APBT Rescue Services

Animal shelters are notorious for their bias against pit bulls, and most are reluctant to adopt out any unfortunate APBT's that happen to fall into their hands. These dogs usually end up euthanized, even if they display no signs of aggression either toward humans or other animals. I have tried on numerous occasions to adopt a pit bull from my local shelter, and I have been rebuffed every time by the shelter's head vet. I have run across many very sweet and well mannered dogs that this vet had decided to euthanize, simply because he suspected the conditions from which they came (namely, he believed that their prior owner may have used them for dog fighting). The only pit bull that I am aware of having been allowed to leave that shelter with a new owner was a young female whose leg had been badly injured. I imagine that, in the eyes of the veterinarian, she was safe to let out, because she would be unsuitable for fighting. If you have been considering adopting a pit bull, but your local shelter has a policy similar to the one mine has, you might want to look into a private rescue organization. There are many of these, usually run by caring and responsible individuals. They usually make very stringent background checks on prospective owners, but this is probably a good thing for the dogs. Some older dogs may have behavioral problems, but there are often puppies available. I have visited many such rescue organizations, and I found most to be very praiseworthy. The APBT is lucky to have such friends, considering the overabundance of "pit bull haters" who are bent on eradicating the breed.

Note that many shelters and organizations will only adopt to people located within their area, a policy which makes it easier for them to examine the home and neighborhood of the prospective owners and to keep track of the dog. One of this site's visitors recently sent two posts (see below) concerning the difficulties that she is currently experiencing in her attempt to adopt a pit bull. If you are considering adoption, you may very well run into the same problems that this woman describes:

Date: Thu, 23 Apr 1998 09:23:53 -0400
From: [X]
To: faa9e@virginia.edu
Subject: ABPT Rescue Contacts

I live in Washington,DC. I am looking for a second dog as as companion for myself and my five year old male rottie, Roc. It is sad that society and the media have decided to "bash" all Pit Bulls and label them as killers and a breed that needs to be outlawed. I must admit that, living in DC, all you hear about is folks who use these dogs for their own stupid reasons. I have tried to adopt many pits from my local animal shelter and was always refused. These are innocent lives that didn't ask to be here, and they and will die because of the selfishness and ignorance of others. I am ashamed and upset. My husband and I chose to live in DC because it was close to our jobs. It was our decision. We had no idea that because of the choice we made, we would be denied the opportunity to adopt a pit from a Maryland animal shelter - just because we live in DC. This weekend I'm going to a dog adoption day at a Maryland dog show at PETCO, I've have contacted this group earlier this week in regards to adopting a 6 month old female beautiful brindle. I hope I will not run into any oppostion this weekend. The reason why I decided upon this particular breed was because I see an over-population of them and believe they deserve as much love and care as any other breed. It really bothers me to see the way they are being treated. Reading several web sites on how these dogs are misreprsented made me all the more curious about them. Owning a rottie, I understand how people can pass judgement on a particular breed w/o knowing that dog. My rottie was adopted from a local humane society and is the sweetest, well-mannered dog I have ever met. He is a big spoiled baby that loves to be petted and for you to hold his paw. It is unthinkable that he would just go around mauling people to death. That is not to say that he does not have the capabilty to do so, but he wouldn't unless I or my husband were threatened or attacked. I truly believe that there are only bad people, not bad dogs, and unfortunately, the pit bulls is an unlucky breed that is misused.

Date: Mon, 27 Apr 1998 12:30:44 -0700 (PDT)
From: [X]
To: faa9e@virginia.edu
Subject: pit bull rescue

Thanks for your response, support and listening ear. Yesterday I went to the adoption show that had the six mmonth old female for adoption. Once I got to the show and met the foster mom, she said that she "would not be comfortable" w/ allowing someone from DC and/or P.G. County to adopt Petunia. I took offense because I can not help where I live. My husband and I chose to live in DC because it was close to our home and because I was raised in DC and did not want to move to the suburbs. We recently bought a home and are very happy w/ our decision. Unfortunately, that did not matter to her. Today, I found out that someone from Pit Bull Rescue was also at the show, and the foster mom decided to allow this person the opportunity to adopt Petunia. Of course, I am very upset because she did not give me the opportunity to complete the adoption preliminary before she made her decisions. The foster mom said that she would have to visit my neighborhood, not my home, to see if it would be safe. I am really upset about this, but understand the igonorance of such an organization. Words cannot express how upset I am. Also, at the show yesterday, the application processor approached me and said, "We need more information. If you could supply that then we can go forth." Then today, it was "Well, [the foster home] had a referral from Pit Bull Rescue and decided to go w/ that person." Yeah, right! But, that's okay... I will find my Amstaff. I don't like that word Pit Bull. I know New Jersey has a rescue and I have left an email for them.. I hope they will be able to help me. Thanks so much!

The adoption process can be very frustrating, but it is important to understand that most of the rescue organizations are trying to protect the animals and find them the best possible home. Sometimes they are overly strict and unyielding, and they probably turn away many well-intentioned people (myself included). Rescue workers can often be very suspicious and unhelpful. In my own father's attempt to adopt a pit bull, he reached one organization's representative who, for an unknown reason, simply refused to discuss adoption. She gave him a long list of pit bull "cons" ("they're too difficult too handle, too aggressive") and she told him to look for a different breed! My father was astounded - the pit bull was the only breed that he was interested in. Moreover, he was infuriated that his well-intentioned attempt to help out a "less fortunate" (homeless)pit bull by adopting, instead of buying a pedigreed dog, was thwarted in such a rude manner. Why would someone want to operate and advertise a rescue organization, only to refuse potential owners? It seemed absurd. Eventually, my father found a more reasonable organization that was willing to adopt out-of-state (he was required to make a video tape of his home and neigborhood).

For the rescue/shelter organizations, it is better to be safe than sorry. If you are trying to adopt a pit bull, don't lose hope. Many of the organizations listed below will adopt out-of-state. The San Francisco SPCA has an excellent program and releases many pit bulls. Good luck!

Some rescue organizations with web sites:

APBT-specific rescue

  • The Chako Rescue Association for the American Pit Bull Terrier ~ A California-based organization for the rescue of APBTs in need. The CRA places dogs in qualified adoptive homes in all states. The CRA screens prospective applicants and does surprise follow-up visits. CRA adoptees wear subdermal microchip implants to track them down, in the event that they are lost. The CRA also works against breed-discrimination.
  • PitsPlus Rescue ~ Dedicated to the rescue and "re-homing" of special breeds including the American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier and American Staffordshire Terrier. PitsPlus provides foster homes and medical care to dogs of good disposition. Dogs are re-homed to qualified companion homes. Those looking for fighters or breeders need not apply. Dogs placed by Pits Plus are neutered/spayed and current on shots; they are microchipped subdermally if funds are available.
  • Spindletop American Pit Bull & Staffordshire Terrier Refuge ~ A Texas-based organization committed to the successful rehabilitation and placement of abandoned, abused, stray and shelter euthanasia bound American Pit Bull and Staffordshire Terriers. Dogs are properly evaluated for their companion qualities and placed only in responsible adoptive homes under specific care contracts.
  • Pit Bull Rescue Central ~ A virtual shelter offering "web exposure" for Pit Bull type dogs who need a home. The goal of PBRC is to use the powerful communication tool provided by the internet to help find good homes for Pit Bulls in need. A team of volunteers located across the U.S. and Canada provide information and education to caretakers and potential owners. Potential owners submit an application that is reviewed and screened by PBRC's team of volunteers. Persons in charge of placing dogs receive a copy of the adoption proposal along with recommendations and/or warnings if needed. PBRC recognizes that Pit Bulls make outstanding pets, but have some particular needs and characteristics. For this reason, people must be vigilant when they evaluate prospects for adoption and potential homes. PBRC offers three tools to facilitate responsible adoption arrrangements.
  • Hard Knock Life Pit Bull Rescue ~ A California-based organization dedicated to the placement of temperament-tested, non human-aggressive pit bull terriers into permanent loving homes. Dogs featured on this site were found as strays, were abandoned, or came from abusive homes. Dogs have been temperament-tested for human, dog, and food aggression.
  • The Last Resort ~ A private rescue facility for abandoned purebred American Pit Bull Terriers.
  • Petfinder.com ~ An on-line, searchable database of over 60,000 animals that need homes from almost 4,000 animal shelters and adoption organizations across the USA and Canada. Organizations maintain their own home pages and available pet database. APBTs are among the many dog breeds available through this resource.
  • Also - An article featuring adoption tips.

All-breed rescue

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