Owning a pit bull and adopting a child

[MaryAnnDVC]

Is owning a pit bull an issue when trying to adopt a child? I really don't know what to think. Would the person/couple run into a problem when it came to a home study?

 

[Luvchefmic]

Is owning a pit bull an issue when trying to adopt a child? I really don't know what to think. Would the person/couple run into a problem when it came to a home study?

I would think owning ANY dog would put the couple in a position to have to prove that the dog would be safe around a child. I am GUESSING that an adoption agency, like insurance agencies, may have some rules against certain breeds...just my opinion....no real knowledge> This is going to turn into an "interesting" thread to say the least.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

This is going to turn into an "interesting" thread to say the least.

I've seen pit bull threads before, and probably posted on at least one at some point, but basically stay away from them because it's a topic that I wasn't that interested in. It's also a topic where most people have a strong opinion and aren't going to be swayed.

I'm not looking for a "SHOULD owning a pit bull be a barrier to adoption or not"...just "is it?". I'm sure there are people who would say their pit bull is wonderful, and wonderful around children...but when it comes to adopting a child, what do agencies say?

I have no personal experience with pit bulls, nor with adoption. Both may be in the future for someone I know, and therein lies my concern...owning a pit bull and then wanting to adopt. At this point, I'm just curious, and may pass the information along.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Mare I understand EXACTLY where you are coming from but I think we have both been around here long enough to know what happens...I wish it didn't, but...you know..I do hope you get a real answer for the family
Ruthie

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Mare I understand EXACTLY where you are coming from but I think we have both been around here long enough to know what happens...I wish it didn't, but...you know..I do hope you get a real answer for the family
Ruthie

You're right. I've been fascinated by "good threads gone bad" for much lesser topics than this. Oh well.

 

[skater]

Is owning a pit bull an issue when trying to adopt a child? I really don't know what to think. Would the person/couple run into a problem when it came to a home study?

I'm not sure. A home study will scruitinize all aspects of your life. We were required to have our cats completely up to date on vaccinations. It probably depends on the agency.

 

[autumnpalm]

I would imagine a lot of it depends on where you live. Where I'm from (in Canada) pit bulls are banned by the government so I would imagine it is an obstacle to adoption. Are there any laws or legislation against pit bulls in your area? That might be a good place to start.

 

[design_mom]

We have adopted two children (two different home study agencies) and I do not recall any specific breeds of dog being specifically excluded.

Our dog wasn't a controversial breed (lab mix) but we were asked what we planned to do to prepare our dog for a child's arrival, how we would introduce her to the child, what we would do if the dog and child didn't get along, etc. Definitely be prepared to discuss safety issues with your social worker, but I would be surprised if there was a blanket exclusion (but I'm also confident that would be a question the adoption agency would be able to answer best specific to you situation, so I would call them if you are concerned.)

 

[AtlantaSue]

I know someone in Louisiana who has taken in a foster baby w/ plans to adopt. She owns a pit bull.

 

[Rupert B Puppenstein]

It isn't usually an issue what dog breed you have in your household. I think you are more judged on how well behaved your animals are and how they interact with children. I know a couple that just said they had an American Staffordshire Terrier instead because to be honest their dog looked more like that anyway. Good Luck!

 

[Holly]

The answer is yes, owning a pit can be an issue when trying to adopt a child.


It all depends on the location and the agency.

 

[Art 1]

I would hope so.

 

[msmayor]

Putting the whole adopting-a-child issue aside, I don't even know why anyone would want to own a pit bull to begin with.

 

[EMom]

When we adopted, we owned 2 cats. They were already about 8 and 10 and pretty much ate and slept. We had to have all their vaccinations in order, plus get letters from our vet attesting to their temperments and the fact that they were in good health and not a danger to a child. Basically, the vet had to vouch for our kitties being compatible with a child.

In all seriousness, I cannot imagine a vet putting their reputation on the line by vouching for a pit bull's compatibility (and safety) with children in the same manner. Certainly not all adoption agencies/home studies require such a statement from the family's vet, but many do. I know my vet had zero hesitation about vouching for my cats. I cannot help but wonder if a vet would be so willing and eager to sing the praises of a pit bull being around babies/children. They have a lot on the line if they do so.

If the adoption agency/home study has no such requirement, then that's a different story.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

Let me just clarify that this is not about me (I have 3 children, and I'm old ), but someone I know who expressed an interest in adopting in the future (no fertility issues...just an interest in nurturing children who need families), who very recently got a pit bull puppy. Cutest darn thing, but most puppies are. The thought crossed my mind (I have not discussed it with the puppy owners) that it MIGHT impact a future adoption, and I really was just wondering. And perhaps gaining some knowledge myself might help me advise them, if nothing else, to keep this in mind so that they don't get blindsided when the time comes...if it comes...to adopt.

 

[bimshire]

If I were the social worker checking the home for adoption appropriateness, a pit bull would be a definite strike against the potential couple. Talk about reckless endangerment!

 

[janey99]

We have a pitbull mix and have for ten years. FWIW, wherever it's necessary to describe his breed, we write "terrier mix" which is entirely accurate.

Jane

 

[locolala]

If I were the social worker checking the home for adoption appropriateness, a pit bull would be a definite strike against the potential couple. Talk about reckless endangerment!

I would say the same thing about someone bringing a child into a house with a little anklebiter before I said that about someone with an AmStaff. When I ran rescue, the most horrific animal attack I saw was a chihuahua who attacked a newborn. I saw all kinds of small dogs bite kids, never saw an AmStaff attack in the 3 years I was with that company.

 

[Saphire]

During our training classes to become foster parents, we were asked early on if we had a dog. There is one breed that would disqualify us from getting a license, and that is a pit bull. I would assume it would be the same for adoption.

 

[MaryAnnDVC]

I know a couple that just said they had an American Staffordshire Terrier instead because to be honest their dog looked more like that anyway. Good Luck!

They brought the puppy to the vet and that's what he said it is. But isn't that just a type of pit bull?

He is a cute little thing. I'll try to post a picture tomorrow.