How to Adopt a Dog in Arizona: Rescues, Fees and More

Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.

Decided to adopt a dog? Congratulations! You’re about to embark on an exciting journey that will bring lots of fun and furry cuddles to your life.

Whether this is your first pet or your 50th, we’re here to help you get off on the right foot. Below is a complete guide to adopting a dog in Arizona.

Finding a dog in Arizona

Pets are popular, at least according to The Humane Society. By their statistics, over 60% of U.S. households have a dog, cat, fish, rabbit, or another animal companion. Not only are you about to make a furry friend, but your dog is sure to find some others to play with right in your neighborhood.

To find your new pet, start by searching for shelters in your area. You can look through the list of rescues below, or look up your city plus “shelter” online. Starting your hunt in the spring or summer increases your chances of finding a match, as rescues tend to see higher intake numbers during this time. You can also see if any of these shelters will have events during Adopt a Dog Month or National Dog Day.

Read profiles of various dogs and find one that seems like a good fit for your home and lifestyle. Make sure you factor in family and/or roommates.

Banned breeds in Arizona

In spring 2016, Arizona joined a number of states in passing legislation that banned cities and towns from enacting dog-related laws based on breed. That doesn’t mean that all canine regulations are banned, just those based on the breed of the dog.

Additionally, this law doesn’t apply to private organizations like businesses, landlords, or homeowner’s associations. You may still be barred from owning certain breeds of dogs depending on where you live. Consult your HOA bylaws or rental lease for further clarification.

The adoption process in Arizona

Each rescue has its own process for adoption. Some require a home visit, while others are fine with same-day adoptions. That said, they all follow the same general format:

Browse the available dogs, make a selection, and fill out an adoption application.
An adoption counselor will connect with you to assess your situation and determine if the dog is a good fit. If things seem positive, you’ll get a chance to meet with the animal. Bring everyone in the household with you.
Use the meeting to assess how the dog behaves with you and any other visitors in your party. Make note of training needs (Does the dog jump?) or emotional issues (Is the dog shy?).
If you and the dog get along well, you can fill out the adoption paperwork.
The shelter will contact your landlord and veterinarian, if applicable, to make sure you’re allowed to have a dog on the premises and are a responsible pet owner. If you don’t have a vet, don’t worry; the shelter can recommend one.
You’ll pay the adoption fee, have a brief discussion with the counselor about responsible dog ownership, and then you can take your pet home!

Licensing dogs in Arizona

Dogs over three months of age must be licensed as part of Arizona’s anti-rabies efforts. Licensing is done on a city- or county-wide basis, not through the state, so contact your local city hall for more information. Your chosen rescue should also be able to provide licensing information when you take your new pet home.

While the requirements may differ by location, you will generally need to submit proof of vaccination and a licensing fee.

The first vet visit

It’s a good idea to take your new dog to the vet within a week of adoption. Shelters will do what they can, but they may not catch everything, especially if your dog was only at the rescue for a short time. The first vet visit will catch issues like kennel cough or parasites. It’s also your opportunity to hand over the shelter’s medical records.

How much it costs to adopt a dog in Arizona

Running a shelter is a large investment, and your adoption fee helps cover the cost of operations. Your money could provide life-saving medical treatment for a stray saved from the streets, support a multi-animal shelter’s TNR program, or buy food for a pup’s first healthy meal in weeks.

To help you get a sense of the costs involved, here are adoption fees from three high-rated shelters in Arizona:

Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA

Cost: Varies based on breed and temperament, but generally ranges from $0 (for sponsored dogs) to $300.
What it covers: spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, microchipping, behavioral and medical evaluation, flea/tick treatment (if necessary), complimentary 30-day trial of pet insurance.

HALO Animal Rescue

Cost: $0 to $605. Fees are listed under each dog’s bio.
What it covers: spay/neuter surgery, age-appropriate vaccinations, deworming, registered microchip, HALO ID tag, necessary medical care.

Underdog Rescue of Arizona

Cost: $200 for adult dogs and $250 for puppies older than 6 months. Toy breeds, designer breeds, purebreds and puppies five months and younger may have higher fees. Senior dogs and bonded pairs may have reduced fees.
What it covers: spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, age-appropriate vaccinations.

Where to adopt a dog in Arizona

Here is a brief list of the many dog shelters available in Arizona:

Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA: (Phoenix) Arizona’s largest no-kill rescue.
Arizona Small Dog Rescue: (Phoenix) A no-kill rescue specializing in dogs weighing 20 pounds or less.
Friends for Life Animal Rescue: (Gilbert) A private, limited intake no-kill shelter.
HALO Animal Rescue: (Phoenix) Helping Animals Live On has multiple off-site adoption locations and thrift store boutiques to raise money for homeless pets. Their central location has 45 indoor dog runs, four indoor play yards, a grooming area, puppy nursery, and cat area.
Humane Society of Southern Arizona: (Tucson) A reputable shelter and community staple operating since 1944.
Maricopa County Animal Care & Control: An official branch of the Maricopa County government, MC Animal Care & Control adopts stray or abandoned dogs and cats to people both inside and out of Arizona.
Western Arizona Humane Society: (Kingsman) An open-door shelter that hosts a variety of interesting fundraising events.
Underdog Rescue of Arizona: (Chandler) A volunteer-run shelter that hosts doggy sleepovers where dog lovers can “adopt” a dog on a temporary basis.

Creating a care budget for your dog

Your new pet deserves only the best, but you’ll have to budget accordingly. As a pet owner, you’ll have many recurring and one-time costs to take care of.

Recurring expenses include:

Food, toys, and treats
Waste bags
Flea, tick, and parasite preventative
Medical care, including exams, vaccinations, and dental cleanings or extractions
Dog walking
Pet sitting or boarding
Pet insurance

Things you’ll purchase less frequently are:

Leashes, collars, and harnesses
Bedding
Crates
Grooming products
Training sessions
Puppy pads (if necessary)
Pet-friendly cleaning products

A note about pet insurance

It’s up to you whether or not to buy pet insurance for your dog. These products can give you peace of mind if you adopt an older dog or a breed prone to health issues. Look at different coverage options, and see if your employer offers pet insurance as part of its benefits package.

Getting ready for your new dog

Having everything you need ahead of time will help your pet adjust to their new home. Take steps to pet-proof your living space, then go shopping for:

Food, bowls, and treats
Collar or harness and leash
Leash
A crate and blanket or dog bed
A variety of toys (chew toys, ropes, stuffed animals, and puzzles to encourage mental stimulation)
Grooming tools, if necessary

And then, bring home your new pet

You’re starting an exciting journey that will forever change the lives of you and your new companion. We couldn’t be happier for you! And, if you ever need a dog walker, sitter, or boarding situation in Arizona, rest assured that Rover has you covered.

Arizona tips for your new pet

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How to Adopt a Dog in Arizona