Dog adoption generally refers to the taking over of ownership and responsibility of a dog, which the last owner gave up. You can find dog adoptions through a shelter, rescue group, or through a non-for-profit organization online. Dogs end up in shelters for many reasons, such as its owner dies, someone has to move or their financial situation changes, a dog is lost and can not find its way home, a person develops health problems and can no longer care for the dog, or develops allergies.

There are some places that offer free dog adoption clinics, which excite people to come in and meet some of the dogs in need of a home. If you find a dog you wish to adopt at one of these clinics you must first fill out an application. The cost of spay or neutering and the dogs vaccinations may be required and generally are less than $200.00.

The adoption process for dogs is fairly simple and can take anywhere from thirty minutes to two days.

To adopt a dog you will need to fill out an application and a questionnaire. If both are accepted the shelter will call any landlords that you might have, to make sure you can have the dog where you live. If this checks out then in some cases, someone will come out to your home and make sure you have an adequate home and yard for the dog to live in. Once this is complete you will be asked to pay an adoption fee, ranging from $50.00 to $350.00. Then the dog will be spayed or neutered before going home. There is no exception to this rule, it is a must. Two to three days after surgery you will be able to pick your new pet up and take it home.

If your individual needs require a smaller companion than maybe a medium sized dog say around thirty to sixty pounds is what you are looking for in the dog that you adopt. In that case maybe you should look into breeds or mixes that include some of the following: Collie, Sheperd, Spits, Spaniel, Boxer, or chow just to name a few. Though sometimes they are considered more hyperactive your dog adoption needs require a small dog to adopt. In this case you may want to look at breeds such as, Tea cup poodles, Daushound, Papillion, Bichon Frise, Pomeranian, and so many others in the miniature category.

Spending time with a potential dog will tell you volumes about their individual unique personality. This can also clue you in on weather or not they will be good with children and other animals.

An older animal will be less likely to steal your slippers as a chew toy, or eat the paper rather than bringing it to you. Puppies on the other hand can be a hand full, however you get to decide how they are trained and what things the can and can't do in your house from day one. Though they generally learn fast, they require much more time and attention than an older animal. Puppies have more energy and less control they need constant supervision, and lots of loving attention. The payoff for all your hard work is a very attached dog that will be loyal. There are pros and cons to any age dog that you chose to adopt, the choice is really about what fits your situation.

Once you have found the right dog it will be time to start the application process. You may also be required to do a home study so to speak. This is where someone form the shelter comes to your home and makes sure that your yard and home are adequate for a dog. Once the application process is finished you will be required to pay the veterinarian fees and then you can take you new dog home.