If you’re thinking about adopting a dog, congrats! We can’t wait for you to join the pup parent club.
Adopting a canine pal is a major life decision, and it’s a good idea to read up on the requirements to adopt a dog before you start visiting shelters or rescues. This will help make sure that you’re fully prepared when you meet the right pup for you!
In this article, we’ll take you through common dog adoption requirements and answer some frequently asked questions about pet adoption. Keep reading to learn exactly what is needed to adopt a dog.
Common Requirements to Adopt A Dog From A Shelter or Rescue
Each shelter or rescue will have different requirements to adopt a dog, but all of them simply want to make sure that the pup goes to a safe and comfortable home. Be sure to check the website of adoption organizations before going to visit them, and familiarize yourself with their specific requirements.
While every shelter or rescue organization is different, most require these basic steps for adopting a dog:
Application Form
The first step in adopting a dog is submitting an application. Most shelters and dog rescues take applications on a first-come, first-serve basis — so if you meet a pup that you’re seriously interested in, make sure to fill out an application as soon as possible.
The application may be a straightforward questionnaire, or an in-depth survey about your lifestyle and pet ownership history. You may also need to provide references, verify that your landlord allows pets, submit income verification, or complete a home visit before your application is accepted. Like we mentioned earlier, every organization is different — but it’s best to be prepared for all of these scenarios in case they come up.
Proof of Age and Residence
Most shelters and rescues require you to be at least 18 years old to adopt a dog. To prove your identity and that you’re of legal age to adopt a pup, you’ll likely need to show a valid government-issued photo ID, like a driver's license or passport.
Home Visit
As mentioned in a previous section, some shelters and rescues may also require a home visit to adopt a dog. This means that a representative of the organization will visit your home to make sure that it’s safe and suitable for your potential pup. They may be looking for a specific environment for the dog — for example, a larger breed may require a fenced-in yard, or a senior pet may need a home without stairs. Not all shelters or rescues require this step — the organization will let you know ahead of time if it’s one of their dog adoption requirements.
Family Meet-and-Greet
It’s a good idea to make sure that everyone in the family gets along with your potential new dog — which is why most shelters and rescues require a family meet-and-greet before adoption. This means that everyone in your home — including any kids or dogs that may already live with you — will meet the pup that you want to adopt before you bring them home, so you can see if they’re a good fit for your family.
Adoption Fee
When adopting a dog from a shelter or rescue, you’ll also be asked to pay an adoption fee. Adoption fees vary by organization, but they typically cover the cost of basic vet care (like initial shots, microchipping, and spay or neuter), as well as housing, food, and transportation the dog received while they were in the care of the shelter or rescue.
Pet Policy Agreement
Besides the previously-listed dog adoption requirements, the shelter may also ask you to sign an agreement stating that you’ll abide by their adoption policies. These may include things like taking your dog for regular vet checkups, or returning them to the shelter if you can no longer take care of them. After all, the shelter wants to make sure that your potential pup gets taken care of long after you take them home, for the duration of their entire life.
References
In many cases, a shelter will ask you to provide a few references that they can check to learn more about you, your pet history, and where you live. This is simply to verify that the information you gave them is correct, and to make sure that you can provide your potential pup with a safe and comfy home.
Education
If you’re a first-time pup parent or adopting a dog with specific needs, the shelter or rescue may offer you some educational resources to help you care for your new canine companion. Some organizations may even provide classes that you can attend to increase your pet care knowledge!
Things to Consider Before Adopting a Dog
Getting a new dog or puppy is a big decision — one that could shape your life, and your adopted pup’s, forever. Here are few key questions that you should ask yourself before adopting a dog:
Do You Have Enough Time for a Dog?
Dogs require lots of attention and daily exercise. Think about your work hours, social life, and activity level — how will caring for a dog fit into your schedule?
Can You Afford a Dog?
Having a dog comes with ongoing costs that include food, vet visits, grooming, and medical expenses — all of which can add up quickly. Make sure that you're financially prepared for the costs, both expected and unexpected. You should also consider getting pet insurance to help with veterinary costs — research different plans and choose one that suits your needs.
How Will You Handle Major Life Changes?
Consider how your potential pup would fit into big changes like moves, career shifts, or family expansions. Dogs can live for many years — so make sure that you’re prepared to include your pup in your life plans now and down the line.
Is Your Living Space Suitable for a Dog?
Take a look at your home or apartment. Do you have room for dog supplies like a bed, bowls, and a crate? Will your dog have enough space to comfortably live in the home with you? If you don’t have a yard, are you prepared to take your dog out for walks or to the park multiple times per day? If in an apartment, does your building have noise or breed restrictions?
Are Your Family and Other Pets Ready for a Dog?
Consider the needs of everyone in your household — including kids and your other pets. How will they react to you adopting a dog, and will they be able to adjust?
Which Breed Is Right for Your Lifestyle?
While each dog is different, it’s a good idea to research different breeds and get to know their general temperaments, energy levels, and care requirements. Never adopt a dog just because you think they’re cute. Do your research, and honestly ask yourself if you can give the pup what they need to live a healthy and happy life.
Do You Have Time to Train a Dog?
Be prepared to spend time training and socializing your new dog. This may require a great deal of patience — and Training Treats help, too.
What Will You Do When You Travel?
Think about what you'll do with your dog when you travel or have an emergency, and you need someone to watch over your pup for a few days. Do you have friends, family, or a pet sitter you can trust to do this?
Besides asking yourself the questions on this list, you’ll also want to familiarize yourself with local pet ownership laws and regulations — like licensing requirements and leash laws — before adopting a pup.
Dog Adoption Shopping Checklist
Perhaps it comes as no surprise, but adopting a dog requires purchasing a lot of stuff. It may be a good idea to wait until you find the right pup for you before buying things like a dog bed or crate, which are dependent on the size of the dog.
Also, be sure to find out which food your dog was eating at their shelter or foster home, so that you can provide them with the same food in the beginning. After a transition period, you can switch them over to the dog food of your choice — just be sure to choose one that offers them complete and balanced nutrition, like Jinx.
Here's a checklist of supplies you’ll likely need when adopting a dog or puppy:
- Food and water bowls
- High-quality dog food (dry, wet, or both)
- Collar and harness
- Four to six-foot leash (non-retractable)
- ID tag with your phone number and address
- Hard plastic carrier or foldable metal crate
- Dog bed
- Dog shampoo
- Nail clippers
- Canine toothbrush and toothpaste
- Brush or comb (depends on your dog’s coat length and type)
- Super-absorbent paper towels
- Sponge and scrub brush
- Non-toxic cleanser
- Enzymatic odor neutralizer
- Plastic poop bags (biodegradable are best)
- Absorbent house-training pads
- Variety of toys (a ball, rope toy, chew toy, puzzle toy, etc.)
- Variety of treats for training, snacking, and rewards
- Baby gate(s)
Key Takeaways: What Do You Need To Adopt A Dog?
While each shelter or rescue is different, there are a few common dog adoption requirements you’ll likely encounter at every organization. These include: submitting an application, paying an adoption fee, providing a valid ID, giving references, and possibly participating in a family meet-and-greet or home visit.
Before adopting a dog, it’s also very important to sit down and have an honest conversation with yourself — are you (and everyone else in your household) prepared to adjust to a new dog? Will you be able to care for your pup now and in the future? How will a dog fit into your lifestyle? They’re big questions to ask, but worth it to make sure that you and your potential pup are happy together.
After you’ve decided that you’re ready to adopt a dog (yay!), you’ll need to shop for supplies. This includes choosing a well-balanced dog food to support your canine companion’s optimal health. Jinx was formulated by experts with everything your dog needs to thrive — like premium proteins, 20+ superfoods, and fiber and prebiotics to support a healthy gut.
Remember, simply thinking that a dog is cute doesn’t mean that they’re the right dog for you. Take some time to get to know a dog before adopting it, either through visits to their shelter or rescue, or by fostering it. If you take these steps and do your research, we’re confident that you’ll find and adopt the right furry BFF for you.
At Jinx, we're here to upgrade the way you care for your dog by providing holistic nutrition made with thoughtful formulation, real ingredients, and a whole lot of love.