The P.A.W.S. Project

Which animals are the most difficult to find homes for and why?

When it comes to getting adopted, it can be harder for some animals. Certain types of animals have a more difficult time getting adopted due to common misconceptions that people have about them. All of these animals deserve to find a loving home as much as any other animal. If you are skeptical about adopting any of the following pets, then please read below to learn more about them and why you should consider adopting:

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• ​Animals with black fur: Animals with black fur can have a difficult time getting adopted for a few reasons. Black cats, for example, can have a more difficult time getting adopted due to the myth that they bring bad luck. This superstition has also affected black dogs; some avoid adopting black dogs due to the fact that many have been used in books and movies to represent darkness or evil. Others simply find animals with lighter coats as more attractive. Another reason is that the dark fur may be more noticeable on clothes and furniture. This, however, should not be a big problem because the fur can easily be cleaned off. Regarding the superstitions about these animals, these are all only myths that people made up a long time ago. In reality, they will not bring bad luck into your life unless you tell yourself that they will. Animals should not be treated differently based on the color of thei fur, and they all deserve to find the right forever home.

• Pitbulls: Pitbulls can be very difficult to find homes for due to the many misconceptions that people have about them. In the past, they have been viewed as aggressive dogs not fit to be family pets. Thankfully, over time, more and more people have learned what these animals are really like. Pitbulls are dogs like any other. There are dogs who are mistreated and trained to fight, and there are dogs who are raised well by loving pet owners. People often judge pitbulls based on stereotypes and will not even consider adopting one. Pitbulls just need to be given the right chance to show people what good dogs they really can be.

• Elderly animals: Many people who are looking to adopt a pet avoid elderly animals, especially if they have recently lost a pet. Pet owners do not want to go through the agony of losing another pet so soon, so they often adopt young puppies or kittens. Some elderly animals may also have health problems that require medical attention which could be an additional cost that pet owners would have to worry about. Every year, elderly animals are euthanized to free up space in animal shelters. It is especially sad when this happens to an animal who has become homeless after living the majority of its life in a good home. Often, elderly animals become homeless after an owner passes away. Although they may not have many years of life left, elderly animals still deserve to find a loving home where they can happily live out their final years. There are actually many benefits that come with adopting an older animal. First, older animals are more independent and in most cases have already been trained. Because they usually do not require much feeding or walking, there is less maintenance to worry about. They are especially great for older or less active people who do not have the energy to keep up with a lively puppy or kitten. Overall, elderly animals can make great companions that require less time and effort than younger animals. 

• Animals with health-related problems/special needs: Animals that have or are recovering from health-related problems or have special needs frequently have a difficult time getting adopted. Potential adopters may be concerned about any extra medical costs or lifestyle changes that they may need to made in order to properly care for the animal. Some animals, for example, may have contagious illnesses/diseases, so it may be difficult for someone who already has pets to adopt. It may take extra work to care for animals with problems like these, but it is very rewarding to provide them with a good life. If you are willing to educate yourself about your new pet's special condition and put in the necessary time and dedication, then this may be a good fit for you.

• Shy animals: Those searching for a pet to adopt are often attracted to the lively and friendly animals in animal shelters. Shelters are a very stressful environment and each animal reacts differently. Many do not handle the stress well and appear as scared or unfriendly to shelter visitors. This can turn people off and prevent the pet from getting adopted. Although the animal may have its tail tucked between its legs and look frightened, it could be an extremely friendly pet. If you are looking for a pet in a shelter, do not let this first impression prevent you from learning more about the animal and asking questions. In some shelters, you can take the dogs out on walks to learn more about them. This allows you to see what the animals are like outside of the stressful environment of the shelter. Still, some pets may just be shy around new people and take time to warm up. The shyest animals often turn out to be some of the sweetest and most loving.