While many no-kill shelters do not euthanize under any circumstances, there are a good number of shelters that must. The SPCA can only keep dogs for an average of a week before they have to be euthanized, because of the overwhelming number of unwanted animals. PeTA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, states in a flyer on puppy mills, When you buy from a pet shop, you kill a pound pup. These are the sad facts of shelters. Shelters can often give information on the temperament of the animals there, which helps to place animals in homes well suited to their personalities.
Some dogs are better with children, while others are good companions for the elderly, and so on.
Adopting itself is easy, and like taking that new puppy into your home and heart, you get more than you give. There is a fee involved, to cover the costs the animal shelter incurs. Contact your local shelter for adoption fee amounts and other details. Dogs from animal shelters are almost without exception spayed or neutered. Pound pups are ready and willing to give love to a new home.