Things You'll Need

Instructions

1

Prepare your home. Set up a dog food bowl and water dish, purchase dog food and obtain dog toys and grooming tools.
2

Discuss dog care responsibilities with members of your household. Setting out a schedule and list of responsibilities ahead of time, such as who will walk the dog and who will brush it, is important before getting your new pet.
3

Find a shelter. The ASPCA, North America's first humane organization, operates an online directory that can show you all shelters and humane societies in your area (see Resources).
4

Choose a dog at the humane society or shelter. If you have a specific breed or age in mind, you may need to come back regularly until that type of dog shows up. Some shelters have a dedicated adoption staff member who can help you choose the right type of dog breed for your lifestyle and to suggest alternatives if the humane society does not have what you want. Others operate a waiting list and will call you when the type of dog you want shows up.
5

Fill out the adoption papers and complete the shelter's adoption procedures. Some shelters allow you to take a dog home immediately, while others require you to attend dog care seminars or go through an interview before adopting. You will also likely have to pay a fee, typically ranging from $50 to several hundred dollars.
6

Get your dog licensed. Contact your county's office to determine what regulations govern dog licenses and dog tags. Some humane societies include licensing and dog tags as part of the adoption fees.
7

Take the dog to a vet once it is yours. The vet will give your dog a thorough physical, recommend necessary vaccinations or medications such as flea or heartworm treatment, and give you an overview of your new pet's health.