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We don’t doubt that you’re ready to adopt an Australian shepherd in Virginia, but are you truly ready? Before you rush down to your local shelter or contact an animal rescue in Richmond, you need to know what the adoption process looks like. Not only do you need to know how to adopt an Australian shepherd in Virginia, but you also need to know if this breed can handle Virginia’s warmer months. After all, Australian shepherds, or Aussies, become uncomfortable once it reaches about 75 degrees Fahrenheit due to their double coats.
The good news is that we have your back completely. In this article, we take you through everything you need to know about the adoption process, along with training tips and breed information. Read on to determine if an Aussie is the right fit for you.
How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Virginia?
To start the adoption process, finding an Australian shepherd and meeting with them is the first step. While you can fill out an online application, it’s almost always better to bring the family and meet them in person, especially with many animal adoption organizations requiring you to do so anyway. Once you meet them, or find an Aussie you like, you can fill out the adoption paperwork.
The paperwork will ask for your personal information, details of family members, and even for information about other pets and your last experiences with pets. You’ll also have to answer questions about how you’ll train, play, and exercise them. Once you complete the questionnaire, someone will interview you as well. They may ask follow-up questions, contact references, or even send someone to visit your home. Once you’re approved, you can pay the adoption fee and bring your Aussie home – expect the process to take a couple of days.
There are also some Virginia adoption laws that you need to be aware of. Let’s say you adopt an Aussie from a shelter, and they haven’t been spayed or neutered. According to VA law, it has to be done within a specific timeframe, even if you’ve brought them home already; this is part of the adoption contract. You also have to agree to care for the dog and treat them properly, or else you can be subject to legal and financial penalties. Overall, Virginia takes dog adoption seriously, and so should you.
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How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in Virginia?You can expect to pay between $200 and $400 for an Australian shepherd adoption in Virginia. Also, expect to pay more for puppies and less for senior dogs or dogs that have disabilities. A great example is Aussie Rescue of Mid-Atlantic, which charges $250 for senior dogs, but up to $450 for puppies. That said, every shelter, animal foster program, and rescue handles pricing differently. |
How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd?In Virginia, training an Australian shepherd is critical, especially if you plan on adopting one. This is because many shelters want to know how you plan on exercising your dog, so having a plan before you even meet with them is helpful. To come up with a plan, first evaluate your goals. For example, if you plan on hiking parts of the Appalachian Trail, you may want to focus on obedience, commands, agility, and even leash training. However, if you only need to train them for an occasional trip to Virginia Beach, just obedience and leash training should be fine. Ultimately, how you train them is completely up to you. Whether you’re a first-time dog parent or you need a little refresher, we have a wide variety of courses available to help. You don’t have to train your Aussie alone, so check out some of our beginner-friendly courses, like our Basic Obedience Training Program, for more training assistance. Not only will you learn the basics, but we will also cover how to use positive rewards properly. |
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Find the Right Australian Shepherd in Virginia for You
It may be a little hot for an Australian shepherd in the summer months, but as long as you have air conditioning in your home and shade in your yard, you shouldn’t have any problems adopting an Australian shepherd. Just make sure you have enough time to train them, play with them, and help them exercise, even if it’s indoors. As long as you meet these conditions, you shouldn’t have any problems adopting an Aussie in Virginia.
