As of now, there are 2 million dogs in United States in need of adoption. Due to various reasons, these animals have ended up in shelters around the country. The economy too, has affected many people’s financial abilities to take care of their pets. If no one adopts these dogs, many will be put to sleep.

There are some advantages to puppy adoption, one is that you are getting an animal that should have less behavioral problems. In older dogs, these problems are already established and may be difficult to overcome. Also developing a strong life long bond is easier to do when your dog is very young.

If you are interested in puppy adoption, there are numerous shelters to choose from. The local Humane Society is one. Private no kill shelters and rescue places may have puppies too. They usually are a lot smaller and won’t have as many animals available. Petfinder.com is another site that can help match you with the right dog.

Steps in Adopting a Puppy include:

You will need to decide if you desire a purebred or mixed breed. If you are allergic to dander, there are certain dogs that don’t shed and are more hypoallergenic. It’s best to get a puppy that will fit your family’s lifestyle.

The shelters will want to know what kind of environment the puppy will be going to. They will ask whether you own your house or rent an apartment, if you have kids, a fenced yard and how many hours the puppy will be home alone.

It is important to become acquainted with the puppy before adoption. Look to see if it is
overly aggressive or timid. This might not be a good fit especially if you have kids.Watch your children’s interaction with the puppy to see how he responds.

When you have decided on a puppy, there is usually an adoption fee. Generally the fee can cover spading, neutering, microchip, id tag and the first set of vaccinations from the vet.

Adopting a puppy is a big commitment but one that affords you a loyal companion for many years to come.