Dog adoption is a beautiful thing. There are millions of pets in shelters and rescues waiting for forever homes. Adopting a dog can help homeless animals and set an excellent example for others.
Dog adoption isn’t suitable for everyone, and it’s not something you should get into lightly. Getting a dog is an important decision that will affect your life for many years. If you’ve decided dog adoption is for you, this is excellent news!
Bringing an adopted dog into your home should be a rewarding experience for you and your family. Before looking for your future best friend, arm yourself with the knowledge to navigate the world of dog adoption and make the best possible decision.
We’ve compiled a list of the top Fresno, California dog rescue & shelters with an adoption guide.
Top 5 Dog Rescues & Shelters in Fresno, California
Adoption is an alternative that benefits everyone when it comes to acquiring a pet: the family, animal protection entities, and, of course, the dog itself
Shelters across the country house approximately eight million companion animals each year. Yet, nearly 50% of them are euthanized due to the shelter’s lack of resources.
1) Central California SPCA
The Central California SPCA (CCSPCA), founded in 1895 and located in Fresno County, California, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit humane society.
The first Articles of Incorporation, issued to The Fresno Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals on November 14, 1895, is undeniable proof of the long-standing dedication the organization has had to keeping the animals of the community safe.
In the following year of 1896, the society petitioned for and received an additional set of Articles of Incorporation for the establishment of the Fresno Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
During the years of the Great Depression, the two societies struggled financially and eventually let their Articles of Incorporation expire in 1945. One year later, a group of approximately 60 Fresno citizens concerned about the conditions of the city pound, met and celebrated Be Kind to Animals Week on April 11, 1946, by formally reorganizing the Fresno County Humane Society.
By-laws for the organization were adopted, a board of nine directors was elected, and the required signatures obtained on Articles of Incorporation to be filed at once with the Secretary of State of California. On August 16, 1946, the organization was officially incorporated as Fresno County Humane Society. The general purposes of the Fresno County Humane Society were to provide ways and means of enforcing the legal provisions regarding the prevention of cruelty to animals and “to labor in educating public sentiment for humanity and other animals.”
Over the ensuing years, members of the society became concerned with the developing confusion of Fresno area residents that the society was actually a department run by the Fresno County government. So on September 6, 1958, the Fresno County Humane Society’s name was changed to the Central California Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (CCSPCA).
Central California SPCA Information and Details:
- Mailing Address: 103 S Hughes Ave, Fresno, CA 93706, United States
- Website: http://ccspca.com/
- Phone: +15592337722
2) Animal Compassion Team
When ACT was founded it was with the idea that they could bring change to the Central Valley of California. They have worked tirelessly to help as many animals as possible though adoption, assistance of pet owners, partnering with local animal control agencies to help find safe placement for pets, and though community example and education.
To provide a safe haven for domestic animals, regardless of breed or species, through rescue, rehabilitation, adoption and sanctuary.
To advocate for the humane treatment of animals and promote the human-animal bond. To educate the public about the importance of kindness, compassion, and responsible pet ownership which will emphasize spaying and neutering. To cooperate and work with other animal rescues and shelters towards the goal of becoming a no-kill nation.
The Animal Compassion Team Information and Details:
- Address: 2789 S Orange Ave, Fresno, CA 93725, United States
- Website: http://www.animalcompassionteam.com/
- Phone: +15592666364
3) Valley Animal Center
Valley Animal Center houses thousands of dogs and cats annually until they are placed in loving homes. Majority of the shelter animals are rescued from local animal control agencies who have no more space for their animals. Even animals who have been abused, mistreated, abandoned, and injured are cared for and nurtured until a loving home is ready to adopt them.
They are easily accessible to the residents of the entire six-county region it serves. Even individuals from out of the area and out of state have come to Valley Animal Center to adopt animals from us and utilize Valley Animal Center clinic services.
The mission is to unite dogs and cat with loving people but it does not simply end at the adoption process. With Valley Animal Center low-cost clinic, a membership-based dog park, and humane education resources found on Valley Animal Center website, they want to ensure Valley Animal Center community has easy access to resources that will help them along in their pet ownership journey to become happy furever home with their furry companions.
Valley Animal Center Information and Details:
- Address: 3934 N Hayston Ave, Fresno, CA 93726, United States
- Website: http://www.valleyanimal.org/
- Phone: +15592338690
4) Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center
Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center Established in 2013. helps over 1,000 homeless animals in The community each year find loving new homes through adoption! All of Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center adoptions are just $25 and all adoptable pets are microchipped, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated.
Miss Winkles Pet Adoption Center Information and Details:
- Address: 85 Temperance Ave Clovis, CA 93611, United States
- Website: http://misswinkles.com
- Phone: (559) 324-2465
5) For the Sake of Dogs
For the Sake of Dogs goal at For the Sake of Dogs is to help, save, heal and rehome every dog they can.
No matter the breed, size, age or health For the Sake of Dogs mission is to advocate and provide a safe and loving environment until their forever family can be found.
For dogs that can’t be adopted, For the Sake of Dogs offer a sanctuary for life.
For the Sake of Dogs Information and Details:
- Address: 1045 Herndon Ave, Clovis, CA 93611, United States
- Website: http://www.forthesakeofdogs.com/
- Phone: +15592753769
Dog Rescue & Shelter Online
We hope that one of the shelters listed above can help you find your future dog, but if for some reason that doesn’t happen you can always opt for different alternatives.
For this reason, we’ve added these alternative platforms. These platforms will help you connect with people who have dogs for sale or adoption near you. It can be a great alternative in looking for your future pup within the comfort of your home.
AKC Market Place
Finding trustworthy dog breeders, groomers, and trainers can be challenging. AKC Marketplace is your trusted resource to help make a lifetime of responsible dog ownership safe, happy, and healthy.
AKC Marketplace® is the only website that exclusively lists puppies from AKC-Registered litters, so you can choose a breeder with confidence.
Adopt A Pet
If you want to give an abandoned puppy a second chance, a shelter is definitely the place to find a dog.
Adopt a pet is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website. They help over 21,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month, for free.
Puppies for sale Today
Puppies Today has over a decade of experience, established in 2008. They pride themselves on connecting loving families with new furry friends and have happy customers all over the nation. They provide all of their customer’s puppy payment plans and health guarantees to ensure the best experience and peace of mind when adopting a puppy through their service.
Check Out Our Dog Breeders Page :
DOG BREEDERS NEAR ME | PUPPIES FOR SALE
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Generally, it will cost around $50 to $150 for a dog – and because typically shelters and rescuers give pets medical treatment, you’ll save money on a medical examination; you’ll also likely save on spay or neuter surgery, which can cost around $50 to $300.
Aside from the puppy’s price, it would be best to consider the expenses that would come with it. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your puppies like grooming tools, food, and shelter.
What kind of dog should you adopt?
If you have decided to adopt a dog, you may want a mixed breed dog. Or, you can have your heart set on a specific dog breed. It is possible to adopt purebred dogs from shelters and rescues if you plan ahead. However, if you’re not set on a particular breed, you should still have an idea of the type of dog you want.
Consider age, size, care needs, health concerns, and activity level. Have your wishes in mind before you go looking. Better yet, create a list of dog characteristics that is divided into three areas:
- What do you absolutely need in a dog: Do you have children, cats, or other dogs? The dog you adopt must be able to get along well with everyone in your home. Are you in an apartment or small house and need a small dog? Are you allergic to certain types of dogs and need a hypoallergenic breed? These are just some of the things to consider.
- What you would like in a dog but can live without: Maybe you have a soft spot for a specific breed but will be happy with a mix of that breed. Maybe you want a dog with short hair, but don’t worry about a little extra grooming if you meet a big long-haired dog.
- What is not acceptable to you: these are dealbreakers. What qualities would prevent you from even considering a certain dog? Dimension? Temperament? Maybe you have a fear or dislike for a certain dog breed. Perhaps you are renting out your home and have to meet specific rental requirements.
Write everything down and take the list with you. That way, when you go out and see all those cute faces, you will know where to start.
When not to adopt a dog
It is best to avoid adopting a dog in the following circumstances:
- You are in the process of moving
- You are remodeling or repairing your home
- You are about to have a baby (it is usually best to have the baby and let life stabilize a bit before introducing a new dog)
- It’s the holiday season ( dogs aren’t meant to be gifts and holidays are usually too hectic for a new dog)
- You or someone in your family is going through other major life events (the new dog may be lost in the shuffle or be overwhelmed by chaos)
The Dog Adoption Process
Well done! You have found your new dog. Now is the time for formalities. Most organizations require an application before they can adopt. This is to prevent pets from falling into the wrong hands. While it may sound like an interrogation, these groups have policies in place for a reason. Fortunately, many people have no problem getting approval.
Some groups require a waiting period before bringing your new dog home, possibly due to a medical procedure that has been done. Some dogs may have a waiting list, so ask questions beforehand.
Find out what the adoption fee includes (vaccines, spay/neuter, etc.). Before signing the contract, learn what you expect from yourself and what the group will do to help you. If the dog is too young to be spayed or neutered, the contract will require it to do so in the future. Also, find out what happens if you can’t keep the dog.
Most organizations ask you to return the dog to them if you can no longer care for it (don’t give it away to someone else). Find out what is known about the dog’s history and what health problems, if any, were noted while the dog was in their care.
Final Thoughts
Remember, it can take a long time for a dog to adjust to a new home. You and your family will need time to adjust. You may notice that your new dog has behavioral problems, fears, phobias, or lacks training. If the adaptation period is long and complex, it’s a good idea to seek the assistance of a dog trainer or behaviorist.
You may need to consult more than one. Be patient and follow the advice of the experts. If you feel that you have genuinely exhausted your options, you may decide to give up on your new dog.
Remember to try to get your dog back to the place of adoption first. If this is not an option, you need to be responsible and find a good home for your dog. I hope you never have to be in this situation.
