How Can You Adopt a Dog Online? 

So you’ve decided to adopt a dog online but may feel overwhelmed. The process is a bit different than adopting in person by visiting a shelter. With an online procedure, you can search for dogs in your area — or even across the country — to find the perfect fit for your family.

Our guide will help you navigate the ins and outs of online dog adoption so you can find a new best friend and give them a loving forever home.

Table of contents

• Why should you adopt a dog?
• How can you adopt a dog online?
• How to find animal shelters near you
• Are dog adoptions free?
• What to know before adopting a dog from a shelter
• How can you adopt a dog online FAQs
• Summary of our guide to how you can adopt a dog online

Why should you adopt a dog?

There are advantages to adopting a dog from a shelter instead of buying one from a pet store or breeder. Firstly, shelter pets are much more budget-friendly, with a price tag ranging between about $40 to $500, while buying a dog from a breeder can cost up to $1,500 or more.

Additionally, when you adopt from a shelter or rescue, you’ll be saving more than just money — you’ll be saving a life. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) estimates that 390,000 dogs are euthanized yearly. Every adoption helps and, in turn, opens up space at the shelter for other animals in need.

How can you adopt a dog online?

Adopting a dog online is becoming increasingly popular. With online tools, you can search for adoptable dogs anywhere in the country. It’s a great way for crowded shelters to gain a wider reach of potential adopters.

There’s a process most rescue organizations follow and things you should look out for.

Step 1: Do preliminary research

According to a report from the data publisher Shelter Animals Count, 25% of shelter intakes are owner-relinquished dogs. Be sure to spend some time researching which dog breeds might be a good fit for your family and the total costs of dog ownership to ensure adoption is the right decision for you. Some important factors to take into account when considering dogs are:

• Size
• Age
• Medical conditions
• Activity level
• Exercise requirements
• Compatibility with small children, other animals and people with allergies
• Your living space
• Your daily schedule

Many shelter dogs are mixed breeds — often, shelters don’t know the breed but can make predictions based on the dog’s size, looks and temperament. When researching adoptable dogs online, pay close attention to the information the shelter provides.

Another thing you should research is the overall cost of owning a dog. The first-year expenses will likely be higher than in subsequent years. Consider setting aside money to cover emergency medical care. Medical costs can get pricey — even with pet insurance since not everything is covered.

Step 2: Fill out an application at a shelter or rescue

The process of adopting a dog online usually begins with an application, followed by an interview or in-person meeting. Throughout the application process, you should expect to answer many questions about your family, job, house, lifestyle and other pets in the household. An in-depth application process, while perhaps tedious, is often a sign that the shelter or rescue is legitimate and well-run.

For the second part of the process, shelters may require a quick meet-and-greet with an adoption counselor on-site or virtually to ensure a good match between the pooch and the owner. Some organizations also require in-home visits to evaluate your home for cleanliness and safety.

Conducting the adoption process entirely online is also possible, and you can have your pet transported directly to your area. Some rescue organizations don’t have a physical shelter facility; instead, they operate through foster families that care for the dog until it’s adopted. If that’s the case, you may not get to meet the dog before adopting it, but you should have the opportunity to meet virtually or speak on the phone with the foster.

Be aware of scams. There are fake websites that exist to steal personal information or money by selling non-existent pets.

Step 3: Pay the adoption fees

Adoption fees vary greatly and often include the cost of initial medical exams, vaccinations, spay/neuter surgery, heartworm testing and microchipping at a fraction of the price you would typically pay a vet out-of-pocket.

Pet adoption costs can vary, but fees tend to range from about $40 to $500. The cost can depend on the dog’s breed, age, health and how long it has been in the shelter.

How to find animal shelters near you

Online databases such as Petfinder and Adopt a Pet are great ways to connect with shelters and animal rescue groups with adoptable pets. You can also check local chapters of national, non-profit organizations such as the ASPCA or The Humane Society. These organizations list adoptable dogs on their website.

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram are also ways to connect with organizations that have pets available for adoption. These online communities are also a good resource for learning about local adoption events.

Are dog adoptions free?

Most dog adoptions through shelters and rescue organizations aren’t free, but the price is reasonable. You’ll have to pay an adoption fee in most cases, which includes medical care, food and transportation while the animal is at the shelter or with a foster family.

You may be able to adopt a pet for free by connecting online with individuals looking to rehome animals. However, free pets also come with risks, such as complicated medical histories or behavioral issues. It’s preferable to go through a formal shelter rather than rehoming a dog on your own.

What to know before adopting a dog from a shelter

Before you adopt a new dog, plan time to research different dogs to find the right fit for you and your family. It’s essential to consider your lifestyle — your furry friend needs attention, walks and food, and you’ll have to adjust your schedule to make time for them.

You will need to give your rescue dog time and patience to get acclimated to its new home. It’s a big change for them, and they might not be comfortable immediately. A widely accepted “Rule of Three” helps set expectations for the adjustment period: your dog will need three days to decompress, three weeks to start feeling comfortable and settled and three months to build trust and feel at home.

Before taking your dog home, ask the rescue organization about the dog’s history of abandonment or abuse as well as their medical history and eating and sleeping patterns. Knowing this can help your pup adjust more quickly to its new family and forever home.

Summary of our guide to how you can adopt a dog online

• Low prices and saving a dog’s life are common reasons to adopt a dog over buying from a breeder or pet store.
• Most online dog adoptions start with an application and also include an interview and home visit.
• Before you adopt, research which dog breeds (or breed groups) are a good fit for your family as well as the cost of dog ownership.
• Be aware that shelters often don’t know the breeds of dogs they receive but can usually make guesses based on size, looks and temperament.
• While you may be able to find a dog to adopt for free, you’ll typically pay between $40 to $500, depending on the breed and age of the dog.
• Your adoption fee often includes grooming, food, microchipping and many veterinary services such as exams, vaccinations, spay and neuter surgery, heartworm testing, deworming and medication. Some dogs you can adopt online may come from another state, in which case your fee would include transportation to your area.
• Online databases, non-profit organizations and social media platforms are great places to begin your search for adoptable pets.
• Throughout the application process, ask questions about the dog’s history. Some online dog adoptions don’t allow for meeting the dog in person before taking it home (especially if the dog is in another state), so make sure to get all your questions answered before moving forward.