SPA OR PRIVATE REFUGES: HOW TO CHOOSE?

Are you looking to expand your family by adopting a pet? Between animal shelters, animal welfare organizations, and all the private shelters out there, it can be overwhelming and difficult to know which organization to turn to. We understand, and we're here to help. Let's demystify all this together!

• PLUS: 👉 Want to adopt a pet? Read this guide first: 13 blog posts to help you make the right decisions when adopting a pet. 🐶🐱
  
  

First, you should know that from one province to another and from one country to another, organizations working with animals do not all have the same status and the same operation. So let's try to take a broad look at the difference between protective societies and private shelters and understand together where it is possible to have the best adoption experience.

SPA

The SPA (Society for the Protection of Animals) has a multifaceted mission: it takes in animals from the pound, but also animals whose owners want to get rid of them or that have been taken from their owners due to neglect. In most countries, the SPA is a non-profit organization that is funded in part by the government, but also by private donors such as businesses and other sponsors.

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Depending on the municipal regulations in place in each city, SPAs accept all kinds of animals and are almost always at full capacity.

These overpopulation issues can sometimes be problematic because it becomes difficult to accommodate all the animals brought into the organization's care. As a result, euthanasia is sometimes unavoidable. Of course, the employees and volunteers who run these organizations do everything in their power to avoid this, but sometimes it turns out to be the best solution for both the animal and the community. This is why it is often said of animals brought to shelters that their days are numbered, and for many of them, this turns out to be the case.

SPA: 5 advantages

1. The animals reside on site, allowing you to see all those available for adoption.
2. Adoption processing times are typically shorter and screening criteria less stringent than shelters. (To learn about a specific resource's policies, do some research and contact them directly.)
3. To facilitate the meeting with the animal, a meeting area or playroom is often made available to you.
4. The animals are cared for.
5. The animals are vaccinated and dewormed , so you save a lot on veterinary fees.

SPA: 5 disadvantages

1. Sometimes, lack of space means they are in a hurry to get you and your pet out, which can negatively impact your needs and those of the animal in question. Remember that due to space constraints, these organizations are often happy to have a new space available.
2. Among the animals taken into care by the center, there are several whose history is unknown.
3. Another problem with the short stays of the animals is that staff and volunteers don't have enough time to get to know the animal well and determine if you'll be a good match.
4. The costs may seem high to some people who may then consider that they would prefer to adopt an animal without any problems and pay for its vaccinations and other care.
5. Since these kinds of resources can be a scary place, the animals don't necessarily behave well, as they are often not used to being confined with so many animals (this applies even to the best-managed animal management resources). In such conditions, we miss the opportunity to meet the animal of our dreams, as the poor animals are sometimes terrified, despite the best care they have received.

A look at the SPAs

These are non-profit organizations funded by both the government and private partners. Depending on the country or region, some of these organizations do not refuse any animal and can unfortunately quickly become overpopulated, which can be very stressful for both the animals and the staff and volunteers. This is why they are not necessarily the best places to meet your future pet. It is therefore essential to take your time to better know the animal you are considering adopting. Some centers have family rooms where you can spend more intimate time with the animal, but this is not the case everywhere due to the lack of time and especially space.

THE SHELTERS

Typically, a shelter is a private organization that specializes in caring for certain types of animals (mostly domestic animals or pets) that are abused or homeless. A shelter sometimes provides the animal with a temporary home through a network of foster families who agree to care for the animal until it is adopted. This may last for the duration of rehabilitation (if the animal is suffering from health or behavioral issues) or remission (in the case of an animal recovering from an illness).

Some shelters focus exclusively on one breed of animal or focus on helping animals of a certain age. This specialization tends to attract foster families who are passionate about that type of animal. Generally, shelters rely on the contributions and kindness of those who support animal causes. It's rare for a shelter to be able to count on government financial support.

Shelters: 5 advantages

1. Animals are often housed in a family or at least human environment where they can maintain their social skills and accustom themselves to human presence in a harmonious manner.
2. Since pets will be spending much more time in a family setting, you will often have access to more information about the pet that piques your interest.
3. The adoption process is usually more complex because the stakeholders make sure to find the right owner for each animal.
4. Animals from shelters are often the healthiest, having already received all their vaccinations and been spayed or neutered. While this isn't always the case, there is often a medical record detailing the animal's upcoming treatment plans, which will help avoid any misunderstandings.
5. You'll often have more time with the pet before bringing it home, making the transition less stressful for everyone once it's home.

Shelters: 5 disadvantages

1. Adoption can sometimes take longer, which is less convenient for those who are in a hurry to adopt.
2. Paperwork and consultation fees may be more expensive in some cases.
3. Once you've demonstrated your interest, you may be asked to cover the animal's veterinary costs. You can't expect to pay nothing out of pocket, as these shelters are privately funded and rely on contributions. The good news is that these initial expenses can save you money, as the shelter is often able to refer you to a veterinarian willing to offer their services at a discounted rate.
4. A source of irritation and annoyance for some is the fact that you have to organize your meetings with the animal, because a foster family devotes their time and love to it voluntarily. This means that the volunteer is not necessarily available when you want to see the animal.
5. To ensure the animal's well-being, some shelters require you to visit them even months after adoption. Understandably, this policy may not be to everyone's liking.

A look at the shelters

Volunteers are the main source of labor in these facilities. While the shelter has a building, it is sometimes much smaller than an animal shelter, and in some cases, the primary care and housing locations for the animals are temporary homes for foster families. Sometimes, these families become attached to the animal in their care and end up adopting it themselves.

Shelters are more strict about matching an animal with its future owner simply because they already know the animal's behavior, basic needs, and personality. They therefore do everything possible to ensure that the person approved for adoption is the best candidate for that animal.

This is not to say that all shelters operate in the same way.

Let's hear from a HomeFurEver representative : "Every shelter is different. We all have different management methods, adoption processes, and requirements. Approval at one shelter doesn't guarantee approval at another, just as no two dogs are alike. Needs (such as a fenced yard, other pets in the home, ages of family members, etc.) vary from animal to animal."

Adopting an animal: SPA or shelter?

There's no clear answer. Often, people adopt their pet from one resource over another because they prefer the way it works or because the adoption process works best for them. Prospective owners should understand that while researching the history of an organization or facility is important, it's even more important to understand each resource's adoption process.

So there is no simple rule. The most important elements are the quality of the staff who run the organization and their involvement with the animals in their care.

In countries where stray animals end up in animal shelters, some animal shelters have even formed alliances with local private shelters to give adoption opportunities to animals with special needs or those with little chance of survival in a community.

The adoption process

The adoption process can vary from place to place and will be easier in some places than others. According to our interviews and research, prospective owners often give up because the process tests their perseverance. Despite all the inconveniences, don't give up! Adopting a pet is a truly generous gesture that is definitely worth the fight!

Take the time to learn about adoption standards and remember that if the organization goes to great lengths to find the best homes for the animals in their care, it's a good sign and not an obstacle to the success of your project!

Every organization is different. Typically, shelters aren't strict about their adoption process, but there are always exceptions. "No matter which organization you choose, it's important to respect the process," says Jen Daley of Pet Dog Adoptions.

Are you excited to find your new companion? Check out our series of articles on adoption in ourGuide to the Perfect Adoption . Just like you, we are passionate about animals of all kinds and we wish you to find happiness with the companion that is made for you! Join us on Facebook to take advantage of our promotions and advice!