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Adopting a Dog: What You Need to Know
To get you started, we answer the most pressing questions about dog adoption.
Why Adopt a Dog?
There are many benefits to adopting a dog over purchasing one, including the following:
- It may be hundreds or thousands of dollars cheaper to adopt a dog versus purchasing one
- If you adopt a pup from a shelter that euthanizes animals, you are potentially saving their life
- You can adopt an older dog that is already trained
- Adopting a dog if often quicker than purchasing through a breeder
- You avoid the risk of supporting puppy mills or breeders who participate in unsafe practices
- There are more options to find mixed breeds, who often avoid the health issues many purebred dogs face
Overall, the adoption process can be faster, less expensive, and more ethical than purchasing a dog.
Why Adopt Through Dog Academy?
At Dog Academy, our team is made up of people who truly love dogs and make them their lives’ work, including AKC-certified dog trainers with over 25 years of professional training experience.
We’ve used our expertise and passion to find the most reputable shelters and rescues, and to put together full adoption guides for specific breeds and regions. We also offer online and in-person training options (including fully self-taught online programs) to help you bond with your new pup. We also offer Dog Academy Premium, which gives you access to exclusive training materials, unlimited online veterinary messaging and appointments, and pet retailer discounts.
For even more information on adopting a dog
Check Out Our Full Adoption Guide
What Is the Difference Between a Shelter and a Rescue?
When you’re searching for a dog to adopt, you’ll likely see both rescues and shelters as options. While they’re both similar in many ways (and you can adopt a dog from either), there are a few differences. Shelters are typically run by the city or state, are staffed with volunteers, and offer multiple types of animals. Because shelters may be overcrowded, some may euthanize animals if they are not adopted within at set amount of time.
Rescues, on the other hand, are often non-profit and privately run, are more likely to have paid employees, sometimes focus on only one type of animal or a specific canine breed, and rarely euthanize animals.
Either option can be a wonderful choice; however, if you have your heart set on a purebred, a rescue may be more likely to offer what you are looking for.
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Dog?
Dog adoption fees vary based on your location, what shelter or rescue you choose, and the breed you adopt. However, the cost typically ranges from $50 to $350. Usually, this fee covers a general wellness exam, required vaccinations, spaying or neutering, parasite prevention medication, heartworm tests, administration fees, and a microchip insertion.
In comparison, purchasing a dog often costs between several hundred and several thousand dollars.
Can You Adopt a Puppy?
Yes, you can often find puppies available to adopt (though you can rarely take a puppy home before they are 8 weeks old, at minimum). Keep in mind that puppies are typically in high demand, so it may be harder to find one than an older dog.
Can You Return a Dog You Adopt?
Most shelters or rescues will allow you to return a dog if they end up not being a good fit for your home or lifestyle, and some even offer 2-3 week adoption trial periods to make sure you’re a solid match. Typically, the shelter or rescue will require you to return the dog to them (and not to another organization or individual), and you may not get your adoption fee refunded.
For even more information on adopting a dog
Check Out Our Full Adoption Guide
