Looking for a pet? Consider adopting one from a rescue or shelter. So many animals are in need of a second chance, and in return, you’ll gain a best friend that you keep for their whole life.
After rescuing six pets over the years, I’ve found that the pet usually chooses me rather than the other way around. In the end, they ultimately rescued me every time.
Before you begin looking, consider the size, age, gender, and energy level that best fit your lifestyle. Doing so will help you find a pet that's the right match for your family. It is easy to narrow it down if you are sure what kind of time you’ll have to train the pet, so it fits your household. Consider whether the pet is likely to do well with kids, older people, strangers, and other pets.
Remember that many pets are scared at the rescue or even at adoption events, so their true personalities are not immediately evident. Each pet, like all of us, has unique characteristics and it may take a bit of time for them to be comfortable in their new home, just as it would be for us.
The first three days allow the pet to explore and try to figure out where it belongs. Next, allow three weeks for them to get acclimated to a routine, such as when they get fed or walked or where they are supposed to sleep. Lastly, it takes about three months for their true personalities to come out, and then you will know what traits the dog will likely have for its lifetime.
Pets require time, care, and money, so be sure you're willing to make that commitment. They deserve to be loved and cared for throughout their lives. As someone once said, a dog is the one thing that loves you more than it loves itself and will keep you and your family safer, more fit, and happier with your new addition.
On the following pages are some local places to consider where you can adopt, don’t shop.
The Animal Foundation
The Animal Foundation is a private nonprofit dedicated to saving healthy and treatable animals in the Las Vegas Valley. It operates Nevada’s largest open-admission shelter and provides adoption services, low-cost spay/neuter and vaccination clinics, lost-and-found services, foster and volunteer opportunities, and community support programs. The organization helps pets find and stay in loving homes while also offering resources that keep animals with the families who already love them. Adoption begins by browsing available animals online or visiting the shelter, where staff help match pets with homes and guide visitors through the process.
Hearts Alive Village
Hearts Alive Village is an all-in-one animal rescue, with services that go beyond adoption. Founded as a 501(c)3 nonprofit, the organization works to support pets in their homes and on their journey to a new home through foster care, rehoming, rehab, a pet food bank, low-cost veterinary care, spay/neuter services and more. It also helps animals who have experienced abuse or neglect through forensic medical care and community partnerships. Adoptable pets can be viewed through the rescue’s website, and prospective adopters can begin by browsing animals online, attending events or visiting the adoption center.
A Path for Paws
A Path for Paws Dog Rescue is a volunteer-based nonprofit that rescues dogs of all breeds and gives them a second chance at a loving home. Founded in 2017, the rescue says it has grown into one of Nevada’s largest animal rescue groups and focuses on dogs that have faced abuse, neglect or homelessness. The organization relies on donations rather than public funding and holds adoptions on weekends at its adoption center on N. Jones Blvd. Families interested in adopting can stop by during adoption hours, usually without an appointment, and meet available dogs in person. The rescue also welcomes supporters who want to donate, foster or help spread the word.
Friends of Henderson Animal Support
Friends of Henderson Animal Support, or FOHAS,, is a Henderson-based nonprofit focused on improving the lives of shelter animals and helping them find loving permanent homes. The organization supports the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare by providing food, comfort items, medical support, and advocacy for animals in transition. It also works to help struggling pet owners so fewer animals are surrendered in the first place. FOHAS often supports shelter animals through donations, community outreach and events. To adopt or get involved, visitors can check the organization’s website for available animals, upcoming events and ways to connect with its rescue and support efforts.