After spending the final month of my senior year volunteering at an animal shelter, I could say know a bit more about homeless pets than the average person. There are many questions and assumptions that unfortunately deter people from considering adoption. So I figured for my Odyssey debut I would clarify what myths are definitely not true about our furry friends.

Myth 1: You don’t know what breed you’re getting.

Any reputable animal shelter will try their hardest on assessing what breed a certain dog is, however it is not always correct. Even if the breed is not accurate, you can buy a DNA testing kit from websites like Wisdom Panel or Embark if you are that curious.

Pretty much anyone that owns a rescue mutts reaction to when someone asks "what is the exact breed"

Myth 2: You don’t know if the animal has the personality that fits your lifestyle.

Before an animal is even available for adoption, the staff at a responsible shelter will take their time evaluating the dog’s personality, and determine what kind of behavioral traits it has.

I assure you can find a dog that fits your lifestyle.

Myth 3: All shelter dogs are old.

This is just so untrue. According to the Humane Society of America, the average age of dogs that enter the shelter is around 18 months old. Most shelters carry dogs of all ages in order to fit the needs of those who decide to adopt.

Look at any shelters social media and watch this myth be debunked!

Myth 4: Adopting is more expensive.

According to Forbes, the average price of an eight-week-old puppy purchased from a high-quality breeder can range from 500-1500$. This price does not include additional shots, basic training, spay/neuter surgery, personality assessment, and microchipping. According to Petfinder, the average price of adopting a puppy from a rescue is around 0-300$. This fee usually covers transport fees, the microchip, first round of vaccination, and debatably the most expensive thing for a puppy, which is the spay/neuter surgery.

I can assure you it is definitely cheaper.

Myth 5: Rescue dogs have too many issues.

No matter where you get your dog, breeder or rescue, it will have its own distinct personality and past. If an animal had *serious* behavioral issues, a responsible animal shelter would address them properly. Addressing these issues could include placing the dog in a foster home where their behavior could be attended to and adopting the animal to a family that is experienced with behavioral issues.

See, some shelter dogs already come trained!

Myth 6: I cannot find a dog that is a certain breed/size.

I can see how this could be a problem in the past, however, websites like petfinder.com and adoptapet.com exist for a reason. These websites allow you to put your location in and find you can select size, breed, and age preferences, which assist in helping you adopt the perfect dog for your situation.

If you're a dog lover, you have probably spent hours browsing these sites.

Myth 7: All dogs from shelters are pit bulls.

I could make a totally separate article addressing the stigma against pit bull like breeds however, I will just provide you skeptics with some facts. Around 3.3 million animals in shelters are dogs, and of the 1.2 million that are euthanized, 40% pit bulls. Yes, that is a big chunk, however, there are MANY dogs that have any relation to pit bulls.

Don't judge the breed, please! #endbsl

Myth 8: Dogs from the shelter are meaner and less lovable.

My little rescue pup, Mercedes, reppin' the best college in the world, but I am not biased.

Keep an open mind now that I have your myths about shelter dogs invalidated and maybe you can find your new best friend!