Vulnerable Shelter Dogs & Cats
As mentioned in Shelter Facts, not all animals have an equal chance at getting adopted. Some are more adoptable than others. The lucky contestants in this death and life game include puppies, kittens, small dogs, popular breeds of both cats and dogs, and those cats and dogs that are up to date in vaccinations, house-trained, obedience-trained, spayed or neutered, and able to get along with other pets and children. Following are the less lucky ones. The shelter staff give them every chance to get adopted. But in the end, rather than let them languish in cages, the shelter staff must often choose to humanely euthanize them, often with a heavy heart. And even the "lucky" ones listed above don't always find a home.
Black Dogs -- Undersocialized Animals -- Older -- Injured -- Pregnant -- Puppy & kitten season -- Returnees -- Feral Cats -- Aggressive Dogs
Black dogs: Shelters throughout the nation have noted that black dogs often are the last to get adopted, if they are so lucky--the Black Dog Syndrome. Several theories abound: that people can't see their facial features as well, perhaps. Black lab mixes, particularly when they are adults, are often doomed. Black Pearl Dogs has more information about the plight of black dogs in shelters. If you have a black dog, please, please spay and neuter them.
Undersocialized d
ogs or cats: Dogs which have not been exposed as puppies to a variety of people and places are often fearful when removed from their home environment, and cower inside or behind the dog houses. Cats who also have not been exposed to a variety of people will face greater stress, and cower in the corner of their cage. It really is heart-breaking to see, especially when you consider their reduced chances of adoption. It is crucial to socialize and properly train your puppy and to socialize your cat. 
Older dogs or cats: Often, after a lifetime of loyalty and love, older dogs and cats will end up at the shelter. It is difficult to understand the reasoning for surrendering an older pet. Sometimes there might be extenuating circumstances (such as their owner is in poor health or deceased). At any case, few potential adopters seem willing to take a second look at an older dog that moves stiffly or with a grey muzzle, particularly if the dog is not small
Injured animals: Because the shelter has no funding for medical care, shelter staff must face difficult choices when injured animals arrive. If the animals does not seem to be in pain, shelter staff will hold it for the 5 day holding period, in hopes that a concerned owner will show up. If the animal seems to be suffering and appears to be a stray (no tags or microchip), the decision is often made to humanely euthanize the animal. It is our hope that PCAWL, with sufficient donations, will be able to help some of these animals.
Pregnant animals: Due to liability concerns as well as the heavy workload of animal control officers, the shelter has no foster program. And the shelter environment is not a good place for newborn kittens or puppies, plus there is limited room in the shelter. It is also PCAWL's intention to try to help some of these pregnant dogs and cats, and then find homes for their litters.
Puppies and kittens: Wait, weren't they the lucky ones listed above? Well, it all depends on timing. A kitten who is born during the middle of kitten season (May till November) faces much more competition for the limited number of homes. It's a sad fact that puppies and kittens who are not adopted may face euthanasia due to lack of adopters and limited space at the shelter. The miracle of b
irth that took place a few months prior becomes the tragedy of death. This is difficult for shelter personnel as well as volunteers. Please make it a priority to spay and neuter your pets for the sake of all the little ones who never had a chance to grow up.
Returnees: Sometimes, the adopted dog or cat doesn't fit in the household as expected (for example, those people who discover they are allergic). However, other situations can be more worrisome, such as when a cute puppy or kitten is adopted, then returned when they're older, less cute and therefore less adoptable. Often, it seems that unrealistic expectations ruin the adoption--that mythical "perfect pet" ideal. Regardless, animals who have been lucky to be adopted once often will not be as lucky the second time around. Please, when you adopt, realize that the dog or cat will probably need patience as they adjust to their new home. Providing a forever home for your pet means giving them attention, training and affection throughout their life. (Note: the adoption contract does specify that an adopter must return any animals they have not spayed or neutered).
Some of the unlucky ones can't be adopted out for public safety reasons, as listed below:
Feral cats: The majority of these cats are trapped by residents and then immediately euthanized as they cannot be easily socialized and turned into safe pets. Raised without human contact, most feral cats are largely untameable and thus unadoptable. Trapping and euthanizing them has not proven to be a long-term solution, since other abandoned cats will take their place. If you have a colony of feral cats you know about, consider TNR (trap-neuter-return) as explained on Alley Cat Allies site. If the plight of these cats touches your heart, consider helping or donating to People Helping Homeless Animals, who have successfully implemented TNR for feral colonies.
Aggressive dogs: Public safety, including the welfare of potential adopters, is threatened when aggressive dogs are in the community. Large breeds or breeds that are illegally used for fighting (such as pit bulls) often must be euthanized.