Potential pit bull owners should be aware of what they’re getting into if they choose to adopt the dog, said Marcy Setter, director of education and public relations for Pit Bull Rescue Central. Typically, pit bulls are strong, very energetic and require plenty of exercise, she said.
To find these dogs good homes, the Anti-Cruelty Society in Chicago started its Bully Buddy adoption program two years ago. Since the program was implemented in November 2007, 30 dogs have been adopted through the program. Potential owners face a more stringent adoption process than adopting other dogs. They have to apply to adopt the pit bull, are subject to a home visit, and take a mandatory seven-week dog training course.
“We saw a need: Because these ‘bully breeds’ are getting so popular in the city, there are a lot of animals being turned in, [and] the options were to euthanize them or screen them and find a home for them,” said Robyn Barbiers, president of the Anti-Cruelty Society.
Some shelters with information on adopting pit bulls and other dogs include:
Anti-Cruelty Society
157 W. Grand Ave.anticruelty.org
Adoption fee for Bully Buddies is $125, which includes the dog training course.
PAWS Chicago
1997 N. Clybourn Ave.pawschicago.org
The organization rates the personalities, or “canine-alities,” of the dogs up for adoption, ranging from “wallflower” to “goofball.”
Animal Welfare League
10305 Southwest Highway, Chicago Ridgeanimalwelfareleague.com
It was founded in 1935 to stop the suffering of animals in the Chicago area, according to its Web site.
Chicago Commission on Animal Care and Control
2741 S. Western Ave. cityofchicago.org (click on “city departments” and “Animal Care and Control”)
The commission has a Homeward Bound Animal Placement Program, in which animals are transferred to private agencies, like the Anti-Cruelty Society or PAWS, to be adopted and placed in homes.
