Ready for dog adoption in the Carolinas? Here are 4 shelters to consider.
Planning to adopt a dog to add more love to your home? While puppies are squirming balls of fluff and joy who deserve families, don’t overlook adult and senior dogs. According to the ASPCA, senior dogs have a 25% adoption rate while younger dogs and puppies have a 60% adoption rate.
There are so many benefits to adopting adult dogs. You can more easily understand what their personalities are like since they’ve already developed, as well as their energy levels. They are often already housebroken, so they’re more likely to be past the peeing-on-the-rug and chewing-on-the-couch phases. And they may already have learned certain commands. On a more basic level, you already know how big they’re going to be – and whether you can manage them in your home.
Ready to explore dog adoption in the Carolinas, or at least support shelter animals? Here are a few shelters to consider, plus information about their greatest needs this year from pet food donations to monetary support.
Adoptable dogs include: Gemma, age 7
How to support the shelter: "Senior dogs across South Carolina are feeling the love after a statewide Public Service Campaign hit the airwaves and social media,” said Abigail Appleton, PMP,CAWA Director for No Kill South Carolina. “In a collaborative effort, Charleston Animal Society and its program No Kill South Carolina have teamed up with The Grey Muzzle Organization to promote senior dog adoptions. Please visit a shelter near you and save a Grey Muzzle today."
Visit their website for more information.
Adoptable dogs include: Jessie, age 7
How to support the shelter: According to the HSC, they are looking for additional support and sponsorship this year from the community. With their Animal Resource Center breaking ground in March, they are working to raise $2 million. They are also accepting sponsorship of supplies and products to be able to give out in their youth programs.
Visit their website for more information.
Adoptable dogs include: Boomer, age 8
How to support the shelter: “Monetary donations from the community are the primary driving force behind the SPCA of Wake County’s ability to rescue, rehabilitate and adopt homeless pets from all across North Carolina,” said Samantha Ranlet, Marketing Communications Specialist for SPCA of Wake County. “Every gift given goes directly back into our local community, allowing us to provide education and resources to the public and to offer second chances to thousands of pets in need.”
Visit their website for more information.
Adoptable dogs include: Scooter, age 7
How to support the shelter: "Asheville Humane Society offers pet food assistance by partnering with 23 local food pantries in order to make it easily accessible for our neighbors in need,” said Jody Evans, Executive Director of Asheville Humane Society. “Our hope is that by providing free pet food, we can ease some of the burden when families may be struggling to support themselves or their pets. Asheville Humane strives to do everything in our power to keep pets and their people together, and we are so very grateful to everyone who helps make this possible by donating food. We are always in need of wet and dry cat and dog food. Donations can be dropped off or mailed to our Adoption Center at 14 Forever Friend Lane, Asheville, NC 28806."
Visit their website for more information.
And if you do adopt, soak up the love of your new fur baby. Also, be prepared to succeed in the first two weeks post-adoption to establish a happy household – here’s how. Let the journey begin!
Images courtesy of Charleston Animal Society, Humane Society of Charlotte, SPCA of Wake County and Asheville Humane Society.