How To Adopt a Rescue Dog

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Adopting a rescue dog is an exciting and meaningful decision, but the process can sometimes be confusing. In this guide, we’ll help you navigate the adoption process from start to finish. Whether you’re considering adopting a dog from a local shelter, rescue organization, or other avenue, we’ll break down your options and how it works at each step. We’ll also dive into the costs involved so you know what to expect.

We’ve consulted Erica Paschold, Director of Lifesaving Operations at Mountain Pet Rescue, for advice on where to go and what to know to find your perfect rescue dog match.

Where To Go To Adopt a Dog

When considering how to adopt a dog, you’ll find a variety of places to look, from local shelters and U.S. rescue organizations to overseas rescues and online platforms. Each option offers a different level of support in the adoption process.

Shelters

Local animal shelters, including those affiliated with the Humane Society, often house dogs of all ages, breeds, and temperaments. Some shelters are funded by city or state tax dollars, others by donations. Many are widely accessible. “One advantage of a shelter is that it’s one centralized place, so you can see several dogs in one day,” Paschold explains.

Since shelters take in strays and surrendered animals, they may focus on rehoming animals quickly to make room for others. This fast turnaround sometimes makes it hard to assess a dog’s behavior before adoption. “Because they’re in a shelter environment, dogs might behave differently than they would in a comfortable home setting,” Paschold adds. This environmental factor could make potential adoptees pass over dogs who are showing signs of stress and anxiety but would be perfectly fine in a loving home.

U.S. rescue organizations

Rescue organizations often operate through networks of dog foster homes. Some rescues focus entirely on specific breeds, like Golden Retrievers or Cattle Dogs, if you’re looking to adopt a purebred dog without going through a breeder. Other rescues are geared toward different types of dogs and focus on finding homes for seniors or pups with special needs.

The individual attention and care allow potential adopters to get more detailed insights about the dog’s behavior, training level, and needs. “Rescue organizations tend to know a bit more about the animals and how they act at home because they are foster-based,” says Paschold. “But adopters are typically screened for one animal at a time.”

This screening makes the application process a bit stricter and more difficult, especially if you’re trying to adopt a specific high-needs breed or dog.

Overseas rescues

If you’re open to adopting internationally, overseas rescues work to rehome dogs from areas with high stray populations or unsafe conditions. These rescues often handle travel logistics for the adopted dog.

The adoption cost, however, can be higher due to transportation fees, and you likely won’t be able to meet the dog in person before adoption. Language barriers might also be difficult to navigate, and the dogs might have limited medical histories or experience a hard time adjusting to a completely new way of life.

Craigslist or online platforms

Websites like Craigslist or other online platforms occasionally list dogs in need of rehoming. While these options can provide opportunities to adopt locally and quickly, they require using extra caution to avoid puppy scams.

Unreliable sources, like puppy mills or irresponsible breeders, often post online listings and may even be a front for scams. Without meeting the dog and the lister in person, you can’t verify the animal’s health, behavior, or living conditions.

Cost To Adopt a Rescue Dog

Adoption Source	National Average Cost
Shelters/Humane Societies	$50 – $250
U.S. Rescue Organizations	$200 – $500
Overseas Rescues	$500 – $1,000+
Craigslist/Online Platforms	$0 – $200

How much it costs to adopt a rescue dog varies significantly based on where you adopt and where you live.

Shelters generally offer the most affordable option, with adoption fees often including basic medical care like vaccinations, spaying/neutering, and health checks.

Rescue organizations tend to be a bit more expensive because they don’t have county funding like a shelter or humane society might, says Paschold. “Private rescue adoption fees typically cover spay/neuter, some basic vaccinations, a microchip, heartworm testing, flea prevention, and treating any pre-existing conditions,” she adds.

Overseas rescues are usually the priciest option, with costs starting around $500 and going up depending on transportation fees.

Online platforms like Craigslist may have the lowest prices, with many people rehoming their dogs for free. However, these options can be riskier as you run the chance of unethical breeding, and you won’t have the medical or health screening support you’d get from a shelter or rescue organization. Remember that higher fees from reputable shelters and rescues often cover essential services that can save you money in the long run.

National Search Engines

When you’re ready to search for a rescue dog, national search engines are a great place to start. These databases compile listings from thousands of shelters and rescue groups across the country, allowing you to filter by breed, age, size, and location without having to visit each shelter or rescue’s individual website.

A few popular search engine options include the following:

Petfinder is one of the largest databases to search for adoptable dogs near you.
Adopt a Pet offers a comprehensive platform that includes pets from shelters and rescues nationwide.
ASPCA provides a search tool to find pets available for adoption at local shelters.
Best Friends Animal Society is a national organization with a search engine for adoptable pets at its partner shelters.

While these search engines are great for browsing, it’s important to reach out directly to the shelter or rescue group listing the dog. Contacting the organization ensures you get up-to-date information on the pet’s availability, health, and any specific adoption requirements.

A dog wears an "adopt me" bandana against a leafy background

David Baileys via iStock

Local Resources

Want to adopt a dog from a shelter or rescue near you? Awesome! A local organization can make the adoption process smoother and more personalized. You’ll have the chance to meet the dog in person and get a sense of the dog’s temperament before committing to bringing them home.

Some shelters and rescues also have foster-to-adopt programs, which allow you to provide a temporary home for the dog while also being first in line if you decide to adopt. Adopting locally can ultimately help you find the best match for your lifestyle.

Here are some helpful guides on how to adopt a dog in specific states and popular cities.

Adoption guide per state:

Adoption guide per city:

Requirements for Adopting

Before beginning your search for your new best friend, it’s helpful to know what shelters and rescues are looking for in potential adopters. Because most shelters and rescues prioritize their dogs going to safe, loving homes, they often have specific criteria, such as:

Age requirement: Most shelters and rescues require that you be at least 18 years old. If you’re under 18, a parent will likely need to be present and fill out the adoption application.
Government ID: To verify your age and identity, most organizations will ask for a valid driver’s license or ID.
Housing situation: Many shelters and rescues will ask whether you own or rent your home. If you rent, you might need to provide proof that pets are allowed, such as a lease agreement or a letter from your landlord.
Home visit: Some rescues might require a home visit to ensure your living space is dog-friendly. They may look for secure, dog-proof fencing or any dog hazards in the home that need addressing.
Lifestyle fit: Be prepared to discuss your daily routine, work schedule, and activity level. “Be honest about what time and availability you have, the energy levels you’re looking for in a dog, and what your expectations are,” says Paschold. “Rescues want to match dogs with homes that fit their energy and care needs.”
Veterinary/personal references: If you’ve had pets before, some organizations might ask for a reference from your current or previous vet or friends/family to make sure you have a history of responsible pet ownership.

How To Choose a Rescue Dog

When it comes to finding the perfect rescue match, it’s important to consider your expectations and the dog’s individual needs. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy running partner dog or a snuggle buddy, it’s best to think carefully about what you can offer—like time, energy, and space. For instance, you may love the look of a Border Collie but might not have the capacity or resources to meet their high-needs herding instincts. A breed selector tool can help.

If you’re worried about behavioral issues, work with a reputable shelter or rescue that’s known for being open about any behavioral challenges. Some organizations will also have an adoption counselor to help you find a dog to fit your lifestyle. “The best thing you can do is have some ideas of what you’re looking for but be open to letting an adoption counselor work with you to find the best fit,” adds Paschold. “There is a perfect dog for everyone. Sometimes you just have to be patient.”

What To Prepare

Having the right supplies and support systems in place before you bring your new rescue dog home can go a long way toward helping your pup settle in and feel safe. Here are a few essentials to have ready to help set you both up for success:

Veterinarian: Find a local vet and schedule an initial wellness check.
Trainer: Consider hiring a trainer, especially if your dog needs help with socialization or behavior issues.
Dog-proofed space: Remove any hazardous items or block off areas with a crate or gate until your dog is okay to have full roaming access. Providing their own designated dog space can also make them feel more at home.
Basic supplies: Items like a leash, collar with ID tags, food and water bowls, a comfortable bed, toys, and dog food are all good things to have on hand before you bring your new pup home.

As you welcome a new dog into your life, it’s helpful to keep the “Rule of Threes” in mind. It can take three days for a dog to decompress and adjust, three weeks for bonding to start, and three months to fully feel at home. Try to be patient as your dog adapts to a new environment, and take things slowly, especially if you have kids or other pets to introduce. There’s no timeline for you and your new best friend!

How To Adopt a Rescue Dog, from Where To Look to What To Pay