Everyone thought at least once about adopting a rescued dog and some of the people know even a lot more about the process of the adoption and everything that it takes to adopt a dog.
However, not many people think even further about the things that happen to dogs that do not get adopted – or even to the unadoptable dogs.
What exactly does happen to dogs that are not adopted? Is there anything that can be done?
These are just some of the questions surrounding the topic and, in this article, we will discuss unadoptable dogs, their situation, but also the solution for unadoptable dogs – so keep on reading!
What is a Dog Sanctuary?
As the name tells it – the sanctuary is a place where animals, in this situation dogs, are brought to live and stay protected for the rest of their lives.
Remember how we mentioned that there are unadoptable dogs? Dog sanctuary is a place that is ideal for dogs that cannot be adopted and yet are still able to live and fully experience life.
So, what is the difference between a dog sanctuary and a dog shelter?
The main difference is that dog sanctuaries do not seek for individuals to adopt the dog and yet they fully take care of the dog until its natural death.
Therefore, dog sanctuary is one of the noblest things out there that genuinely appreciate dogs. This is not always the situation and as you can imagine – there are costs to cover when it comes down to this model.
But one question remains – why are there dogs that are unadoptable and how does this happen? Keep on reading as that is exactly what I will cover and help provide answers to!
Why Are There Dogs That Are Unadoptable?
What is the difference between adoptable and unadoptable dogs? Is there really such a dog that no one can adopt or is willing to adopt?
I know that this can sound impossible, but unfortunately – there are unadoptable dogs out there and these dog sanctuaries are doing the best they can for them.
Most dogs that are unadoptable are unadoptable for either medical, emotional, or mental issues. Most of the time, age also plays an important part in whether a dog can be adopted or not.
As we all know, younger dogs have a lot bigger chance to overcome an issue rather than older dogs.
However, even some senior dogs are not giving up and they can really improve over time. So, if you ever see a senior dog in the shelter, you should definitely consider adopting a senior dog.
They have a lot to offer and yet shelter life is really hard on them. In general, shelter life is hard for every dog – but it is always harder for senior dogs.
So, what happens with unadoptable dogs? Is a dog sanctuary the last thing they have? Keep on reading as that is exactly what I will discuss next!
What Happens with Unadoptable Dogs?
As you can see, we have been mentioning dog sanctuary as the ideal place for unadoptable dogs. However, is there a better solution, or what happens when there is no available dog sanctuary?
In case you did not know, dog shelters and rescue organizations are often overcrowded and are struggling with finding capacity for new dogs.
Now, you can imagine the situation in dog sanctuaries, especially considering that there are many fewer sanctuaries than shelters for dogs.
And in case you didn’t know, some dog shelters tend to use euthanasia as the tool to free up space – which is a cruel way to end a dog’s life only because they weren’t able to find him a happy home.
So, for dogs that are unadoptable and make it to the dog sanctuary – that is really the most ideal situation that can happen.
Unfortunately, I believe that many other unadoptable dogs don’t make it to dog sanctuaries and are put to sleep as the shelter isn’t able to give them up for adoption and yet there might not be a dog sanctuary to accept them.
This is the downside of the whole system that is put in place – but there is a way to work on this issue and improve the conditions to prevent this from happening further.
How and what should you do? Keep on reading to find out!
Is There are Better Solution for Unadoptable Dogs?
Dog sanctuaries are one of the best things that could have happened to unadoptable dogs – but is there a better solution?
I personally do not think that there is a better solution as a dog sanctuary is a perfect way to house and take care of the dogs while giving allowing them to still live their life to the fullest without any limitations.
Even though they might not have a happy family, they will still be taken care of and they will have someone they will get used to in the sanctuary.
Of course, not a single system is perfect and so dog sanctuaries are not, but I believe that the biggest issue is the funding.
However, if everyone donated even the smallest amount to dog sanctuaries, shelters, and rescue organizations – the system would be strong, and it would be fail-free.
Even though there are unadoptable dogs, there are still ways to help them have a good life regardless of their condition.
Conclusion
Unadoptable dogs most of the time come from an awfully bad background and they have been through hell.
Even though they are unadoptable – some people care about them and that’s how dog sanctuaries started.
Dogs would do everything for us and if there’s at least one little thing we can do for them – it is to take care of them even when they’re in a really bad emotional, mental, or physical condition (when they need help the most).
Dog shelters, rescue organizations, and sanctuaries are underfunded and are constantly struggling to keep their doors open – but if everyone donated even the smallest amount, this would help lower the financial burden of the institutions that take care of the dogs.
What are your thoughts about dog sanctuaries? Do you feel the are necessary? I would like to hear what you think. You may leave your questions and comments in the section below and I will be happy to respond.
All the best,
Barbara
Founder/Creator: Love A Rescue Dog 🐶
lovearescuedog93016@gmail.com
“Saving one animal won’t change the world, but for that one animal, the world changes forever”
Good morning,
It is with a heavy heart that I am considering surrendering my cocker spaniel Luna. She unfortunately has become aggressive towards my 4 year old and I must choose between my child and dog. I cant put her down and i can’t find her an alternate home as it would make her depressed. It is my wish that she find a nice farm to live out her days if possible. She is a beautiful and sweet girl who would thrive in an environment where she may roam free and I would be most appreciative if she can join your family. I would sponsor and support her needs. Please advise, thank you.
Josephine Bradley
484-661-8677
Hi Josephine,
Thank you for writing to me about Luna. I’m sorry for the late response. I am just now receiving your message.
I just wanted to let you know that I am not a rescue organization, nor do I foster or rehome dogs. My website is for informational purposes only. How long has Luna been aggressive? Have you tried behavioral training for aggressive dogs?
If you have tried training methods and they still don’t work out, I suggest you research online shelters and dog sanctuaries in or outside your immediate area.
I hope you find a suitable solution for Luna.
All the best to you and Luna,
Barbara
Hello, I’m trying a bit desperately to find a sanctuary for my sister in laws dog, Hunter. She is moving and, instead of looking for an alternative, she is putting him down before she leaves. I’ve been preaching to her since she decided to move that he deserves her effort in finding a solution that doesn’t involve taking his life. He is resource aggressive, but otherwise gets along with my dog, he has skin issues, that wouldn’t be so bad if he was properly cared for, and he’s older, 16 years old. She won’t look and claims that it’s not possible and she doesn’t want him to spend the rest of his life in a cage, even though he spends a good portion of his life in a cage with her now and has told me she already made an appointment with the vet for euthanasia. I was wondering if you had any resources to help me. I have a 5-month-old so I can’t comfortably take him in, but I’m willing to hold him for a bit if it means he can live. I called a rescue near me, and they said they were at capacity and don’t know when they will be accepting, and I unfortunately can’t keep him for an undetermined about of time. I live in Florida and am willing to drive. Thank you in advance for anything you may have!
Hi Amanda,
Thank you for contacting me regarding dog sanctuaries.
As you know, I’m just an advocate for rescue animals, so there’s really not a lot I can do but offer you some helpful suggestions.
I Googled dog sanctuaries in Florida and came up with these sites for you to check into for Hunter. I sincerely hope you find a place that works best for you and Hunter.
https://earsrescue.org
https://www.hpcanimalrescue.org
https://www.bdrr.org
https://www.journeysendsanctuary.info
Good luck to you both and all the best.
Barbara
I was planning to volunteer at the MSPCA in Boston. But, is there a place for these dogs that I can volunteer at? I do not want to go to Boston. I am retired and love animals. I have 3 cats at home.
Hi Susan,
Thank you for connecting with me and for your interest in my article about sanctuaries and unadoptable dogs. My article is for informational purposes and really isn’t meant to suggest that I know of any specific places but to encourage people to seek out other options for their pets when they are old but the owners don’t want to euthanize their pets.
I respect and appreciate that you love animals and want to volunteer to help them in whatever way you can. My website tries to encourage people to get involved with animals — caring for their own or helping out in shelters and such.
I can suggest, and this is what I tell people who contact me, is to do a Google search for animal/dog sanctuaries in your area, you might find something that is closer to your area.
If you tell me exactly where you are located, maybe I can help you search for some places.
All the best,
Barbara
Hi- we are a small rescue in Baltimore, Md and have an all dog friendly 3yo dog who loves people he knows, but because of his bite history- level 1-2 bites, but a couple of different failures in a community setting, we cannot place him back in a community setting.
Do you house dogs like this or know of a resource we can contact?
https://riseaboveanimalrescue.com/
Hi Krista,
I inherited floyed when my husband moved in with me. Floyed has bit me, my husband and a little dog I had before he had to be put down. My husband is unwilling to train floyed, take him for a walk because he is unmanageable outside of the house. I dont want to put him down( shelter). My zip is 92562; can you recommend a sanctuary I could bring him too?
Help!
Pamala Rolland
Hi Pamala,
Thanks for contacting me. I appreciate your confidence in me in helping you find a place for Floyed.
I searched by your area and found the below websites.
https://fallbrookanimalsanctuary.org/
https://foreverlovesanctuary.org/
Hope I have been of some help.
Warm regards,
Barbara
HELLO, MY NAME IS KRISTA ZUNIGA. I AM WRITING TO YOU REGARDING A DOG THAT HAS BEEN IN MY CARE FOR A FEW MONTHS NOW. MY FRIEND ASKED IF I COULD CARE FOR HIM WHILE SHE GETS BACK UP ON HER FEET BUT, UNFORTUNATELY,
SHE HAS BEEN ON DRUGS SINCE THEN AND CAN NOT CARE FOR HIM. I HAVE BEEN DOING MY BEST TO CARE FOR HIM BUT OUR NEW LANDLORD RECENTLY TOLD ME THAT I CAN’T HAVE HIM AROUND NO MORE 🙁 IF I HAD MY OWN PLACE, I WILL MOST DEFINITELY TAKE HIM WITH ME BUT I DONT 🙁 I DON’T WANT TO TAKE HIM TO THE SHELTER BECAUSE I DON’T KNOW IF HE WILL BE ADOPTED OR NOT BECAUSE HE IS A PRETTY OLD DOG. IS THERE ANYTHING YOU GUYS CAN DO TO HELP ME? I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING BACK FROM YOU GUYS. EVEN IF YOU GUYS AREN’T ABLE TO HELP ME, I WOULD APPRECIATE YOU GIVING ME ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO. THANK YOU.
661-417-1754
– KRISTA ZUNIGA
Hi Krista,
I would like to thank you for your interest in my website love a rescue dog.
I truly appreciate your interest in caring for this senior dog for your friend. Your kindness is invaluable.
Since your friend is incapable of caring for the dog, you must find out if she is relinquishing custody of the dog to you. If so, then I think I may have found a solution to your problem of not being able to have the dog on/in your premises.
I did a little research and found that there is a dog sanctuary in your area.
Check out the link below and see if you can surrender the dog to them.
https://www.nokillnetwork.org/d/California/Alpha-Canine-Sanctuary-(Bakersfield)~1209/
The only other option would be to check into getting the dog certified as an emotional support animal.
If your dog is certified ESA, your landlord cannot refuse you having the dog live with you. Check out my article I linked about to see if you can get the dog certified ESA.
I truly hope that I have given you a few good options to help your situation.
I wish you well and please contact me to let me know what the outcome is.
Best regards,
Barbara 😊
Hello. Thank you for the information. I live in Upstate NY and am looking to start working with local shelters to save aggressive, deemed-unadoptable dogs that are on the euthanasia list by transporting them to canine rehabilitaters where they can be either trained and adopted out or at least live out their lives there in a safe and loving environment. I just started researching this and came across your site. If you could possibly provide me with any sanctuaries and/or locations that I could consult with, that would be outstanding.
THANK YOU,
John
Hello John,
Thank you very much for your interest in Love A Rescue Dog , especially my article relating to Pet Sanctuaries for Unadoptable Dogs.
I also want to thank you for your dedication to helping unadoptable dogs.
I actually don’t know of Sanctuaries in the upstate NY area, but I’m sure if you dig deeper into the internet, you’ll find what you’re looking for. Check with your local shelters. They may be of assistance to you. They should have connections with organizations that you could get involved with.
Hope this helps and again I appreciate your comments on my website and yourdesire to help dogs that can’t help themselves.
Good luck in your search. I wish you best.
P.S this group may help you.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/637499200771686/permalink/804209714100633/
Barbara
I have my best friend i need to find a safe place for……can you talk?
Hi Susan,
Thank you for visiting my website and reading my article on Pet Sanctuaries for Unadoptable Dogs.
How can I help you and your best friend?
Respectfully,
Barbara
Not sure if I’m maneuvering this website properly! I have an older border collie with a very weak bladder! Other than that she is a wonderful old girl! If I donate food etc is there a place for her?
Hi Rex,
Thank you so much for checking out my website and commenting on article on Pet Sanctuaries for Unadoptable Dogs.
If you are unable to care for your dog, you can try to rehome her with someone who doesn’t mind the bladder issue. Pet sanctuaries are for dogs and other animals who usually are terminally ill and need a place to live out there final days.
You can contact some sanctuaries in your area but may need to go outside of your area to find a sanctuary for your dog, if that is what you decide is best for her. Only you can make that decision.
This website and the articles within it serve to bring awareness to the plight of rescue dogs. It also contains a wide variety of helpful information for pet owners and those who are deciding on adoption.
Just in case it is not understood, I am not an rescue agency, organization or forster home.
I hope I have given you a few things to consider.
All the best,
Barbara
ok im wanting to open a sanctuary for the elderly, disabled, medicaly inclined dogs that no one wants i have started doing this already in my own home we have 11 now and i have been trying to figure out how to open a sanctuary but no one can give me a single streight answer on how to do so i have talked to resuces and they all tell me its not a good idea its more work then its worth but the way i see it dogs dont have the words to tell you whats going on and they are living breathing animals just like children i want to open a sanctruary so no elderly dog will die with out being loved and i have done got figured out what i would do when the time comes id either creamate or burry them with there own plot they would be loved and spoiled taken care of by vets as all mine do now but i need some one to step me in the right direction to help me get this started i live in texas and working on getting the land im looking for to start putting buildings up play areas all that please help me get my dream come true
Hello Lela,
I think what you are trying to do is amazingly wonderful and I applaud your efforts. Please don’t listen to those who say it’s too much trouble, etc. Do what’s in your heart.
Go to the township or county where you are buying the property and ask if there are any zoning requirements or ordinances for you to comply with.
As far as what to do when the dogs pass away, I would seek out a dog burial service to handle that for you. This is just my own personal opinion. I say this, because you really don’t want to have the live dogs on the same property as the dogs who have passed. This may also be against an ordinance. If it isn’t and who want to keep the dogs on your property, cordon (fenced-in) off a separate area where the dogs can be buried.
I wish you all the best in this wonderful endeavor.
Barbara
I run a dog rescue near Greensboro NC. I have taken in 2 dogs lately that have turned out to be pretty unadoptable. One dog bit someone while at my house (we think the dog thought the person was holding a toy, but it was a camera). The other dog loves to dig. And dig, and dig! Anyway, I imagine you get asked this question many times every day, but how could i find any sanctuaries that would take one of these dogs? I would gladly give a several thousand dollar donation for each dog.
Thank you –
Hello Jan,
Thank you very much for reading my article on Dog Sanctuaries for Unadoptable Dogs.
I don’t know how long you have been in the dog rescue business but you must have to agree that some rescue dogs have certain challenges that most be dealt with in unique ways.
Biting and digging issues can be dealt with in more advantageous ways besides Sanctuaries.
With proper professional training these bad issues can change these dogs to adoptable.
If you are set on going the sanctuary route, you might be
able to find the solution by Googling Pet/Dog Sanctuaries in near Greensboro.
I truly hope I was able to help you with your problem.
Best regards,
Barbara