FAQ's about Rescue Dogs

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Why should I adopt from a rescue group?
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Experts estimate that 10 million dogs per year in the U.S. need to be euthanized in shelters because no one wanted them. By adopting a shelter or rescue dog, you are saving a homeless dog’s life. In the past several years, purebred or mixed breed dog rescue organizations have helped to reduce the amount of dogs being euthanized by getting them out of the shelter and fostering them until a new home is found. Foster homes will help with any housetraining issues and different temperament problems who can be fix with tender loving care.

Where do "Rescue Dogs" come from?
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  Rescue dogs come from a wide variety of places. The dogs may be from shelters where they had been brought as a strays or by their former owners.The most comom reasons are:
  • No time to spend with the dog
  • allergies
  • moving
  • lost job
  • divorce

Where are the SPCA of TN rescue dogs Located?
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We have foster homes adn rescue volunteers that helps us take care of the dogs. The dogs may be in temporary foster homes, in shelters or they may still be with the original owner. If the dog you want is not near you, transportation is always a possibility.

Aren't rescue dogs usually abused and/or neglected, and doesn't this make them dangerous?
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Absolutely not!

Most rescue dogs are simply the products of a bad decision-making. If a dog has been abused or neglected, most are grateful to now be in loving homes. Many new owners report their dogs seems to know what has happened and is all the more attentive and loving because of his former situation. We will not accept or place any dog who is temperamental unsafe or who has shown any aggression towards people.

Why can't I breed my rescue dog?
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The fact that rescue exists is a testament to the fact that there are too many dogs. For this reason all rescue dogs must be spayed and neutered. Dog breeding should be undertaken after much education about the breed, the problems that may exist and the art and science is for being a responsible breeder. If done correctly dogs in not ususally a money-making venture.

How are the dogs rescued by the SPCA of Tennessee screened?
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Every dog in foster care is screened temperamentally and medically to insure that only sound healthy dogs areplaceed. They are evaluated to determine if they are ok with othe rdogs, cats, kids, etc. Foster homes also work to eliminate any bad habits that therescue dog might have. The foster dog lives in the house with a foster family, we are able to accurately describe what this dog willbe like when it comes to your home. This is a great advantage over dopting a dog directly from a shelter, where unfortunately shelter workers do not have the time or resources to evaluate dogs in a home situation.

How much does it cost to adopt a rescue dog from the SPCA of Tennessee?
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Our cost to spay or neuter a dog, bring it up to date on vaccinations, test heartworm and treat any medical problems can be as high as several hundred dollars. Our adoption fee is $150.00 for all dogs that we place.