Myth #1: It’s hard to adopt from a shelter.

Fact: DCHS practices a philosophy called Adopters Welcome, meaning we remove as many barriers from the adoption process as possible. For example, instead of an adoption application, we get to know our adopters and learn about their lifestyle so we can help them find a pet who will be a good fit. Our adoption fees are comparatively low and rarely cover all procedures performed while the pet is in our care, which can include age-appropriate vaccines, medications, microchipping, spay/neuter, and more!

Myth #2: If I return an animal I adopted, I’ll be judged or not allowed to adopt again.

Fact: Not here! Our goal is to help people and animals find a good fit for everyone, and that doesn’t always happen on the first try. When a pet is returned to DCHS, we have learned more about the animal, and we can help the adopter and pet each find a better fit. We do ask that adopters contact us and follow our appointment process for adoption returns.

Myth #3: If an animal isn’t adopted quickly enough, it will be put to sleep.

Fact: DCHS has an Adoption Guarantee, which means we never euthanize for time or space. Every adoptable animal who is healthy or who has treatable or manageable medical and/or behavioral conditions can stay with us for as long as it takes to find them a home! Animals who have been here the longest become Lonely Hearts Club members. For these animals, we reduce adoption fees and feature them in the media to help spread their story. We may also send them to foster or take them on outings for a break from the shelter.

Myth #4: Shelter animals are “broken” or have behavior “issues.”

Fact: While some animals are surrendered to our shelter for behavior- or medical-related reasons, most arrive here for human reasons like major family events, changes in living circumstances, the pet parent’s health or death, or too many pets. Being in a shelter can cause higher levels of stress, fear, or anxiety, but with patient adopters who allow them to settle into their new homes, adopted shelter animals go on to live happy lives!

Adopting a pet from a shelter can be such a rewarding experience. Our process is designed to make pet guardianship accessible to as many community members as possible, setting them and their new family members up for long-term success.

Tim Clark is a Shelter Resource Supervisor