What to do if you've found a pit Bull
If you are reading this, you've likely found a pit bull and don't know where to start to help him or her. You may have already contacted local shelters only to find out that most of them have a policy against the breed and don't adopt out pit bulls. Yes, things may not be easy, but if you are committed to helping this dog, we can help you in your quest for a good home.
Found a Pit Bull
Lost and Found Ads
First, you may want to check the "lost" ads in your local paper to see if someone is looking for their dog. You could also place a "found" ad in your local paper. Often these are free. We recommend that you give very little information about the dog (e.g. found pit bull). If an owner contacts you they will need to provide some identifying characteristics (gender, collar information, color, etc.) This will ensure that the correct owner claims the dog.
Local Animal Care and Control Shelter
You should also report the dog found to the animal shelter that covers the area where the dog was found. You may also want to contact animal control from neighboring towns. . Ask if they can scan for a microchip (a permanent form of ID implanted between the shoulder blades) at the local shelter or a veterinarian's office.
Flyers
Take a picture of the dog and print out flyers to put up in and around the neighborhood where he was found. Include the photo, the words found dog, and a telephone contact number. Do not list more information to ensure that any inquiries are genuine.
Create a flyer.
Make Arrangements
If there is no response to these efforts, you can try to contact a pit bull-friendly shelter or a specialized rescue group in your region to see if they have room for the dog. PBRC has a listing of pit bull-friendly organizations and animal shelters. If you'd like to check one in your region or neighboring states, please go to Rescue Organizations. Note that most groups are completely full and your chance of finding a place that will take the dog is very slim. PBRC cannot take dogs either as it is not a dog shelter. We don't maintain a database of referrals and all the foster homes we know are full. The dog's best chances are if you can foster him/her or find someone who can until a suitable home can be found.
Be advised, it can take months to find the "right" home for a Pit Bull. Before you take the responsibility of placing the dog please make sure he/she has a good and stable disposition towards people of all ages. People-aggression is not a well tolerated trait with this breed. The help of a professional trainer or animal behaviorist is recommended if you don't have experience with this. You can also refer to PBRC's basic Temperament Evaluation Test.
The dog should be spayed or neutered and have current shots. You can call the following numbers for low cost spay/neuter referrals and vouchers: 1-800-248-SPAY or 1-800-321-PETS. You can also search for nationwide services at Nooters Club Be aware
that placing an intact dog will only make things harder for the dog and for you, not to mention all the dogs who die homeless. Please don't take a chance that the dog you saved will contribute to the homeless dog problem. And remember, responsible and caring individuals would rather adopt an altered dog, while dog fighters and breeders prefer intact dogs. You will increase the dog's chance of find a better home if he/she is altered before being listed. For a list of free or low cost spay/neuter programs for pit bulls.
Avoid same sex-placements and multiple dog homes, and do not place a pit bull without providing essential breed information to the new owner(s). You need to understand these dogs in order to find a good home for them. PBRC has a breed information page that contains excellent information. Please, take the time to read it so you can, in turn, educate potential adopters.
We've create a page with recommendations specifically for caretakers that are fostering and placing pit bulls, and another with tips on screening potential homes.
Don't rely ONLY on the PBRC listing to place the dog because, as you'll notice, there are a lot of pit bulls available in the site. Other ways to advertise include posting flyers at veterinarian's offices, grooming shops, pet supply stores and anywhere there is a public bulletin board.
There are many places online to advertise, too, including PBRC and Rescue Me! Check out our Links page for more rescue resources.
We hope some of these suggestions are helpful. Don't hesitate to email us if you have additional questions.
First, you may want to check the "lost" ads in your local paper to see if someone is looking for their dog. You could also place a "found" ad in your local paper. Often these are free. We recommend that you give very little information about the dog (e.g. found pit bull). If an owner contacts you they will need to provide some identifying characteristics (gender, collar information, color, etc.) This will ensure that the correct owner claims the dog.
Local Animal Care and Control Shelter
You should also report the dog found to the animal shelter that covers the area where the dog was found. You may also want to contact animal control from neighboring towns. . Ask if they can scan for a microchip (a permanent form of ID implanted between the shoulder blades) at the local shelter or a veterinarian's office.
Flyers
Take a picture of the dog and print out flyers to put up in and around the neighborhood where he was found. Include the photo, the words found dog, and a telephone contact number. Do not list more information to ensure that any inquiries are genuine.
Create a flyer.
Make Arrangements
If there is no response to these efforts, you can try to contact a pit bull-friendly shelter or a specialized rescue group in your region to see if they have room for the dog. PBRC has a listing of pit bull-friendly organizations and animal shelters. If you'd like to check one in your region or neighboring states, please go to Rescue Organizations. Note that most groups are completely full and your chance of finding a place that will take the dog is very slim. PBRC cannot take dogs either as it is not a dog shelter. We don't maintain a database of referrals and all the foster homes we know are full. The dog's best chances are if you can foster him/her or find someone who can until a suitable home can be found.
Be advised, it can take months to find the "right" home for a Pit Bull. Before you take the responsibility of placing the dog please make sure he/she has a good and stable disposition towards people of all ages. People-aggression is not a well tolerated trait with this breed. The help of a professional trainer or animal behaviorist is recommended if you don't have experience with this. You can also refer to PBRC's basic Temperament Evaluation Test.
The dog should be spayed or neutered and have current shots. You can call the following numbers for low cost spay/neuter referrals and vouchers: 1-800-248-SPAY or 1-800-321-PETS. You can also search for nationwide services at Nooters Club Be aware
that placing an intact dog will only make things harder for the dog and for you, not to mention all the dogs who die homeless. Please don't take a chance that the dog you saved will contribute to the homeless dog problem. And remember, responsible and caring individuals would rather adopt an altered dog, while dog fighters and breeders prefer intact dogs. You will increase the dog's chance of find a better home if he/she is altered before being listed. For a list of free or low cost spay/neuter programs for pit bulls.
Avoid same sex-placements and multiple dog homes, and do not place a pit bull without providing essential breed information to the new owner(s). You need to understand these dogs in order to find a good home for them. PBRC has a breed information page that contains excellent information. Please, take the time to read it so you can, in turn, educate potential adopters.
We've create a page with recommendations specifically for caretakers that are fostering and placing pit bulls, and another with tips on screening potential homes.
Don't rely ONLY on the PBRC listing to place the dog because, as you'll notice, there are a lot of pit bulls available in the site. Other ways to advertise include posting flyers at veterinarian's offices, grooming shops, pet supply stores and anywhere there is a public bulletin board.
There are many places online to advertise, too, including PBRC and Rescue Me! Check out our Links page for more rescue resources.
We hope some of these suggestions are helpful. Don't hesitate to email us if you have additional questions.
BASIC BEHAVIOR EVALUATION
The assessment below can be used by future owners, shelter employees and volunteers to evaluate adoption prospects. For additional information on evaluating behavior in a potential rescue dog please see "Evaluation of a Potential Rescue Dog."
Tips on Selecting a Dog
Tips for Evaluating a Dog
Behavior Assessment for Adult Dogs
- You should be able to come up with an evaluation of the dog's behaviors from these easy tests. Not all dogs will fit exactly into each category, but you should be able to get a good idea of how adaptable this dog is. A dog may show a lack of interest in a small area or may even be a little shy in another...this does not make it a bad dog, but a dog that bites and growls and snaps is should definitely be avoided.
- Do not hesitate to consult a professional if you have any doubts or are unsure of your ability to complete the evaluation.
Tips on Selecting a Dog
- On your very first visit to the dog source, it is wise to leave the children at home. The initial visit should be as objective as possible.
- Don't make a same-day decision. Remember, think about it like buying a car, not like picking up a candy bar in the supermarket check-out aisle.
- Don't get a dog as a "surprise" for someone else. Imagine how you would feel if someone else surprised you by choosing a new roommate for you. A dog is a very personal choice.
- After you have surveyed the situation, bring entire family to meet a dog to make sure the dog fits in well with everyone. Some places will even allow you to bring along an existing family pet.
- Know the general breed traits for which the breed (or breeds) was selected for over the years (hunting, fighting, chasing vermin, herding) -- these instincts will be very strong in a purebred dog.
- Ask about the dog's background. Try to determine the dogs' experiences with humans and other dogs.
- Always evaluate the behavior of the dog to know what you are getting.
Tips for Evaluating a Dog
- Always observe a dog for awhile before interacting with it. Compare the behavior of the dog you are looking at to other dogs.
- Before doing a behavior evaluation on a grown dog, you should take some precautions. If the dog makes no attempts to be friendly, is agitated, has a stiff stance, or is hyperactive, do not attempt to evaluate the dog. Where the chart says stop, make sure to stop.
- Evaluate only one dog at a time. Remove that dog away from other dogs to a quiet and neutral environment.
- Make sure the dog has had a chance to do its business before testing and don't test at right before or after meal time for best results.
- Remember to be realistic about the type of behavior that will fit into your household. Most people, especially first-time dog owners, want a responsive, adaptable dog.
Behavior Assessment for Adult Dogs
- Before doing a behavior assessment on a grown dog, you should take some precautions.
- Always evaluate in the presence of another adult.
- If you have no background information about the dog at all, you must proceed with caution and stop if the dog shows any signs of resistance. If the dog makes no attempts to be friendly, is agitated, has a stiff stance, or is hyper-active, do not attempt to evaluate the dog.
- Be sure to end the assessment with the dog if it shows any signs of discomfort or concerning behaviors in any way. If you are unsure, stop the assessment, and get professional assistance.
- You will need a collar, a leash, a chair, a few dog toys, a 4'-6' long rope, a 3' stick or a broom, a piece of paper, canned dog food and a bowl for these assessments.
BEHAVIOR ASSESSMENT
Free to good home
Why Pit Bulls Should never be offered 'free to good home'.
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"Free pit to good home" is a potentially dangerous way to re-home a pit bull and PBRC discourages posting dogs as "free" or "price negotiable." The hope is to arm you with the scary truth so that you may make educated decisions that protect your pit bull from the broad world of dangers that await free pit bulls.
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PBRC recommends an adoption fee/donation of at least $100 for a rescued pit bull. Dogs available for adoption should be spayed or neutered, vaccinated and in good health. PBRC encourages caretakers to utilize the adoption application and screening process offered through the site. |
Perhaps by eliminating cost you were hoping to place the dog faster -OR- you felt uncomfortable charging for something that you did not pay for. Some people offer pets for free because they have temperament flaws or undesirable behavior problems and think the new home won't argue since the pet is free. Often, people incorrectly perceive opposing "free pet" ads as an issue against specific income groups. However, the adoption donations we recommend are reimbursements for the spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations. We oppose "free pits" because in our society many people do not extend intrinsic value to animals. By charging nothing for your pit bull you are saying "he has no value- he is worthless- do what you will with him." Worse yet, through a "free pit" ad you attract the very people who are most likely to hurt your dog.
Attitude for free pets. People value what they pay for. A free pet is a disposable pet. A pet without value is easy to abandon. Giving your pit to the first person who happens by may not be a responsible, permanent or even safe place. A recent study at one animal shelter yielded the startling statistic that 51% of all owner-surrendered dogs had been purchased for less than $100; 41% of all owner-surrendered dogs had been obtained "Free to good home." Furthermore, dogs with undesirable behaviors are more likely subject to cruelty, neglect and abandonment.
"Giving any pet away is misguided. People tend not to value what they don't pay for. Paying a fee for a pet shows good faith on the part of the new owner and demonstrates their willingness to properly care for the animal. Still not convinced? Then ask yourself these questions, "If a person cannot afford to pay an adoption fee for a pet, how will they be able to afford the normal expenses of proper pet care? And how will they ever afford vet bills when the pet gets sick?"
Neglect. "Neglect is the failure to provide an animal with the most basic of requirements of food, water, shelter and veterinary care. By placing your pit bull without a fee you may be encouraging someone not otherwise interested in a pit bull to take him because, "Why not? It's free." That person may not be bad but rather unprepared to have a pit bull and without the resources to adequately care for him.
Intentional cruelty. "Intentional cruelty is often more shocking and usually an indicator of a serious human behavior problem. Intentional cruelty is when an individual purposely inflicts physical harm or injury on an animal." Animal abusers seek out animals that are easy to obtain and require no fees or complex questions.
Bunchers. Research institutions buy dogs from both Class A and Class B animal dealers. Class B dealers are permitted to buy dogs from unlicensed sellers, known as "bunchers," PBRC actively discourages free pits because they can attract bunchers who gather pets for sale to research.
"Bunchers may cruise neighborhood streets, picking up any dogs they encounter. They may obtain unclaimed dogs from veterinary clinics by offering to find homes for them, and may answer "free to good home" ads placed by owners trying to find someone to care for dogs they can no longer keep. Often a buncher answering such an ad brings along a child, in order to create a convincing picture of a welcoming home."
Dog fighters. Dog fighting is alive and well and is dependent upon secrecy and a ready supply of free or cheap pets. Perhaps you think your sweet pet pit bull would never be a fighter. However, he is still genetically inclined toward dog-dog aggression, a genetic trait that is manipulated and capitalized in "matches" for human enjoyment and entertainment (click here for breed information). Ask any animal control officer if they have picked up a pit bull injured or killed by dog fighting. While it's unknown whether those injuries were incurred in a staged match or a squabble over limited street resources one thing is certain, animal cruelty exists because there are simply too many animals. Animal cruelty is easy when another free dog is just around the bend and animal care agencies are so overwhelmed and under-supported that catching and killing takes precedence and there is no time or resources to prosecute animal abuse.
Collectors. These collectors truly believe they are "rescuing" the animals! However, collectors often suffer serious mental illness that significantly skews their perception of reality. Without fail, raids on collectors' homes unveil putrid and foul conditions that often include dead and dying animals. So-called "collectors," like the woman in Michigan who recently left dozens of cats to die in her locked house, watch the newspapers for Free to Good Home animals.
Puppy mills. Failure to spay/neuter your pit bull before placing it may result in the pit bull being used at a puppy mill. "The mass breeding of dogs for the commercial pet market has resulted in numerous 'puppy mills' in which animals suffer abuse and physical stress from poor care and facilities. Adults are bred excessively and often spend their entire lives in small runs or cages. Regardless of who you place the dog with, as long as that dog is intact it can still be lost or stolen and used for breeding. In the US we euthanize over 10 million dogs and cats each year. Given the prevalence of pit bulls and pit bull mixes in shelters they sadly make up a major portion of euthanized dogs. Whatever excuses you might make for a pet, when re-homing a dog the spay or neuter surgery is to be completed before placement (click here for free and low-cost resources). So called "spay/neuter contracts" are difficult to enforce and fail in almost 50% of cases. Even young puppies can safely undergo the procedure.
Animal research, animal cruelty and pit bull fighting are such big business that participants will go to great lengths to deceive you, sometimes bringing along children or posing as rescuers. We recommend thoroughly checking out *anyone* you plan to give a pit bull.
Click here for screening information. If a so-called "rescuer" approaches you be very wary. Pit bulls are so abundant that most rescuers are overwhelmed and it is unlikely that any would jump at the chance to take yours. Furthermore, good people won't mind providing vet and animal shelter references and would greatly appreciate that you spayed or neutered the pit bull first. Turn and run from anyone that offers to take the pit intact (not spayed or neutered) or is evasive or resistant about telling you:
PBRC thanks contributing writer, Molly Kenneth, for this article.
Attitude for free pets. People value what they pay for. A free pet is a disposable pet. A pet without value is easy to abandon. Giving your pit to the first person who happens by may not be a responsible, permanent or even safe place. A recent study at one animal shelter yielded the startling statistic that 51% of all owner-surrendered dogs had been purchased for less than $100; 41% of all owner-surrendered dogs had been obtained "Free to good home." Furthermore, dogs with undesirable behaviors are more likely subject to cruelty, neglect and abandonment.
"Giving any pet away is misguided. People tend not to value what they don't pay for. Paying a fee for a pet shows good faith on the part of the new owner and demonstrates their willingness to properly care for the animal. Still not convinced? Then ask yourself these questions, "If a person cannot afford to pay an adoption fee for a pet, how will they be able to afford the normal expenses of proper pet care? And how will they ever afford vet bills when the pet gets sick?"
Neglect. "Neglect is the failure to provide an animal with the most basic of requirements of food, water, shelter and veterinary care. By placing your pit bull without a fee you may be encouraging someone not otherwise interested in a pit bull to take him because, "Why not? It's free." That person may not be bad but rather unprepared to have a pit bull and without the resources to adequately care for him.
Intentional cruelty. "Intentional cruelty is often more shocking and usually an indicator of a serious human behavior problem. Intentional cruelty is when an individual purposely inflicts physical harm or injury on an animal." Animal abusers seek out animals that are easy to obtain and require no fees or complex questions.
Bunchers. Research institutions buy dogs from both Class A and Class B animal dealers. Class B dealers are permitted to buy dogs from unlicensed sellers, known as "bunchers," PBRC actively discourages free pits because they can attract bunchers who gather pets for sale to research.
"Bunchers may cruise neighborhood streets, picking up any dogs they encounter. They may obtain unclaimed dogs from veterinary clinics by offering to find homes for them, and may answer "free to good home" ads placed by owners trying to find someone to care for dogs they can no longer keep. Often a buncher answering such an ad brings along a child, in order to create a convincing picture of a welcoming home."
Dog fighters. Dog fighting is alive and well and is dependent upon secrecy and a ready supply of free or cheap pets. Perhaps you think your sweet pet pit bull would never be a fighter. However, he is still genetically inclined toward dog-dog aggression, a genetic trait that is manipulated and capitalized in "matches" for human enjoyment and entertainment (click here for breed information). Ask any animal control officer if they have picked up a pit bull injured or killed by dog fighting. While it's unknown whether those injuries were incurred in a staged match or a squabble over limited street resources one thing is certain, animal cruelty exists because there are simply too many animals. Animal cruelty is easy when another free dog is just around the bend and animal care agencies are so overwhelmed and under-supported that catching and killing takes precedence and there is no time or resources to prosecute animal abuse.
Collectors. These collectors truly believe they are "rescuing" the animals! However, collectors often suffer serious mental illness that significantly skews their perception of reality. Without fail, raids on collectors' homes unveil putrid and foul conditions that often include dead and dying animals. So-called "collectors," like the woman in Michigan who recently left dozens of cats to die in her locked house, watch the newspapers for Free to Good Home animals.
Puppy mills. Failure to spay/neuter your pit bull before placing it may result in the pit bull being used at a puppy mill. "The mass breeding of dogs for the commercial pet market has resulted in numerous 'puppy mills' in which animals suffer abuse and physical stress from poor care and facilities. Adults are bred excessively and often spend their entire lives in small runs or cages. Regardless of who you place the dog with, as long as that dog is intact it can still be lost or stolen and used for breeding. In the US we euthanize over 10 million dogs and cats each year. Given the prevalence of pit bulls and pit bull mixes in shelters they sadly make up a major portion of euthanized dogs. Whatever excuses you might make for a pet, when re-homing a dog the spay or neuter surgery is to be completed before placement (click here for free and low-cost resources). So called "spay/neuter contracts" are difficult to enforce and fail in almost 50% of cases. Even young puppies can safely undergo the procedure.
Animal research, animal cruelty and pit bull fighting are such big business that participants will go to great lengths to deceive you, sometimes bringing along children or posing as rescuers. We recommend thoroughly checking out *anyone* you plan to give a pit bull.
Click here for screening information. If a so-called "rescuer" approaches you be very wary. Pit bulls are so abundant that most rescuers are overwhelmed and it is unlikely that any would jump at the chance to take yours. Furthermore, good people won't mind providing vet and animal shelter references and would greatly appreciate that you spayed or neutered the pit bull first. Turn and run from anyone that offers to take the pit intact (not spayed or neutered) or is evasive or resistant about telling you:
- Where the pit bull will be kept.
- How they intend to find a home for it.
- What public or private humane organizations would serve as a
reference and it is your job to contact those references.
PBRC thanks contributing writer, Molly Kenneth, for this article.