Adopting a dog brings so much to our lives. Not only are you saving an animal from an uncertain fate, but you get to make a great four-legged friend in the process!
But where do you find your new best friend, and which do rescues charge? What do you need to budget for, and when should you first take your pup to the vet? We’ve got all the answers you need. Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about adopting a dog in Dallas.
Finding a dog in Dallas
Image from Pixabay
The majority of Americans have a pet in their home, whether that’s a cat, dog, or even a fish. Chances are, you see dozens of dogs on a normal day in Dallas.
Most of those pet owners found their dogs in a local shelter or rescue. This is where we recommend you start your search. You can browse various adoptable dogs online or visit the rescue in person, depending on your availability and the adoption process of the rescue in question.
If you’re absolutely clueless about where to start, check out Petfinder or Adopt-a-Pet.com. These sites display adoptable pets from multiple shelters at once, allowing you to easily obtain perspective on all the dogs available in your area.
When you find a dog, be sure to read its description to see if its personality matches your lifestyle. These summaries, provided by rescue staff, are a good introduction to the dog’s needs and temperament. Browsing breeds on the American Kennel Club website will give you a sense of what to expect from a Labrador retriever, a German shepherd, a pit bull, or another breed.
Shelters operate year-round, but they tend to see higher intake rates during the spring and summer months. If you don’t find the perfect pet in winter, wait until the weather warms up and try again. You can also get in touch with rescues during specialty holidays such as National Dog Day and Adopt a Dog Month. Shelters often run adoption drives around these times, and some may even reduce or eliminate adoption fees.
Banned breeds in Dallas
Dallas is one of many cities that does not have breed-specific legislation, meaning that you may be able to adopt a dog of any breed you wish. Keep in mind, however, that landlords and homeowner’s associations can place their own rules. Be sure to check your lease or bylaws for any banned breeds.
The adoption process in Dallas
Each rescue has its own adoption process. Some offer same-day adoptions, some require a home visit, and some operate internationally and will extensively screen potential adopters before flying the dog to the U.S.
That said, unless you’re working with a specialty rescue, your adoption process will likely look something like this:
- You find a dog you like, whether online or in-person, then complete and submit an adoption application.
- The rescue will review your application. If everything looks good, you’ll be given time to meet the dog. Bring everyone who will live with your adopted pet (including other dogs) to this meeting.
- Have a good first meet? Great! Let a staff member know you’re ready to adopt, and a counselor will talk you through the ins and outs of dog ownership. The shelter will also contact your veterinarian (if you have one) and landlord (if you rent) to verify that your dog is in good hands and can stay in your residence.
- Once everything is approved, you’ll pay the adoption fee and take your new pet to its forever home!
Licensing dogs in Dallas
In Dallas, rather than requiring licenses, the city requires microchips. All dogs of all ages must be microchipped. This is beneficial for you in multiple ways. No paperwork to file, no annual relicensing fee, and microchipping increases the likelihood of finding your dog if he or she gets lost.
You can get your dog a microchip at Dallas Animal Services or your veterinarian.
The first vet visit
Image from Pixabay
Your rescue should have given a copy of your dog’s medical records. These documents may be comprehensive (detailing every procedure since birth) or sparse (listing only the treatments that the dog received at the shelter), depending on your pet’s origins. Regardless, you should bring this information with you during your dog’s first visit to the vet.
Try to schedule an appointment within a week of adoption. This gives the dog a chance to get acquainted with new people, and your vet can check for any minor ailments
How much it costs to adopt a dog in Dallas
Many shelters are not-for-profit, and adoption fees help cover the incredible costs of animal care. The money helps pay for life-saving treatments, essential care items, and even building rent and maintenance.
To help you get a feel for the costs of adoption, here are fees from three high-rated shelters in Dallas:
Dallas Animal Services
Cost:
- $45 for puppies and dogs up to 6 years old
- $20 for senior dogs older than 6 years or for adopters older than 65 years
The fee is waived for dogs that are heartworm positive, staying in the shelter’s treatment areas, or have been with the shelter for at least two weeks.
What it covers:
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
- Microchipping
SPCA of Texas’ Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center
Cost:
- $75 for adult dogs 6 months and older
- $150 for puppies younger than 6 months
What it covers:
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Veterinary exam
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Flea, tick and parasite treatment
- Deworming treatment
- Heartworm test and preventative
- Behavior assessment
- Starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet Dog Food
- Complimentary 30-day pet insurance voucher
Take Me Home Pet Rescue
Cost:
- $225 for adult dogs 1 year and older
- $250 for large-breed dogs (greater than 75 pounds)
- $275 for puppies younger than 12 months
What it covers:
- Spay/neuter surgery
- Veterinary exam
- Age-appropriate vaccinations
- Microchipping
- Flea and parasite treatment
Where to adopt a dog in Dallas
Need a good starting point? Try beginning your search for a dog in Dallas at one of the rescues below:
- Dallas Animal Services: The official animal care and rescue service of the City of Dallas.
- Humane Society of Dallas, aka Dog n Kitty City: A no-kill shelter serving the Dallas area for 40 years.
- Operation Kindness: A rescue serving North Texas, operating since 1976.
- SPCA of Texas’ Jan Rees-Jones Animal Care Center: Part of the SPCA of Texas, a network of two shelters and three spay/neuter clinics serving North Texas
- Spay Neuter Your Pet: A nonprofit that primarily provides coupons for low-cost spay/neuter surgeries, but also holds adoptions.
- Take Me Home Pet Rescue: A foster-based rescue in Richardson, Texas.
Creating a care budget for your dog
Image from Pixabay.
Between food, vet visits, and doggy daycare, your budget will shift with a new pet in the house. Your new recurring expenses will include:
- Food
- Toys
- Treats
- Waste bags
- Vet visits, vaccinations, and medications
- Dental care
- Dog walking services
- Boarding or pet sitting
You’ll also have to make less-frequent purchases, such as:
- A leash
- A collar or harness
- A crate
- Bedding
- Grooming products
- Pet-friendly cleaning products
- Training sessions
- Puppy pads
A note about pet insurance
Veterinary care can get expensive, especially if your dog is at risk for long-term health issues. Dog insurance can give you peace of mind. Only you can determine whether this benefit makes sense financially.
Compare your dog’s medical history to coverage options from various providers to see if you can find a plan that fits your needs and your budget. Don’t forget to check your employer benefits, as some businesses now offer pet insurance as a nice perk.
Getting ready for your new dog
You’re close to the home stretch! But, there are a few home preparations to take care of before adopting your pet. Grab the following items next time you go shopping:
-
- A leash and a collar or harness
- Food, bowls, and treats
- An appropriately-sized crate
- A variety of toys
- Grooming tools
- Enzyme cleaner for any accidents)
Having these on hand helps your dog transition from shelter life to the home.
And then, bring home your new pet!
Dogs are man’s best friends for a reason. You’re about to embark on a great new chapter with a fantastic furry companion. And, if you need a little help, Rover has qualified dog walkers and dog sitters in the Dallas area who will give your pet the royal treatment.
Dallas tips for your new pet
- Top 5 Dog Parks in Dallas, TX
- 10 Best Dog-Friendly Restaurants in Dallas
- Top 5 Dog-Friendly Wedding Venues in Dallas
Interested in learning more about services on Rover?
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