with potential adopters. Once the animal is acclimated into their new home, in most cases they'll be more at ease and their true personalities will shine. 

It's also important to know animals, like people, have their own unique personalities and emotions that are influenced by their surroundings. Shelters can be stressful places due to unfamiliar environments, medical handling, different smells, and barking and sounds from other animals. Because of this, you might see an animal displaying certain behaviors while in the shelter that may disappear once they're in a home.

Myth: Shelter animals are unhealthy.

Truth: We may not know everything about an animal's history when they arrive at AHS, so every animal receives a medical exam performed by our veterinary staff. Some animals may suffer from malnutrition, fleas and other parasites, or respiratory diseases, while other animals arrive healthy and just need updated vaccines. 

Whatever the case, our expert veterinary team provides the individualized care the animal needs before they are made available for adoption — and adopters are made well aware of an animal's medical history since arriving at AHS, plus any potential ongoing medical needs. 

If an animal needs medication for a persisting common illness or pain management after being adopted, AHS provides up to 30 days of the medication free of charge.

Myth: Rescue animals are harder to train.

Truth: Take it from us: An animal is never too old to learn new tricks, even potty training! All animals, no matter where they come from, will have to learn a new routine when settling into a new home.

You can help them learn the ropes by working with our expert Behavior and Training team.

Myth: All shelter animals are elderly.

Truth: AHS takes in over 13,000 animals per year. Many animals are surrendered by loving families who can no longer care for them, while others arrive neglected or mistreated. Some are strays found wandering the streets of our community, and others arrive on transport with their littermates happily bouncing in tow. 

When you visit a shelter, you'll find animals of every age, breed, size, and temperament. 

Our tip? Don't rule out older animals. Senior pets make wonderful companions and have lots of love to give.

Myth: It's hard to bond with shelter animals. 

Truth: Animals come into our shelters for a wide variety of reasons and that doesn't reflect the type of companion they will be. 

We can't say it enough. Shelter animals are not broken.

When you bring a shelter animal home, something incredible happens. You become their person, their family. There’s nothing like the moment a shelter animal realizes they’re home. 

The gratitude we receive from our adopted pets is unlike anything else. It’s completely unmatched — except for maybe the gratitude you’ll also feel for them. 

Myth: The adoption process takes a long time and there is competition for adoptable animals.

Truth: AHS has worked hard to simplify our adoption process to make it as quick and easy as possible. Once you've decided which animal you'd like to adopt, you'll sit down with one of our Adoption Services Specialists to review the animal's records, explain our policies and services, and complete the adoption paperwork. Most people can complete their adoptions in two hours or less.

Adopting an animal is a big decision, so if you need some time to think about it, that's okay! After meeting the animal in person at one of our adoption centers, you can put the animal on a 24-hour hold for a small fee (puppies and kittens under six months of age can't be put on hold).

While demand for puppies and kittens remains high, over the last several years, competition for adult animals has decreased. There is now less competition for adoptable animals, and many adopters can find the perfect match without feeling rushed.