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Most of the shelters now bring dogs in from the southern US states. Some even bring them in from Mexico and the Caribbean. This has led to cases of rabies in canines again and other diseases that had been eradicated 30+ years ago in US canines. It is similar to the measles outbreak happening now. Almost all shelters are for profit operations. They make a profit by selling dogs and cats. In most places in the US there is not a stray dog problem. This is because most people spay or neuter their pets. This is not true of cats. Therefore, most northern shelters have to bring in dogs from states like AL, MS, MO, AR, etc. Many poor people in these states still do not spay or neuter their pets. The other source for dogs in shelters are the pets that are impulse buys at Pet stores. People buy a dog on a whim without much research or planning. Two weeks later(or six months) they do not want the pet anymore. It is too much work, etc. They can not return it to the pet store. So, off to the shelter it goes. If they had bought it from a breeder like me, we would take the dog back. If it is a short period of time, we would give them their money back. Petco will not.

Yes, I never cared for the pet stores selling dogs and cats. Far better a responsible breeder or rescue.

You see a lot of rescue networks now where people hold a few animals at their personal residences waiting for adoption. They also heavily screen applicants which I’m all in favor of.

My last dog passed away about 3 years ago and I haven’t adopted another yet because I realize I’m not in a position to do so right now though I would love to.