If you're thinking about bringing a new canine companion into your household, there is no better option than to adopt. When you adopt, you change the life of an animal in need and change your own life in the process.
But where can you adopt a dog in or near Montgomery County, PA? In this guide, you can learn about nearby animal shelters and rescues. But first, let's quickly go over a few of the benefits of adopting a dog instead of buying one.
Why Adopt a Dog in Montgomery County, PA Instead of Buying a Dog?
You have a chance to save the life of a loving, beautiful canine in search of a home. Every dog deserves to have a welcoming forever home and a family that loves him just as much as he loves them. Right now, you can end an animal’s suffering and replace it with a lifetime of safety and happiness. Your new pet is out there waiting for you.
Speed through training. A lot of the dogs that end up in shelters already have been house-trained. So, for new dog owners in particular, adopting makes for an easy transition into living with a canine.
Spend less money bringing a dog into your home. It can be very expensive to purchase a dog from a store. It costs a lot less to adopt one. In fact, the rescue will often help to cover basic medical costs such as an initial round of vaccines and spaying or neutering.
Reduce the burden on a local shelter. Many animal shelters are overcrowded, which adversely impacts quality of life for the dogs that live in them. By adopting, you free up space and resources for the other dogs still living in the shelters.
Find a dog which is the right fit for your home. If a dog has been living in a shelter for some time, you should be able to find out quite a bit regarding his physical and mental health and his personality. Bringing the right pet into your home reduces the chances that he will end up back at a shelter.
Fight puppy mills. When you buy a pet from a store, you are supporting puppy mills which mass-produce dogs. Puppy mills are miserable, unhealthy environments both for breeding dogs and puppies. More dogs are bred than are ever cared for, leading to an overpopulation of dogs ending up in shelters, living as strays or getting euthanized. When you adopt, you don’t contribute to that system. Instead, you fight it.
Now that you have a few excellent reasons to adopt, let's talk about where you can adopt a dog in or near Montgomery County, PA.
1. Montgomery County SPCA
1059 Sweisford Rd, Perkiomenville, PA 18074
One of the top locations in Montgomery County for adopting a dog is the Montgomery County SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). The SPCA writes, “All the animals available for adoption have been wormed and inoculated against distemper and rabies. Pets will also be neutered or spayed prior to going to a new home. All adopted animals are given two weeks of free veterinary coverage by our staff veterinarians for any kennel related ailments."
2. Bucks County SPCA
60 Reservoir Rd, Quakertown, PA 18951
If you drive a little to the northeast, there is another SPCA adoption center in Bucks County. If you do not find a pet which is an ideal fit for your household at the Montgomery County SPCA, you might find the next member of your home at the Bucks County SPCA.
3. Main Line Animal Rescue
1149 Pike Springs Rd, Chester Springs, PA 19425
While this is a locally-based rescue organization, it has been featured on shows like Oprah Winfrey and The View, receiving nationwide exposure. With an emphasis on advocacy and education, Main Line Animal Rescue will work with you to facilitate a smooth adoption even if you are new to owning a dog.
There are many other ways you can get involved at Main Line Animal Rescue as well. If you are not ready yet to adopt, you can volunteer to play with the animals or you can sponsor them.
4. Wet Nose Rescue
14425 Bustleton Ave, Philadelphia, PA 19116
Wet Nose Rescue is an organization which has banded together with the Pennsylvania Division of The Humane Society of the United States to stand up for animal welfare. Along with its lobbying activities, the rescue also shelters dogs for adoption. While you need to pay a deposit for spaying or neutering, the rescue can point you in the direction of clinics which are both reputable and affordable.
5. Home At Last Dog Rescue
100 W Main St, Lansdale, PA 19446
Home At Last Dog Rescue is based in North Wales, but schedules meet & greet events at different locations. You can come to one of these events to meet adoptable pets. As this is a volunteer-based organization, they also are always looking for help. So if you have some extra time, you can always volunteer to work with the dogs waiting for adoption.
6. RescueMe.org
One more option for rescuing dogs in or near Montgomery County, PA is to go through the website RescueMe.org, specifically this URL. This website provides adoption opportunities nationwide. When you visit the PA page, you will see dogs up for adoption throughout the state. Some of these may be in or near Montgomery County while others may be further away.
Rescue a Dog Today in Montgomery County, PA, and Change an Animal’s Life Forever
There are many beautiful, amazing dogs currently living in shelters in Montgomery County, PA without a family to love them. By adopting, you can bring a lifetime of love to an animal in need, forever changing his life and yours. If you have questions about adopting or need a professional to walk your new dog, please give me a call, and I’ll be glad to help!