Shelters are typically operated and funded by local governments. Animals in shelters are housed in a facility with other animals and are often associated with “animal control” or referred to as “the pound.” Most animal control agencies have an open-intake policy, meaning they generally cannot turn away dogs that are surrendered or found as strays. As a result, many shelters become overcrowded and are sometimes forced to euthanize animals due to a lack of space, funding, or the ability to provide necessary medical care.

Rescue groups, on the other hand, are usually privately run and funded entirely through donations. They often rely on foster homes instead of housing animals in a central facility. Unlike shelters, most rescues have controlled intake—they only accept dogs when they have the resources to properly care for them, such as available foster homes, funding for medical treatment, and space.