People assume they can’t find the animal they want at a shelter

Many people assume that if they go to the animal shelter instead of a pet store, they won’t be able to find the exact animal they want. It’s true that many of the pets at the shelter are mixed breeds. But shelters also end up with purebred dogs and cats, since people buy those animals and then give them up.

Some shelters maintain waiting lists for specific breeds. And breed-specific rescue organizations can help you find a specific dog breed or cat breed.