How to Adopt a Dog: Everything from A to Z

Do you know what was one of the most life-changing experiences I ever had?

Adopting my first dog.

I still remember the excitement of bringing that furry bundle of joy home. Seven dogs (and 10 cats!) later, I still think that opening my heart to rescues is the best decision I ever made.

People who adopt a dog like to say that the dog rescued them, not the other way around. And I tend to agree.

October is National Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, so it’s the perfect time to share what I’ve learned from my own adoptions with everyone thinking about saving a dog. This guide answers the questions I hear most: how to adopt a dog from a shelter, how to pick the right dog for your family, and how to welcome a rescue into your home.

Content:

1. Why Should You Adopt a Dog?
2. What to Expect When Adopting a Dog
3. How to Choose a Rescue Dog
4. Preparing Your Home for a Rescue Dog
5. Final Thoughts
6. FAQ

Why Should You Adopt a Dog?

A better question would be: why shouldn’t you? The benefits of adopting rather than buying could fill an article of their own, so let’s keep it simple. Here are the top three reasons to adopt a dog:

#1 Adoption Saves Lives

Did you know that roughly 320,000 dogs were euthanized in shelters across the United States in 2025 alone?

That’s hundreds of thousands of dogs who never got their second chance. Dogs who waited for someone to take them home, but no one ever showed up.

I know it’s hard to read, but it’s important to let that number sink in. Only once you really understand the scale of the problem does it become clear why adoption matters.

When you decide to adopt a dog, you’re not only getting a new best friend. You’re giving a pooch who’s had a rough start a new chance at life and a loving family to call their own.

#2 Adoption Costs Less

If you’re wondering how much it costs to adopt a dog and worry that you can’t afford one from a shelter, there’s good news. Adopting is usually much cheaper than buying from a breeder, and some shelters even run fee-waived adoption events.

The adoption fee also goes further than you might think. Most rescue dogs are already microchipped, spayed or neutered, dewormed, and vaccinated, and all of that is usually covered by the fee.

Some people have their heart set on a particular breed and assume a pet store or breeder is their only option. That’s one of the most common misconceptions about dog adoption. An estimated 25% of shelter dogs are purebred. With around 2.8 million dogs entering shelters and rescues each year, that’s roughly 700,000 purebred dogs to choose from. Chances are the pooch of your dreams is already waiting at a local shelter!

#3 Adoption Is Humane

Apart from saving lives, taking in a homeless dog also helps tackle overpopulation. Most shelters spay or neuter every dog and cat before adoption, which means they won’t bring more homeless animals into the world. There are already too many dogs and not nearly enough homes. When you adopt, you free up space for another dog in need and know you haven’t added to the problem.

What to Expect When Adopting a Dog

Even if you really want to save a dog from a shelter or rescue organization, you might not be the right match for every dog. There are countless pups waiting for a family, but shelters need to vet adopters carefully. The goal is for each dog to go to a happy, loving home that suits their personality, so they never end up back in the shelter.

Most shelters follow a similar adoption process:

• Submit an adoption application
• Go through an interview with one of the shelter’s counselors and meet the dogs
• If you’re approved and the pooch you chose is the right fit for your family, pay a small adoption fee before bringing them home

These steps help shelters make sure people aren’t adopting on a whim and that they can provide care, love, and a long-term home for their new four-legged family member.

It’s worth knowing beforehand that some interview questions can feel personal or even intrusive. Each shelter has its own process, but most treat the interview as an honest conversation rather than an exam. Once you realize the questions are there to make sure your future furry family member ends up in the right hands, you won’t mind answering them.

Here are some of the questions you can expect during a dog adoption interview:

• What is your family situation? (how many adults and children live in the home, and does everyone want a dog)
• What is your housing situation? (do you own or rent, what kind of property you live in, and are you planning to move soon)
• What is your previous experience with pets, and do you have any animals now? (how many pets you’ve had, what happened to each of them, and whether you know how to help a new pet settle into the family)
• What is your work situation? (can you take on the costs of a new pet, how long are your work hours and commute, and will you be leaving your dog alone for long stretches)

These general questions help the shelter decide whether you’re ready for the responsibility of a dog. They might feel like a lot, but they matter. Moving is one of the top reasons dogs are rehomed, along with strict landlords, financial issues, and lack of time due to work. Seen that way, these questions instantly make more sense.

The next two groups of questions help the counselor see whether you and the dog are a good personality match:

• What kind of lifestyle do you have? (are you active and outdoorsy, will you take the dog on vacations and to social events, and how would a dog fit into your relationship)
• What do you know about rescue dogs? (are you prepared to train and socialize a dog, do you know that some dogs end up in shelters because of abuse and neglect and may never fully recover, and why do you want this particular dog)

As I said, this isn’t an exam, and honesty is a must. Be honest with yourself too, and don’t agree to anything you’re not sure you can follow through on. It’s also worth reading our guide to the easiest dog breeds for first-time pet parents so you can find just the right pooch. The last thing anyone wants is for an adopted dog to be unhappy or abandoned yet again.

How to Choose a Rescue Dog

Choosing the right dog for your family isn’t always easy. Every pooch has their own personality and quirks, so it’s important to find one who fits in with yours.

The biggest mistake is falling head over heels for a dog because of their looks alone. Those might be the cutest puppy eyes you’ve ever seen, but can you meet all of that dog’s needs? Will they get along with your other pets or kids? If you adopt a dog whose energy level and personality don’t match your own, you’re likely to run into trouble.

Keep in mind that some dogs have much lower chances of being adopted. If you haven’t set your heart on a particular pup or breed, please consider giving a chance to one whose future looks less bright. The least adoptable dogs include black dogs, senior dogs, large dogs, and dogs with disabilities, and in almost every case, the reasons they’re overlooked have nothing to do with whether they’d make a wonderful companion.

For some people (me included), deciding which dog to take home can feel like a Sophie’s choice. All those pleading eyes and loving puppies and dogs can make you feel guilty for not taking every one of them home.

But even though it might seem unfair, you can’t give a good home to all of them. The best thing you can do is help as much as you can, whether that’s volunteering, fostering, donating, or spreading the word about adoptable dogs and the shelters that care for them.

Preparing Your Home for a Rescue Dog

Before you welcome your new fur baby home, you’ll need to have the basics ready. Apart from food, toys, and other supplies, you need to dog-proof your home. Check for any spots your dog could use to escape, and prepare a safe zone where they can relax and get used to their new surroundings.

Big changes can be stressful for dogs, so be patient and help your new dog adjust at their own pace. The shelter counselor will share everything they know about your dog, including tips to make the transition easier.

The most important thing is to keep your excitement in check. Chances are your new pooch won’t feel comfortable right away, so take it slow. Don’t overwhelm them with cuddles or force interaction. Let your new furball set the pace.

Find out more about recognizing your pup’s emotions here: How To Understand Dog Body Language.

Depending on the dog you adopt, your preparations can vary. A dog with special needs will need the right supplies, and the same goes for puppies and elderly dogs.

Once your new dog is home, the Petcube App can help you through those first weeks together. You can track your dog’s health and habits as they settle in, and chat with certified vets) any time you have a question about their behavior or well-being.

Final Thoughts

All dogs are loyal and loving, whether they come from a shelter or a breeder. There’s no doubt about that.

But when you adopt, you save a life. You might be a shelter dog’s last chance at happiness. And, to be completely honest, there’s nothing quite like the bond rescue dogs form with their families. They know their human is the one who gave them a second chance, and they never forget it.

If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, I hope this guide helps. Arm yourself with information and go save a life!

FAQ

Do you have to pay to adopt a pet? How much does it cost to adopt a puppy from a shelter?

A: Every shelter has its own policies, and the same goes for adoption fees. Most shelters cover part of their veterinary and food costs through small adoption fees, but some regularly run fee-waived events where you can adopt a dog for free.

What should I look for when adopting a dog?

A: Always make sure the dog is the right fit for you and your family. That includes their personality, health, age, and attitude toward other pets and children. If you have several pets or small kids at home, make sure the dog you’re adopting can be safely socialized with them.

How do I know if a rescue group is legitimate?

A: Unfortunately, not every rescue group is the real deal. There have been reports of puppy mills posing as rescues to sell dogs for profit. To avoid these scams, always research a shelter before you commit. If there’s no facility to visit (some legitimate rescues rely on foster homes), watch out for these red flags:

• Most of their dogs are puppies or purebreds
• Their interviews are nonexistent or too lax
• They hand dogs to anyone who asks without vetting them first
• Their “adoption fees” are suspiciously high, usually $500 or more, because they’re looking to profit

Are shelter dogs housebroken?

A: Some are, some aren’t. If you’re adopting a puppy, chances are they haven’t learned how to behave in a home yet. Older dogs are more likely to already have manners, know how to walk on a leash, go potty outside, and respond to basic commands. However, some shelter dogs ended up there because their previous families were unwilling or unable to housetrain them, so they’ll need training once you adopt them. Either way, shelter counselors will tell you everything they know about the dog (including whether they’re housebroken) before you make the final decision.