Where to Adopt a Puppy

Wondering where to adopt a puppy? Before you start to go to look for a puppy be sure you have done your home work on the type of puppy your‘re wanting. A small breed will not be as well suited for going on long hikes and camping out as say a lab would be. Know your life style and something about the breeds you’re interested in before you go looking. to adopt a puppy will be a heartfelt decision but also hopefully not a totally impulsive one. No buyer regrets! Also be clear how much you are willing to spend not just on any acquisition costs but possible veterinary costs.

Once you have decided that you want to adopt a puppy and not go to a breeder then be aware that the vast majority of puppies will be a mixed breed. If you’re looking for a purebred puppy to adopt that will be a challenge. It’s not impossible but you will have to cast your net further and it may take some time. Here are places to look for an adoptable puppy. What part of the country you live in will make a big difference on which one of the following options offers the best chance of finding that special puppy.

Your local Animal Shelter/ Pound

The number and frequency that adoptable puppies may in up in a pound near you is in part a reflection of your local dog overpopulation status. If you live in the New England states the local pound will very rarely get a puppy in. If you live in the southern states litters of puppies come in every week.

Pros
You will be saving a life and the costs are generally very reasonable. Shelters with lots of animals in and out on a weekly basis will provide a better opportunity to find the type of puppy you’re looking for.

Cons
For high volume shelters, by the very nature of the fact that so many animals come in on a weekly basis there is a higher degree of communicable diseases that dog/puppies can be exposed to or come in with. Shelters generally offer no health quarantees. If you puppy is ill the next day you have a problem and you’re on your own. They do not provide vaccinations, worming, so you will need to provide and pay for these basic care issue right away. You also will need to have the pup spay/neutered at your expense.

Local Rescues

Most areas have numerous local rescues which may bring puppies in. Again how often they have puppies will be in part again as a reflection of the dog/puppy population issue for your area.

Pros
Local rescues will frequently provide the puppies with shots, worming, flea treatment and do a general clean-up. You also will have less highly communicable diseases so you should have a better chance at getting a healthy puppy. They also often provide or help with cost for a spay/neuter.

Cons
I have heard many times that the application process is lengthy and the communication and response from these organizations are lacking. You can’t reach them by phone and they do not respond to emails. They require you to fill out a lengthy application and you never hear from them. Folks form the New England area say it’s easier to get into Harvard than it is to adopt a puppy. Often there is a long wait.

Breed Specific Rescue

Many breeds have a rescue network set-up in each state.

Pros
I personally have used them and had a good experience although I was willing to take an adult dog. I think that they may have adoptable puppies from time to time. It’s worth an inquiry. They are run by volunteers and tend to be easy to work with and helpful.

Cons
It’s not that often that a puppy may come in. You may have a long wait to adopt a puppy.

Private Sellers

When asking the question, where to adopt a puppy? here’s an interesting resources that may be worth checking out. Craigs list, local newspaper classifieds, Veterinary office bulletin boards. If you live in a more rural area the local farm/feed store may have postings or you can post what you’re looking to adopt a puppy.

Pros
Owners who have an unexpected litter of puppies (common in areas that have an overpopulation problem) or gotten a puppy and their present dog wants to eat it, they will be motivated to find the puppy(s) a home. There are no hoops to jump through to get the puppy. For a small fee it’s yours fleas included!! You can get some great puppies with some truly unique and interesting combinations of breeds. Who’s your daddy???(s) Would be an appropriate question.

Cons
If you’re going this route, have a clear idea where the puppy is coming from. Ask the seller if the puppy(s) are from a litter that his dogs had or did he find these guys yesterday sitting on his front porch? These puppies generally have no basic care so shots, worming, flea treatment will be up to you to provide. It may take some calling and emailing to find what you’re looking for but there are some great adoptable puppies out there waiting for you!

More Resourse for Adopting a Puppy Guide to Adopt My Available Puppies