Introducing a new puppy to your current dog is often an exciting process, and many dogs will become fast friends and eas...
Read MoreAdopt Me
West Virginia is a fantastic place to live, start a family, and, of course, adopt an Australian shepherd. In fact, John Denver even wrote Take Me Home, Country Roads about it (we had to mention it for our West Virginia adoption guide!)
If you plan on adding an Australian shepherd (Aussie) to your family, West Virginia is more than suitable for these fun, lovable, and intelligent herding dogs. Sure, it may seem like they’re a long way from their Australian home, but you can rest easy knowing that they’re from California anyway, so not as far as you think.
That said, it’s important to understand what it means to adopt an Australian shepherd. After all, the process of adopting an Aussie is different from buying one. Plus, you’re likely curious about how their thick double coats hold up against West Virginia’s hotter summers.
Thankfully, learning how to adopt an Australian shepherd is easy, and you’ll find that even cities like Charleston can accommodate an Aussie if the conditions are appropriate.
How Do You Adopt an Australian Shepherd in West Virginia?
West Virginia, like every other great state in this union, has some unique animal adoption rules that you need to follow to bring an Australian shepherd home. Furthermore, a few requirements need to be met prior to, or after, you adopt an animal.
First things first, you need to have a valid photo ID (passport or license), and be at least 18 years old to even fill out the application. In fact, some shelters may even require you to be 21. You’ll also need permission from a landlord if you rent an apartment in Charleston or any other town/city.
Once that’s out of the way and you’re sure that you can meet the requirements, the Aussie has to meet some as well. For example, they have to be spayed/neutered before they’re adopted, or at least within 30 days of bringing them home (in most cases). Once everything is all set between you and the dog, you can fill out the application. You’ll need to provide personal information about yourself, your home, other animals, and even other family members. Some West Virginia shelters will even want to have everyone meet the dog before you take them home.
After the application is complete, most animal adoption organizations will ask you some follow-up questions, contact your references, and do a home visit. During the home visit, they’re checking to see if your home is spacious enough to care for an Aussie. Due to the energy levels of an Aussie, and their need for mental stimulation, many shelters will also want to know how you plan on exercising and socializing them.
At the end of the day, this process takes anywhere from a few days to several weeks.
|
How Much Does It Cost to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in West Virginia?Adoption fees in West Virginia tend to be $200 to $500 (on average). Depending on your budget, you may want to check with a few organizations, but the issue there is that you don’t necessarily have your pick of the litter. This is because adoption is first-come first-serve, unlike buying from a breeder. Therefore, the cost is cheaper, but you may have to spend more in the long run. |
How Should I Train an Australian Shepherd?The best dog training program for your Australian shepherd is the one that works for you both. Every dog is unique, and everyone’s training goals are as well. If you find that your Aussie loves to accompany you on adventures and you’re sick of leaving him home, consider bringing them the next time you visit New River Gorge National Park. However, before you do, make sure you train them to handle the leash, other animals, and other people properly first. The same principles apply to any other goals you have. Whether it’s basic obedience or training them to keep your property safe, having a plan and sticking to it goes a long way. Plus, Australian shepherds benefit from having a routine. Also, make sure the training methods you use are based on positive rewards. If you’re unsure about that, you can always try our Australian shepherd training program to start your journey. |
|
Find the Right Australian Shepherd in West Virginia for You
Australian shepherds make great companions in West Virginia if you train them properly, understand their needs, and keep them hydrated in the summer. That said, always make sure you understand how to adopt an Australian shepherd in West Virginia for the best results.
This ensures that the process goes smoothly. Learning how to train them, plan for exercise, and having enough time to spend with them is also crucial, as many shelters will evaluate you based on your answers.
