Episode 126 of the Pets Add Life Podcast drops today (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) and is part of the weekly series released every Tuesday by the American Pet Products Association (APPA) and DOGTV.
Are Shelter Pets More Likely to Have Behavioral Problems?
No. According to animal welfare experts Kasey Davidson of the Humane Society of North Texas and April Huntsman of Adopt a Pet, most animals enter shelters because of changes in human circumstances rather than problems with the animal itself.
Common reasons pets enter shelters include:
• Housing changes
• Financial hardship
• Family relocation
• Illness or death in the family
• Changes in work schedules
• Divorce or other life transitions
Can You Find Purebred Dogs in Shelters?
Yes. Shelters regularly receive highly sought-after breeds including Poodles, Golden Doodles, Labradoodles, Pugs, Maltese, and Catahoulas. The dog or cat you are searching for may already be waiting in a local shelter.
Why Do Shelter Pets Behave Differently in Shelters?
Shelters can be stressful environments filled with unfamiliar sounds, routines, and people. Many dogs and cats need time to decompress before their true personality emerges in a home environment.
Is Fostering a Good Way to Test Compatibility?
Absolutely. Many organizations now offer foster-to-adopt programs, doggy day outings, sleepovers, and trial periods that allow families and pets to find the right fit before making a lifelong commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are shelter dogs aggressive?
No. Most shelter pets were previously family pets and do not enter shelters because of aggression.
Are older shelter pets harder to train?
No. Adult pets can learn new behaviors and often adapt extremely well to new homes.
How long does it take an adopted pet to adjust?
Many experts recommend the 3-3-3 rule:
• 3 days to decompress
• 3 weeks to learn routines
• 3 months to feel fully at home
Listen to Episode 126 of Pets Add Life
In this week’s new episode, hosts Chris Bonifati and Kristen Levine speak with Kasey Davidson of the Humane Society of North Texas and April Huntsman of Adopt a Pet about adoption myths, fostering, transport rescues, and the future of animal welfare.
New episodes of Pets Add Life drop every Tuesday. View the full list of all of the Pets Add Life (PAL) podcast episodes or listen now, click here.