If you get a shelter animal and it doesn't work out, you can take them back.
Please don't say that. Most animals that are owner-surrendered to open-admission shelters will be killed. (No-kill shelters are a better option, but tend to involve a waiting list in the 2-4 month range.) And being remit to the shelter system is arguably a severe emotional stress for the animal. I hate this idea that it's OK to abandon an animal because the puppy became an 80-pound dog, or because you're moving across the country. People should understand what they're getting into, and have plans that don't involve remitting the animal to the (overcrowded) shelter system. I have a friend who's agreed to take on our pets if my wife and I die traveling, for example.
Please don't say that. Most animals that are owner-surrendered to open-admission shelters will be killed. (No-kill shelters are a better option, but tend to involve a waiting list in the 2-4 month range.) And being remit to the shelter system is arguably a severe emotional stress for the animal. I hate this idea that it's OK to abandon an animal because the puppy became an 80-pound dog, or because you're moving across the country. People should understand what they're getting into, and have plans that don't involve remitting the animal to the (overcrowded) shelter system. I have a friend who's agreed to take on our pets if my wife and I die traveling, for example.