How to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Pennsylvania

Australian shepherds are beautiful, intelligent, energetic dogs. They love to herd (is that a surprise?) and thrive when they have a job to perform. They’re very athletic and can keep up with you no matter what activities you enjoy.

The Aussie’s energy is either their best trait or their biggest flaw, depending on who you are. With the right family, an Aussie will flourish living an active lifestyle, but if adopted by someone who can’t keep up, they’ll undoubtedly suffer and develop bad behaviors.

This is why it’s so important to learn about the breed before adopting. Though Aussies are amazing dogs, they’re a big commitment, and they aren’t right for everyone. In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about Aussies so that you can be sure the breed is a good fit. We’ll also go over the adoption process so you’ll know what to expect.

How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Pennsylvania?

In order to adopt an Australian shepherd in Pennsylvania, you first have to find one. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania does not have many rescues dedicated specifically to Aussies. If you’re willing to travel, you can also look for rescues located in nearby states, such as New Jersey and Delaware. Otherwise, you’ll want to keep an eye on local rescues and websites.

You can also try DogAcademy’s adoption tool. It allows you to search by breed and state, eliminating the drudgery of searching the internet for that perfect pup.

Once you find an Aussie to rescue, the process usually involves submitting an application and getting approved. In fact, it can be a good idea to submit applications to nearby rescues ahead of time; if an Aussie shows up, they’ll already have your information on file, which can speed up the process.

Some rescues will ask for references and will also perform home visits. Most rescues that do home visits require every member of the family to be home during the visit. Other rescues may simply require a meet and greet before you can take a dog home, though they may ask you to bring along any current dogs to ensure they’ll get along.

Some rescues will let you take the dog home the same day as the meet and greet should it go well. Whatever process a rescue chooses, if it all goes smoothly, you’ll be able to adopt a dog and take them home. Most rescues will require you to sign a spay and neuter contract promising to neuter the dog in the future.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Pennsylvania? The price of adopting an Australian shepherd varies from shelter to shelter, but the average cost seems to be between $300 and $500. Some rescues may have additional fees on top of the adoption fee. For example, many rescues will require a spay and neuter deposit. These are usually about $150, but they will be refunded once you’ve had the dog fixed. In some cases, rescues are willing to transport dogs to you so that you do not have to travel yourself. These rescues may charge a fee for the transport.

How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd? Australian shepherds should be trained using positive reinforcement. This style of training is effective because it motivates dogs to want to learn. Not only that, but it’s also great for strengthening the bond between you and your dog. If you’re looking for positive reinforcement training, look no further. We offer a plethora of online dog training courses that are convenient and affordable. Dog Training with Dog Academy

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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in Pennsylvania for You

Australian shepherds are striking dogs; they often have beautiful coat patterns, and it isn’t uncommon for them to have blue eyes. They’re gorgeous, to say the least. They’re also super smart and crazy energetic.

In fact, this breed is not for the faint-heart or the overworked; they require at least two hours of vigorous exercise daily, and that’s on top of their mental stimulation needs! Aussies certainly aren’t for everyone, but if you think you have what it takes, then rescuing is a great option.

Adopting an Australian shepherd is far more affordable than purchasing from a breeder, and not only does it provide a home for a dog in need, but it also creates space in shelters for more dogs to be saved.

Aussies can be difficult to find in shelters, but it isn’t impossible. Keep your eyes peeled, and be sure to fill out applications at nearby shelters so you’re pre-approved and ready to go when the Aussie of your dreams shows up!