There are endless benefits to adopting rescue dogs. When you adopt shelter dogs, you’re providing a loving home for an animal in need, freeing up space at the shelter for another animal, and you’re saving a life.
You’re also beginning a loving relationship with a dog who will undoubtedly provide you with unconditional love for years to come. Let’s talk about what you need to know about dog adoption.
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In this post, we’ll cover:
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- Where to Adopt a Rescue Dog
- What Kind of Dog Should I Adopt?
- How Much Does it Cost to Adopt a Dog?
- Getting Ready for Your New Dog
- My #1 Recommendation for Dog Training
- Free Dog Training Tutorials Specifically for Rescue and Shelter Dogs
Watch My Video: Adopting Rescue Dogs
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Where to Adopt a Rescue Dog
The first place you could look is at your local SPCA or animal shelter. They’ll always have adoptable dogs and your adoption fee will likely include neutering/spaying and immunizations.
You might want to check out my article, How You Can Help Your Local SPCA.
Several years ago, I adopted a rescue dog named Taz (that’s her in the picture that appeared on the shelter’s website). I had a miniature Dachshund named Maggie in the past, and I hoped I could find another doxy.
I searched on PetFinder.com and there she was! PetFinder.com is a great way to find adoptable shelter dogs near you.
What Kind of Dog Should I Adopt?
I have a full article (includes video) called, How to Choose a Dog Breed that discusses several things to consider when deciding what kind of dog to adopt.
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- The dog’s size
- The dog’s coat type
- Which type of dog fits into your lifestyle
- Considering where you live
- How will the dog behave
- Costs of medical care, supplies and food
- Do you have time for a dog?
- Dog Training
You might find that your local SPCA or shelter has several Pit Bull-type dogs. I encourage you to read my article, How to Help Pit Bulls for lot of information about these dogs and how you can provide the best care for them.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Dog?
Dog rescue shelters can charge adoption fees ranging from no fee up to a few hundred dollars. Each shelter has their own adoption procedure and fees, which depend on several factors such as the type of pet and the type of shelter it is.
The fees are usually far lower than the cost of purchasing a dog from a pet store or breeder. The adoption fee will likely cover the medical care the dog has already been given such as spaying/neutering, an examination by a veterinarian, vaccinations and possibly even microchipping, all of which would likely cost way more if you were to do it on your own.
The adoption fee you pay will go right back into saving more dogs and finding them a home. For more information about the cost of adopting a rescue dog, read this article by PetFinder.com.
Getting Ready for Your New Dog
I suggest reading my article, How to Take Care of a Dog, which covers the most important aspects of dog ownership.
If you’re adopting a puppy, read my article called, Preparing for a Puppy, which tells you what you’ll need for the puppy, and also Bringing Your New Puppy Home, which talks about how to prepare your family for the new puppy.
Dog Training for Rescue Dogs
Professional Dog Trainer and Behavioral Specialist, Doggy Dan, has a training program called, The Dog Calming Code, that is particularly effective for rescue and shelter dogs.
The training consists of 5 exercises to incorporate into your dog’s daily routine. It’s easy to follow, inexpensive and very effective.
You can read more about it here, or click below to go directly to the program.
Free Rescue Dog Training Tutorials
Here are two free tutorials from Doggy Dan that will definitely help:
How to Acclimate Your Rescue Dog Into Your Home
5 Methods for Helping Your Rescue Dog Overcome Anxiety
How to Introduce a New Dog to Other Pets
Adoptable Dogs at Your Local Shelter
The ASPCA has a tool on their website where you can find pets that are available for adoption nationwide, Adoptable Dogs In Your Local Shelter.
Adopting a Rescue Dog is So Worth It!
I personally feel that rescue dogs are the most grateful. The first day I brought my little Tazzie home from the shelter (that’s her in the pic), she hopped right into her little doggie bed and started chewing on a toy as if to say, “I’m home!” That’s Taz in the pic, protecting her toys from the vacuum cleaner!
If you’re a cat lover as well, read my post, How to Adopt a Cat (includes video).
More Information About Rescue & Shelter Pets
- Benefits of Adopting Pets from Shelters
- Adopting Rescue Dogs
- How You Can Help Your Local SPCA
- The Purple Leash Project – Pets in Domestic Violence Shelters
I Donate to Animal Charities
Thank you for visiting my website. I hope you’ll experience as much love and joy with the dog you adopt as I did with Tazzie.
I donate 10% of my profits to animal charities. You can see a list of the charities I donate to here. If you like this website, please share it with your friends and family who have a dog or a cat. Thank you! Debra
