I bypass the system entirely when it comes to acquiring new pets:

All of mine just show up on the back porch. Anyone who says that feral cats cannot be domesticated isn't patient enough. The biggest attention whoremost loyal cat we have is a 20lb feral tom.

That being said, we'll donate to the local, small-scale rescues - much as in the manner we eschew United Way donations and directly contribute to those we know who are in need of help.