Visiting an animal shelter can be both exciting and disheartening at the same time. All the animals are eager to meet newcomers that might be able to offer them a comfortable life of safety, companionship and love. However, many of the pets wait months and years before anyone chooses them, while younger animals, popular breeds, and aesthetically appealing pets are picked up like hotcakes. Find out what kinds of cats and dogs are most commonly overlooked at the animal shelter.
Pets with Impairments: Though one might feel pity for the terrier mix with the cherry eye the pup with the bald patches, or the one-eyed cat, most people want an animal without impairments. This is a tragic reality where looks do have a serious effect on what kind of pal the pet-owner wants to bring home. It is not usually the ones that are a little rough around the edges. (The same goes for cats and dogs that are ill, have broken legs, or may be recovering from a disease of surgery. Though there are some genuinely charitable and kind pet owners out there who would take in a pet like this, most often the ill or impaired are seldom considered.)
Black-coated pets: For most devoted animal lovers, avoiding black-colored cats and dogs seems unfathomable. As ridiculous as such a preference might seem, years of misguided superstitions about black cats and the belief that pets with dark fur are less photogenic, make these beauties a last choice at the animal shelter.
Extroverts: This might sound surprising, but dogs that display high energy in a shelter are less likely to find a forever home. Jumping up, barking, running around and seeming too enthusiastic is rather like the girl on a first date who just prattles on forever, laughs continually, and won’t stop touching the guy’s arm. It’s “too much too soon” that tends to put cautious pet-owners off. The dogs and cats that seem friendly, without being too “spastic” are the kind of companion people are looking for. Unfortunately for the more exuberant animals, less is much, much more.
Common Breeds: There are certain kinds of dogs that just always seem to be in abundance at shelters. While it might be rare to find a sleek Dalmatian or a darling French Bulldog, there tends to be plenty of Chihuahuas and Pit Bulls readily available. Of all the dog breeds, Pit Bulls are the most likely to be euthanized at the pound, which is why so many of them end up as rescue dogs at animal shelters. Similarly, a generic tabby cat without distinct coloring is less likely to be adopted than other felines with unique coats.
Adult Pets: Getting a puppy or a new kitten seems more exciting than adopting an adult cat or dog, who is already past the cute, gangly stage. People worry that adult pets will have behavioral issues, physical ailments or emotional scars that may make them difficult to manage. This is a gross misconception in many cases; and we urge pet owners to keep an open mind and weigh the positives of adopting an adult pet.
