Getting a Puppy or Dog: How to Choose a Rescue Dog to Adopt

Getting a puppy or dog is a big decision. That canine will be a part of your family for years to come, so you need to make sure you choose one that’s the perfect fit for your family members and your lifestyle. With so many adoptable dogs out there, it can be overwhelming to decide. So, here are some tips for how to choose a dog to adopt to hopefully help make the decision easier for you.

How to Choose a Dog to Adopt

The easiest way to browse adoptable dogs near you is to search on Petfinder. You can see pets at several rescues and shelters, and you can refine your search if you’re looking for specific ages, sizes, etc. 

However, while it’s easy to fall in love with a dog’s bio online, just looking at photos and reading information can’t guarantee that the dog will vibe well with your family. So, the best way to find a dog that’s a good fit for your home is to meet with as many adoptable dogs as you can. Visit local shelters and fill out applications for several rescues.

When meeting dogs, don’t be afraid to meet a variety. Spending time with lots of dogs can help you decide what you want and don’t want in a new companion. Sometimes, the dog that’s perfect for you isn’t the dog you would’ve picked on paper.

What to Look for in a Rescue Dog

It’s easy to be blinded by cuteness when meeting dogs, but since adding a new pet to the family is such a big decision, you need to think logically about it. Consider the following aspects when looking at dogs and puppies for adoption.

Temperament

When meeting a dog, pay attention to their temperament. If the dog is extremely shy but you want a playful, affectionate dog, then keep looking. If you’re a new dog owner, you’ll probably want a dog that's easy to train and a fast learner. Or if you live in an apartment, you probably don’t want a dog that’s super vocal or has separation anxiety.

You may be able to guess some things about a dog’s temperament based on their breed and adoption description, but it often helps to meet the dog in person to see their behaviors. Also, while dogs often share characteristics of their breed, not all dogs of one breed will be exactly the same. A lot depends on the individual dog’s personality and past.

Size

Some families prefer a certain size of dog, and that’s okay. Small dogs are great for families who want to be able to pick up their dogs when needed, such as to help them get into the car and up stairs. More active households may prefer large dogs that can run with them. Also, some rental properties may have size restrictions, so that could limit which pets you can choose.

On Petfinder, you can adjust the search to only show you dogs of a certain weight category to help you find what you’re looking for.

Energy Levels

Before adopting a dog, consider how much time you can spend exercising the dog. If you only plan to go for a walk or two a day, look for a low-energy dog, such as a small breed or an older dog. If you like to go running or hiking regularly, a young dog or a large, energetic dog could probably keep up with you. 

Even if you fall in love with a high-energy pup like an Australian Shepherd or German Shepherd, don’t bring them home unless you know you can meet their exercise needs.

Some high-energy dogs love to have a fenced-in yard to run around in. While most rescues don’t require this, it’s something to keep in mind. For example, if you don’t have a fenced-in yard, are you willing to take them to the dog park to run around?

Dog-Friendly, Cat-Friendly, Kid-Friendly?

This is probably the most important consideration when looking at a dog’s online profile. If you have dogs, cats, or kids in your household, you need to make sure the dog will get along with them. If their profile says they’re not good with other dogs, but you have a dog, then there’s no need to meet with them.

However, many rescues don’t know how well the dog will do in different households. They can usually have the dog meet dogs, cats, and/or kids as needed to give you updated information about the dog. 

Whenever you meet a dog, pay close attention to how they behave around your kids and other pets. If at any point you don’t feel confident they will get along with everyone in your household, it’s best to keep looking for a different dog to adopt.

Grooming Needs

You also need to ask yourself how much time and money you’re willing to spend on grooming. If you don’t want to brush your dog daily, then a Poodle mix wouldn’t be a good fit for you. If you don’t want fur all over your home, avoid a heavy-shedding breed like a Husky. On the other hand, if you don’t want to spend lots of money at the groomer, choose a short-haired dog that sheds slightly but doesn’t need haircuts.

When meeting a dog, pay attention to how much or how little they shed. Ask the rescue staff about the dog’s grooming needs so you can decide if that’s something you can keep up with.

Interactions with Your Family

Even if everything sounds perfect about a dog, you won’t know if they’re a good fit or not until you meet them. Make sure everyone in your family, including your current pets, meet the dog before you decide to adopt them.

Pay close attention to how the dog acts around each family member. Do they seem comfortable and friendly or are they displaying nervous or aggressive behaviors? Of course, some dogs are naturally nervous when they meet new people, but you need to decide if that’s something you’re willing to work on when you adopt them.

When meeting a dog, the shelter or rescue staff can also give their input on whether or not they think it’s a match. They know the dog better than anyone else, so they can tell if the dog seems happy with you or not.

In many cases, you’ll just know when you meet the right dog. Everyone in your family will love the dog and you can picture them in your life. However, remember that all dogs will need patience and training as they adjust to a new home, so make sure you’re willing and able to provide that before adopting a dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can I Find Dog Rescue Adoption Near Me?

The easiest way to find rescue dogs near you is to search on Petfinder.com. On Petfinder, you can see dogs at all the local shelters and rescues at once and you can adjust your search based on age, size, and other factors.

Why Should I Adopt a Dog Instead of Buying One?

Adopting a dog gives a home to a dog in need while buying one encourages breeders to bring more dogs into this world despite there being a dog overpopulation problem. However, if you decide to go to a breeder instead of a rescue, make sure it’s an ethical one. Avoid pet stores and online breeders since they often source from puppy mills.

Can I Adopt a Dog for Free?

Sometimes rescues will waive fees for certain dogs or allow sponsors to pay for adoption fees. However, if you can’t afford an adoption fee for a dog, you probably can't afford to care for a dog, so keep that in mind before bringing a dog home.

What Should I Do if I Need to Rehome My Dog?

If you need to rehome a dog, contact a local shelter or rescue. They can ensure your dog finds a new home that’s a good fit for them. 

Where Do Rescue Dogs Come From?

Rescue dogs typically come from owner surrenders, breeder releases, and overcrowded shelters. In other words, any dog that ends up without a home may end up in a shelter or rescue.

Can I Adopt a Dog That’s Already Potty Trained?

Yes, many rescue dogs are already potty trained, especially adult dogs. However, it’s important to remember that any dog can have accidents when transitioning to a new home.

Can You Give a Dog as a Gift?

No, you should never give a dog (or any pet) as a gift. Pets are living creatures, not gifts. A person should decide for themselves when they're ready for a pet and they should get to choose what pet they get. Some alternatives to giving a dog as a gift include offering to pay for an adoption fee or pet supplies.

The Right Dog Will Come Along

Adopting a dog should never be a rushed decision. Take time with your family to meet lots of dogs to decide which dog is the best fit for you. It’s easy to fall in love with the first dog you meet, but remember to think logically when making your decision. A dog will be part of your family for their whole life, so make sure you pick a dog that will fit in well with your lifestyle.