Dog adoption
How to Adopt a Dog: Find Adoptable Dogs Near You
Ready to adopt a dog? Compare trusted U.S. ways to find adoptable dogs, from nationwide shelter searches to breed rescues and your local animal shelter.
Written by BabbleSports Editorial Team · 4 min read
Compare trusted ways to find and adopt a dog in the U.S. below.
Search adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues near you
A nationwide pet search that pulls listings from local shelters and rescue groups into one place.
Petfinder lets you browse dogs posted by shelters and rescues across the country, narrow results by distance and other filters, and save the dogs you like. You apply with the group that cares for the dog, not with Petfinder.
- Search by location and travel distance
- Filter results to match your home and lifestyle
- Save favorite dogs and saved searches
- Directory of local shelters and rescues
Looking for more options? These organizations and resources can also help.
Get alerts when new dogs that fit your needs are listed
A nonprofit pet adoption search covering shelters, rescues and owners rehoming their dogs.
Adopt a Pet is a free search site that lists adoptable dogs from shelters and rescues across the U.S., plus pets being rehomed by their owners. Detailed filters and email alerts help you spot a good match quickly.
- Free to search adoptable dogs nationwide
- Filters such as housetrained and bonded pairs
- Free email alerts for new matching pets
- Also lists dogs being rehomed by owners
Adopt from a national no-kill animal welfare group
Meet dogs at Best Friends adoption centers, its Utah sanctuary or partner shelters and rescues.
Best Friends Animal Society runs adoption centers in several U.S. cities and a large sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, and works with partner groups nationwide. Its site lets you browse adoptable pets and read about fees and the adoption steps.
- Browse dogs at Best Friends locations
- Fees posted clearly on its website
- Foster-to-adopt at some locations
- Post-adoption advice and support
Adopt through the ASPCA or search shelters nationwide
The ASPCA places dogs from its own programs and offers a national search of local shelter dogs.
The ASPCA runs adoption programs in a few U.S. locations, including New York City and Los Angeles, and its site includes a nationwide search of adoptable dogs at local shelters and rescues, plus practical adoption tips.
- Adopt from ASPCA programs in select areas
- Nationwide search of local shelter dogs
- Adoption tips and home preparation advice
- Shelter-finding help for your area
Find a dog online, then meet them at a PetSmart store
A nonprofit that hosts adoptions from local shelters and rescues at PetSmart stores.
PetSmart Charities is a nonprofit, separate from the retailer, that partners with local animal welfare groups to host adoptions in PetSmart stores. You can search pets online, then meet them in person at a nearby store.
- Search pets by type, age, size and distance
- Meet dogs in a familiar store setting
- Store locator for nearby adoption centers
- Regular adoption events through the year
Meet adoptable dogs at Petco stores and adoption events
The adoption program of Petco Love, a national nonprofit working with local animal welfare partners.
Petco Love Adopt helps you search adoptable pets in your community and find in-person adoption events, many held at Petco locations with local shelter and rescue partners. It also shares resources for new pet parents.
- Search adoptable pets in your community
- Find in-store and local adoption events
- Pets come from local shelter partners
- Resources for first-time pet parents
Looking for a specific breed? Find a breed rescue group
The American Kennel Club's directory of breed-specific rescue groups, organized by breed.
The AKC Rescue Network lists breed rescue groups across the U.S., arranged alphabetically by breed. Many rely on foster homes, so volunteers often know each dog's temperament and needs well before placement.
- Rescue contacts organized by breed
- Groups linked to national breed clubs
- Foster-based care in many groups
- Useful for purebred and breed-mix dogs
Learn how shelter and rescue adoption works before you apply
Adoption guidance from the national group formerly known as the Humane Society of the United States.
Humane World for Animals is a national advocacy organization, not a shelter. Its adoption resources explain how to find local shelters and rescues, what adoption fees often cover and how staff help match you with a pet.
- Clear overview of shelter and rescue adoption
- Explains what adoption fees often include
- Tips on choosing a pet for your lifestyle
- Notes that local shelters are independent
Adopt from your city or county animal shelter
Public animal services and local nonprofit shelters often have many dogs ready for new homes.
Municipal shelters, often called animal services or animal control, take in stray and surrendered dogs from your community. Adopting locally is often quick, affordable and lets you meet several dogs in one visit.
- Many dogs available close to home
- Same-day adoption is possible at some shelters
- Fees often include basic vet care
- Supports animals in your own community
Adopt a dog who has been living in a real home
Foster-based rescues care for dogs in volunteer homes, so they can tell you how a dog acts day to day.
Many rescue groups have no kennel building; their dogs live with volunteer fosters until adopted. Because fosters see a dog's everyday habits, they can help match you with a dog that suits your routine.
- Detailed insight from the dog's foster
- Dogs often used to home routines
- Thoughtful matching by rescue volunteers
- Find groups by location in a directory
Frequently asked questions
What are the basic steps to adopt a dog?
Search for dogs online or visit a shelter, contact the organization caring for the dog, complete its application and meet the dog. Once approved, you sign an adoption agreement, pay any fee and take your dog home.
What documents do I usually need to adopt a dog?
Most shelters and rescues ask for a government-issued photo ID and proof of address. If you rent, you may need your landlord's approval or a copy of your lease, and some rescues also ask for references.
Can I get pre-approved before I find the right dog?
Some shelters and rescues let you submit an application in advance, which can speed things up when you find a dog you like. Ask each organization whether it offers this, as policies vary.
How should I prepare my home for an adopted dog?
Set up a quiet space with a bed, food and water bowls, a leash and collar or harness, and remove cords, chewable items and anything potentially toxic within reach. Plan a vet check-up soon after adoption and keep routines steady while your dog settles in.
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Adoption fees are set by each shelter or rescue and vary widely; public shelters are often less expensive than private rescues. Fees commonly include vaccinations, spay or neuter surgery and a microchip, but budget separately for supplies, food, routine vet care and any local licensing.
Recommended for you
- AKC Rescue Network: How to Find a Breed-Specific Dog Rescue
- AKC Rescue Network: How to Find a Breed-Specific Dog Rescue
- AKC Rescue Network: How to Find a Breed-Specific Dog Rescue
- AKC Rescue Network: How to Find a Breed-Specific Dog Rescue
- ASPCA Dog Adoption: Programs, Nationwide Search and Tips
- ASPCA Dog Adoption: Programs, Nationwide Search and Tips
Disclaimer: This guide is general information only and may not fit your situation or country. Rules, prices and requirements change, so check the details with the official source or a qualified professional before you act. Read our full disclaimer.