Some pet adoption centers are run by humane societies such as the SPCA while others are privately funded and managed. In addition some facilities will have limited amounts of time the pet can be housed before they are euthanized, while others are non-kill facilities.

All pets from a shelter or rescue will be fully vaccinated and health checked prior to adoption. Under the conditions of most adoption agreements the owner must provide proof of regular vet checks and vaccinations in future years.

A purebred rescue does provide the possibility of obtaining a purebred dog or puppy, even though they cannot be used for breeding purposes. This allows the new owner to select exactly the breed he or she wants, without having to wait for that breed to come through the regular shelter.