In this post we'll cover everything from where to find puppies for adoption, how to pick the perfect puppy and what questions to ask at the adoption meeting.
Congratulations! Preparing to add a new member to the family is such an exciting time! You're creating a story you'll tell to family and friends for the rest of your life.
As a former vet assistant and dog trainer, I hear all sorts of stories about how people find their pets. So, I've gathered all the best practices on puppy adoption that I've learned from owners over the last five years into this post.
Puppies for Adoption
These 6 steps will guide you on your path to adopting the perfect puppy for your household. And- to help you get started and prepared for your new puppy, be sure to check out our free new puppy printables!
New Puppy Bundle
I want to thank you, (yes YOU!) so much in your help in adopting a puppy that needs a home. At the time of this post, approximately 3.1 million dogs enter the shelter each year, some of which are perfectly healthy, happy dogs and puppies.
When you adopt you save two lives: the life of the puppy you adopt and the animal who gets to move into that kennel at the animal shelter or foster home. Adopting is truly a noble commitment, and I hope that you find the perfect match for your household.
How to Adopt a Puppy for Free
Unfortunately, there's no such thing as free.
Even if a puppy is free, you'll be covering the cost of something. That cost could be vet care (whether immediate or later in life), training (due to poor genetics for bite inhibition, anxiety, impulse control or other behavioral or neurologic deficits), or because you didn't get the breed you signed up for.
For example, you end up paying to replace your couch because your dog tore it apart while you weren't home because it has more genetic energy than you thought you were getting.
You may also find that you're paying for an expensive crate to keep your dog safe due to separation anxiety.
Free does not mean free. However, in some circumstances puppies will be available for adoption at no charge. In this case, there's probably a reason they are free.
When it comes to the cost of puppies (no matter where you get them from) it's so important to know WHY you are paying, or not paying, the asking cost from the adopter.
Puppy Adoption Cost
An adoption cost or rehoming fee will likely be associated with adopting a puppy. Cost varies depending on where you're adopting from.
Adoption from a private individual cost can range from $50-$5000 depending on the breed or situation. Puppies are usually more expensive for a few reasons.
First, is that puppies are in high demand.
Secondly, is that puppies cost more for the adopter/shelter/foster organization to care for. Puppies require a lot more time and energy from staff, and there are costs from food, to vaccines, to deworming and spay/neuter costs.
Adoption agencies rarely break even on the cost of what it takes to rescue a puppy. So consider your puppy's adoption fee a donation to help the shelter or rescue continue to do what they.
Puppies for Adoption Craigslist
Friend to friend here: please be careful with adopting anything from craigslist.
That being said, there are some very cute and unique looking craigslist finds.
If you choose to go the Craigslist route, be sure you are in a position where you do not need post-adoption support from the home you're adopting from.
Craigslist sellers rarely offer a warranty, money back guarantee or support if anything happens to your puppy.
Wherever you get your puppy from, be sure to ask for any medical notes from the vet- specifically vaccines, dewormers and any exam findings. If there are no records, buy at your own risk.
It is common for free puppies, backyard breeders and craigslist puppies to not be vaccinated against parvovirus and are at high risk for contracting this deadly disease.
Parvovirus vaccines cost dollars compared to the extensive, critical vet care it takes to save a puppy's life in the chance they've contracted parvovirus.
So wherever you go to get your puppy, be sure to ask the questions that are listed below to find the best fit for your lifestyle and needs!
Puppies for Sale
Undoubtedly, there will always be puppies for sale. I cannot stress the importance of doing your research on the breeder and asking questions.
The number one thing you need to know about spending money on puppies is to know WHY you are paying the price the breeder is asking.
6 Steps for How to Adopt a Puppy
1. Decide what type of DOG you're looking for.
Do you want a small, medium or large dog? How often can you realistically exercise your dog? What kind of lifestyle will your dog need?
Consider things like: Grooming needs, ability to be around kids, other dogs, and cats, will you want a dog that can spend a lot of time indoors or outdoors?
Create a budget: How much will you be able to spend on the adoption cost, supplies, routine care and veterinary care? Is having the puppy's parents tested for genetic health markers important to you?
2. Contact local shelters
The most obvious place to look for a new family member is at your local animal shelter. Puppies are adopted quickly (usually same or next day), and often there's no waitlist since they are in such high demand.
So keep an eye on your local humane societies website and social media page. If there is a waitlist, get on it! Some organizations will even allow you to complete an application ahead of time and complete any necessary steps like a home visit, veterinary reference, or general reference check while you wait on a puppy to become available for adoption.
Become familiar with adoption process and what kind of animals the rescue of your choice see come through the shelter. Are they a breed specific rescue? Do they have a process for screening behaviors and temperaments of the dog?
My personal recommendation to any puppy or dog adopter is to look for a foster-based rescue which are located all over the country.
A foster based rescue usually means there is no shelter, or office that the rescue runs out of. Rescue animals live with volunteer foster parents until they're adopted out. Which means they can only help as many animals as they have a foster home for.
This is my preferred way to adopt because the puppy has been living in a home. So, the foster can give you a better idea of what the puppy's personality is and their potty training and crate training status.
Puppies for Adoption Near Me
3. Follow the timeline and requirements for adopting a pet
Become familiar with adoption process and what kind of animals they see come through the shelter. Will they need a reference check, veterinary reference, home visit or interview?
4. Meet and greet!
Become familiar with adoption process and what kind of animals they see come through the shelter. Will they need a reference check, veterinary reference, home visit or interview?
Questions for Adopting a Puppy
5. Prepare your home
Make sure you have the essentials! Utilize the New Puppy Checklist PDF to make sure you have the essentials and more!
New Puppy Checklist
6. Bring your puppy home!
Now, the fun part! Bring your puppy home!
It's super important at this time to jump right into socialization, crate training, and potty training.
Related: 15 Puppy Training Tips Your Puppy Class Didn't Tell You About
Here's a list of some organizations that regularly have puppies up for adoption.
ASPCA - ASPCA website offers a good source of animal news, but also offers services in Asheville, LA, NYC and Miami. Their website can help you locate a local shelter as well as browse pets for adoption in your area.
Pet Stores: Petsmart and Petco have all been known to host adoption events. Your local pet store is probably involved in adoption events as well. They may even know of rescues or pets in need of homes.
Puppies for Adoption Michigan
I spent some time in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and became familiar with some of the rescues out in that area. Here's what I found:
Third Coast Lab Rescue
They are entirely volunteer run and completely foster based. They often have purebred labs as well as "honorary labs" up for adoption.
Michigan Animal Rescue League
Based out of Detroit and always have VERY cute animals needing homes. Puppies under 1 year are common, and puppies under 6 months show up regularly!
Humane Society of Huron Valley
This shelter brings in 20-50 puppies every two weeks on the Love Train, but often has puppies in foster homes or in the shelter. They are based in Ann Arbor, Michigan and people drive from everywhere to get a puppy from the Love Train!
Puppies for Adoption Southern Tier New York
As someone based in the southern tier of western New York, here are some of the options for animal adoption in the area that I am familiar with.
Empire Animal Rescue Society
This is a foster-based rescue society. I highly recommend supporting and browsing these foster-based type of rescues because then you can know what your puppy is like in a home.
SPCA in Allegany County
The SPCA in Allegany County is located in Belmont. They often have transports up from southern states and often have puppies available!
SPCA Cattauragus County
The Catt County SPCA is located in Olean and has many dogs available for adoption. Puppies are a little harder to come by at this facility, but it's certainly not unheard of for puppies to be available.
Joyful Rescues
Joyful Rescues seems to always have puppies available for adoption. I have not worked with them personally, but my husband adopted our dog there when he was a puppy (before we met!).
Furever Friends
Another foster based rescue! This rescue has all sorts of dogs up for adoption and is always in need of fosters.
Related: New Puppy Vet Visit | 13 Must-Ask Questions for your Vet
Petfinder Puppies
The internet is full of website leads that will help you find your new best friend. Petfinder is the top website that shows you all dogs, puppies, kittens and other available pets for adoption near you.
They search through thousands of adoption websites (including the ones listed above) and show you an up-to-date list of what pets are in need of a home. Many smaller adoption organizations choose to list their available animals through Petfinder.
The cool thing about Petfinder is you can utilize filters including age, size, breed and location. They even have a perfect pet matchmaker tool! Petfinder has helped millions of pets find homes, and it's the site that led me to my dog.
Dogs for Adoption
Of course adult dogs need homes too! The best thing about an adult dog is you know what you're getting.
Plus, it's likely an organization you're adopting from would let you foster before committing in case you have any hesitations.
I think everyone should go through the process of raising a puppy at some point in their life. But, if you don't have a lot of flexibility for the kind of dog you want, it's best to look into adopting an adult dog.
Adopting a mixed breed puppy that you don't have much history on makes it hard to tell exactly what the puppy will be like when they get older.
This post was all about where to find puppies for adoption.
Other posts you might like:
New Puppy Checklist PDF | 33 Must-Have Puppy Essentials
Is My Puppy Happy? | 11 Clear Signs Your Puppy is Living Their Best Life
