Adopt-A-Dog, Inc.

The staff is friendly and truly cares about the animals. They show by appointment which helps in the decision making because you don't have to feel rushed or try to be helped in a crowd of people. Going for more than one visit with a potential pet makes SO much sense. More shelters should do that.

Pros: small enough for great animal care

Cons: not many smaller dogs

Has a Homeward Bound program, where they expose rescued dogs and cats to the sights, smells and sounds of what a normal home life might be like, complete with TV, microwaves, alarm clocks, and flushing toilets. The animals get acclimated to being in a house with people coming and going all day long so that when it comes time for them to be adopted, they are accustomed to living in a home and are comfortable in that kind of environment.

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[updated on 2008-01-30 16:42:11]:
Adopt-A-Dog adoptions team goes out every weekend with adorable adoptables to pet stores and other places where pet lovers can be found. If you can't come to them, they'll come to you!

Pros: Great idea and great execution

Cons: can get a little chaotic