“Puppies remind us that love comes in all shapes and sizes.”
FAQ About Adopting a Dog
The decision to bring a dog into a home requires careful consideration. Dogs make wonderful additions to a home, and adoption is a popular means to finding a dog. According to the ASPCA, approximately two million dogs were adopted in 2025 in the United States, and millions more are likely to be adopted in the years to come.
People thinking of adding a furry friend to their family may have some common questions about pet adoption. Answering those questions before bringing a dog home can help prospective pet owners make the best decision for themselves and the dog that might become the newest addition to their families.
Are all dogs the same?
While all dogs need a loving home and regular attention from their owners, different breeds have different temperaments and character traits. Dogs also have different energy levels and sociability. Some dogs may be high energy and enjoy the company of people and other animals, while others may prefer less active days spent exclusively with their families. Before adopting a shelter dog, it’s important for prospective owners to consider which temperament will best suit their household. Compatibility is an important variable when choosing a dog, so people considering adoption should try to get a handle on a dog’s temperament prior to initiating an adoption.
Will the dog adapt immediately?
It can take awhile for a dog to adapt to a new home. Preparing the home in advance to ensure it is welcoming and dog-ready can increase the chances the dog will adapt more quickly. But even that is not a given. When picking a space for the dog, experts advise choosing a secure and quiet space, which can allow the dog to gradually acclimate to its new home in a calm setting.
Can I walk in and adopt a dog?
While each facility is different, hopeful dog owners typically will be vetted by officials at a local shelter before they are allowed to adopt. It’s the goal of shelter officials to place a dog in a safe, loving and caring home, so officials typically inquire about a prospective owner’s home and home life during the vetting process. Some may even schedule a visit to a potential owner’s home to check if there are other pets already living there, as some dogs are best suited to homes without other animals. Officials also may arrange a meet and greet between the dog and all residents of the home where the dog might end up. Compliance with the vetting process is important, and non-compliance may compromise the ability to adopt.
Are shelter dogs already trained?
Some shelter dogs are trained and some are not. But even trained dogs may backslide upon entering a new environment. So prospective dog owners looking to adopt should be ready and willing to train the dog they ultimately adopt. Training requires consistency and commitment. Training also helps dogs feel secure, which is why it’s so important that prospective dog parents be willing to do whatever is required to train or re-train a dog after adoption.
Adoption is a great way to find a dog. Prospective dog owners are urged to ask questions about the process of adoption and to get to know any dog they might adopt prior to bringing the animal home.
