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Now, you’re probably thinking that an Australian shepherd is a little far from the Land Down Under if they’ve ended up in a shelter in North Carolina. While you may be right about that, did you know that the Australian shepherd, or Aussie, isn’t actually Australian? In fact, the Aussie is from right here in the United States, with the first iteration of the breed coming from California in the 19th century.
Sure, that’s still a long way from Raleigh, but you’ll find that Australian shepherds can handle the four seasons that North Carolina can throw at them with no problems (except for hot summers). What’s more, Australian shepherds were bred to watch over large properties, and they’re smart enough to accompany you on adventures along North Carolina’s portion of the Appalachian Trail.
While it may seem like adopting an Australian shepherd in North Carolina is a no-brainer based on these quick facts alone, there’s still more to the story here. You have to train them based on your goals, they may not respond well to other animals or small children without socialization, and the adoption process can be intense. The good news? We have your back in this guide.
How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in North Carolina?
There are a lot of quirks you need to know about before you adopt an Australian shepherd in North Carolina. While every animal foster, shelter, and rescue is different, many of them have similar forms and rules for you to follow. A great example is Guilford County, which requires people to meet with the animal they want to adopt for at least 15 minutes before bringing them home.
Furthermore, most counties in NC require the person adopting to be at least 18 years old and to have a form of photo ID, usually a passport. Aside from the basics, if you want to adopt an Aussie, you’ll need to provide information about your home, occupation, and the same information for other family members. Most adoption organizations will also want to visit your home to verify this information before they approve your application, which usually takes about a week.
It’s also important to note that each shelter may have different questions. For example, one shelter may ask about how you plan to train your Aussie or exercise with them, whereas others may be more focused on how much time you have to spend with them. We recommend preparing for all possibilities for the best results.
Then, it’s as simple as paying the adoption fee and bringing your Aussie home.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in North Carolina?If you’ve made it this far, you’re likely curious about how much this whole adoption ordeal will cost. While it’s not free, it might as well be compared to buying an Aussie from a breeder. Expect to pay about $100 for senior Australian shepherds, or Aussies with health issues, and around $200 to $300 for puppies (less than six months old). Your average adult Australian shepherd will fall somewhere in the middle. |
How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd?When it comes to training an Australian shepherd, you’ll find that they’re responsive to most types of training. However, we always recommend positive reinforcement. This is a training method that involves rewarding positive behaviors with food, treats, or praise, but without being mean to them if they mess up a trick or behavior. When it comes to the actual training portion, Australian shepherds have a lot of potential. Make sure you start with a strong foundation and routine for the best results. Then, consider using one of our training courses designed for Aussies. They will help you unlock their full potential. |
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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in North Carolina for You
North Carolina is an awesome place to adopt an Australian shepherd, especially if you live outside of cities, like Charlotte and Raleigh, and plan on walking, hiking, or exploring.
That said, NC is known for having walkable cities, and as long as you have a larger apartment or live in the suburbs, it may still be possible. The good news is that once you know how to adopt an Australian shepherd in North Carolina, the process becomes a whole lot easier.
