I adopted a dog from a rescue lady and I had to fill out an application to even be considered. Where I live and who with, what other dogs are there, do I have a yard, am I a lazy bum, etc. I don't think you're allowed to breed with them and you have to promise to get them fixed if they aren't already. I don't know which is better between a shelter or a rescue group, but this lady had like 10 adult dogs and 2 litters of puppies. I figured she could do with one less dog.