"I found a stray Pit Bull...can you take him?"

Unfortunately, no. We are unable to take in any dogs at this time. You do have options though!

Your first option is to attempt to find an owner. Even if a dog is skinny, or in bad shape, doesn't mean there's not a loving owner worried sick about him. Dogs escape, and can travel great distances in short amounts of time. And life on the streets can be hard for a dog - wild animals, cruel humans and other dogs are just some of the problems dogs can encounter. So don't strike out the idea that there may be someone looking for the dog. Assuming that the dog doesn't have a collar/tags, your first step is to take the dog to an animal shelter or vet clinic to have him scanned for a microchip. Hopefully, he'll be chipped and registered to his owner, or to a shelter or rescue that'll have the owner's information. But what if he doesn't have a microchip?

Your next step is to advertise that you've found the dog. Make up fliers stating "Found male dog, call to identify" with your contact information. Don't post pictures or give too much information! You want to make sure that you find the REAL owners, not someone who wants the dog for unsavory activities. Put up posters around the neighborhood and at several local animal shelters. You can also post on websites like Craigslist or Facebook, or put a free ad in the Lost & Found section of the paper.

So, you've put up posters and ads, and no one has reclaimed the dog. Now what?

The ideal situation is to "foster" the dog yourself while trying to find him a new home. This sounds easy enough, but finding responsible homes for Pit Bulls can be extremely difficult. However, we're here to help!

		Note: Only Pit Bulls with correct temperament should be adopted out. If a Pit Bull shows any aggression towards a human (growling, snapping. lunging, biting), he is NOT a candidate for adoption. Adopting out Pit Bulls who demonstrate human aggression is a huge liability, one that causes lawsuits "at best" and Breed-Specific Legislation at worst. Keep in mind that some level of animal aggression is normal in the breed (link here).
		If you've never owned or housed a Pit Bull before, there are important things to keep in mind. Because Pit Bulls are terriers, and therefore genetically predispositioned to animal/dog aggression, they should always be kept separated from other animals while unattended - this can be done using a crate, or by closing him off in an individual room. You'll also need to safely manage your Pit Bull around other dogs and animals - read up on our tips for a Multi-Dog Household. So, how do you find the dog a home? Here's where we at Dont Bully My Breed come in. If you, the "finder", are willing to foster the dog, and have him vetted (neutered, vaccinated, and heartworm tested) at your own cost, then we will donate a microchip for the dog (that can be implated by a vet), so that the dog always has a permanent means of identification. We will also post the dog as a courtesy listing on Petfinder, AdoptaPet.com, PBRC.net, our Facebook fan page, and our website. We will also allow you to use our detailed application, and we can screen applicants for you. We will provide you with advice every step of the way!

But, let's say your living situation doesn't allow you to keep a Pit Bull, or you're unable to manage one in your home (it's okay to admit it!) - then what? A local non- or low-kill shelter might be the best option.

Most people have a very negative view on shelters, but not all are created equal. Find out the shelter's policy before you surrender the dog. Some shelters have an automatic euthanasia policy for Pit Bulls. Others will do their best to find homes or rescues for Pit Bulls, but unfortunately, may have to euthanize when kennel space (and rescue groups/adopters) are non-existant. Sadly, Pit Bulls are "a dime a dozen" in shelters, and no matter how friendly or sweet a Pit Bull may be, the harsh reality is that finding these dogs responsible homes - especially in urban environments - is extremely difficult. Understand that in bringing a found Pit Bull to a shelter, he may have a time limit.

You can still help him find a home though! Spread the word amongst friends, family and coworkers. We can also courtesy post the dog on our websites, or network him to other rescues, if the shelter allows. Depending on the shelter, they may agree to "warn" you if the Pit Bull is on his last few days, so you can put in a last-ditch effort in finding a rescue or adopter. And while it's heartbreaking to think about, if the dog does wind up put to sleep, take comfort in the fact that you went above and beyond to help him. The world is a cruel place - most people will ignore a stray dog - or worse. Being humanely euthanized in a shelter is a better end than being poisoned, or hit by a car, or starving to death, or tortured by sick humans.