Pet Adoption FAQs: Everything You Need to Know Before and After Adopting

Questions to Ask When Adopting a Pet What questions should I ask when adopting a dog from an animal shelter or rescue? Adopting a pooch is a big step, so it’s important to be prepared. When adopting a dog from an animal shelter or rescue, you’ll want to ask about the dog's health history and vaccination records, known behavioral issues, energy level, and house-training status. Find out why they were surrendered, how they are with kids, other dogs or cats, and whether they have any special dietary needs. Also ask about personality and behavior in different environments and what a trial or foster period looks like before finalizing the relationship. For more tips on adopting a dog, visit our dog adoption checklist. What questions should I ask when adopting a cat from an animal shelter or rescue? Considering a new feline friend requires some preparation. When adopting a cat from an animal shelter or rescue, you’ll want to ask about the cat’s health history and vaccination records, behavioral issues, and litter box habits. You’ll want to know whether they are declawed, how they get along with other cats and children, and whether they are an indoor or outdoor cat. Also ask about what a trial or foster period looks like before bringing them home. For more tips on adopting a cat, visit our cat adoption checklist. What questions should I ask when adopting a puppy from an animal shelter or rescue? Preparing a list of questions for the shelter or rescue can help give a full picture. When adopting a puppy from an animal shelter or rescue, ask about puppy vaccination schedules, deworming, estimated age and/or birthdate, breed mix, expected adult size, and any known health issues. Ask if the puppy has been socialized yet or when they could be socialized, how and when to house-train the puppy, and when to consult a vet about spaying or neutering the dog. You can also confirm what food the puppy is eating and any required follow-ups, such as a vet or home visit. For more tips on adopting a puppy, visit our adoption checklist. The Pet Adoption Process What is the process for adopting a dog from an animal shelter or rescue? Prospective pet parents will want to know the process for adopting a dog from an animal shelter or rescue to ensure nothing slips through the cracks. The process includes a first step of assessing your home’s readiness for a pet and examining your family dynamics and lifestyle. Once you’ve decided on adopting a new four-legged friend, you’ll go through the shelter’s vetting process and ask questions about adoption policies, medical history, and more. Then, you’ll prepare your home by dog-proofing it, buying essentials, and having a clear plan for feeding, walks, bathroom breaks, safe outdoor spaces, and what to expect during the dog’s adjustment period. What is the process for adopting a cat from an animal shelter or rescue? Before bringing home a new pur-fect pet, it’s important to know the process for adopting a cat from an animal shelter or rescue. You’ll need to evaluate your home, family dynamics, and lifestyle. Then you’ll go through the shelter’s vetting process and ask questions about its policies, the cat’s medical history, and more. Next up will be cat-proofing your home, buying essentials, and having a plan for feeding, enrichment, litter boxes, and what to expect during the cat’s adjustment period. How long does the dog adoption process take from start to finish? The timeline for how long a dog adoption process takes from start to finish depends on many factors. If you are going to see a dog in person at a shelter, you could come home with a new family member that day. Petfinder is a community of animal rescues and shelters, and each one operates differently. It could take anywhere from a few days to complete all the necessary checks and paperwork, or up to a few weeks, especially if you need to schedule a home visit as part of the rescue’s process. How long does the cat adoption process take from start to finish? The timeline for how long a cat adoption process takes from start to finish depends. If you walk into a shelter with all the necessary paperwork, you could take a feline friend home that day. Petfinder is a community of animal rescues and shelters, and each one has its own rules and timelines to follow. Generally, though, adopting a cat could take a few days to complete the process, or up to a few weeks, depending on the shelter’s staff, workload, communication style, and required checks. How long do pet adoption applications take to be approved? How long pet adoption applications take depends on each shelter. Petfinder is a community of shelters and rescues, and each one operates differently. You can click through to each profile on Petfinder and see if there are any notes on the shelter’s page about how long it takes to process an application or if they have any backlogs. Remember that rescues are doing the hard work, and they are often short-staffed. As much as you want your new friend to be officially yours, be patient with them. How do I fill out a pet adoption application? Petfinder is a community of animal lovers matchmaking pets with new owners. Each shelter or animal rescue on Petfinder will have a set of instructions to follow to fill out a pet adoption application. They will ask you general questions about yourself, as well as questions about lifestyle and living arrangements, your experience with animals, any current pets, and more, to ensure your home is a good match for the dog. How should I prepare for a dog adoption interview? Besides having all the necessary paperwork filled out, required fees, and any other materials the shelter has asked for, you can prepare for a dog adoption interview by thinking about answers to key questions. Think about your home setup, work schedule, lifestyle, other pets, kids, and experience with dogs. Be honest about your lifestyle rather than telling them what you think they want to hear, as mismatches will bubble up quickly once you bring the dog home. Be sure to have a list of questions to ask the shelter as well, such as the dog’s medical history, how they came to the shelter, and any behavioral issues. Why is it sometimes hard to adopt a dog? It can be super frustrating when your mind is set on the perfect new addition to your family and the shelter or rescue isn’t getting back to you. Some run efficiently, while others rely on busy volunteer foster networks with limited time to respond. Delays often reflect capacity, not their disinterest in your application. To improve your odds: make sure you meet all the qualifications for the dog, keep follow-ups short and friendly, ask directly when to expect to hear from them, and be patient. Why is it sometimes hard to adopt a cat? It can feel like a personal rejection when you’ve found the perfect cat and the rescue or shelter isn’t getting back to you. Each shelter and rescue operates independently of the Petfinder community, and many rely on volunteers. This can mean there might be delays in opening your email, let alone processing it. To give yourself the best chance of getting a response, make sure you have all your paperwork in order and have filled out all the required information, keep any follow-ups short and friendly, ask what the timeline is to hear back politely, and be patient with them. For more information about how to search for pets, save favorites, and check availability, head to our Petfinder FAQ page. Requirements, Documents, and Eligibility What are the general requirements to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue? Being prepared can increase your chances of being seen by a shelter or rescue organization. Requirements for adopting a dog vary by shelter, but most commonly include being at least 18 or 21, providing photo ID and proof of address, and completing an application. Many rescues also require a landlord's approval if you rent, a home visit or virtual walkthrough, and references. Some ask about your current pets, fencing, yard space, or household members. Since policies differ by organization, it's best to confirm specifics directly with the shelter or rescue you're applying to. What documents and identification do I need to adopt a pet? There are requirements for adopting a pet, such as paperwork and identification. Each shelter or rescue organization will have different requirements, but you’ll typically need your government-issued photo ID, proof of address, and the adoption application. You might also need approval from your landlord or a copy of your lease agreement, or references. What is a home check or home visit for pet adoption? A home check is a visit to your home by a shelter or rescue organization representative. They can be done in person or virtually. They are verifying that your home is safe and suitable for the dog you wish to adopt. They’ll look for things like safe spaces, other pets, secured yards, and other household safety issues. Not every shelter or organization will require a home visit. It’s meant to set your new pet up for success, not as a judgment of your home. How old do you have to be to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue? Most shelters and rescues require the adopter to be at least 18 years old, or potentially 21. Adoption involves signing a legally binding contract, and the minimum age will vary by organization and potentially by the state you live in. A minor can express interest in adopting a pet, but it’s likely the parent or guardian will need to be the one to complete the application and adoption agreement. Can a minor adopt a cat from an animal shelter or rescue, or do you have to be 18? No, generally speaking, a minor cannot adopt a cat from a shelter or rescue. Eighteen is likely the minimum age for a legal pet adoption, and some might require adopters to be 21. A parent or legal guardian can adopt on behalf of a family, and a minor can be involved in that process. Policies will vary by organization, so confirm requirements directly with them. Can I adopt a dog out of state or from another state? Yes, you can adopt a dog out of state. Many shelters and rescues allow out-of-state adoptions, though policies vary by organization. Some organizations might require an in-person meet-and-greet before finalizing the adoption, which could involve travel expenses and time. Others might coordinate transport for you once approved. If you are considering adopting a dog out of state, expect a more involved process, potential additional fees, and potential travel costs. Always confirm directly with an organization about its out-of-state adoption policies. Adoption Costs, Fees, and the Difference Between Adopting and Buying What is the difference between adopting a pet from an animal shelter and buying a pet? Adopting a pet gives them a second chance at a loving home. It typically costs much less than buying a dog, and the adoption fees often include vaccines, spaying/neutering, and microchipping. Shelter and rescue pets come in all ages, breeds, sizes, and personalities, not just puppies and kittens. Buying a pet from a breeder usually means purchasing a puppy or kitten and knowing their lineage and exact breed makeup. What is the difference between fostering and adopting a dog? The difference between fostering and adopting a dog is that fostering is a temporary commitment while adopting is a forever one. Fostering usually means that a shelter or rescue will cover medical costs while the dog is with you and while they seek to find them a permanent home. It’s a wonderful way to help out a dog and a shelter without committing long-term, and many people foster while deciding if they're ready to adopt. You can also foster a dog you are interested in temporarily on a trial basis to make sure they are a good fit for your lifestyle, family, and home. Is it free to adopt a dog or puppy from an animal shelter or rescue? No, it’s usually not free to adopt a dog or puppy from an animal shelter or rescue. However, it is significantly cheaper than purchasing a dog from a breeder. Most shelters and rescues charge an adoption fee that typically covers vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, and basic vet care already provided before you take your dog home. Fees vary by organization and location, and some shelters run free or reduced-fee promotions for certain dogs. Either way, you're getting a healthy start for your new pup at a fraction of the cost of a purebred dog. How much does it cost to adopt a dog from an animal shelter or rescue? How much it costs to adopt a dog varies by dog, shelter, geographic location, and more. Adoption is much more affordable than buying a dog from a breeder. You will likely pay an adoption fee that includes vaccines, spay/neuter surgery, microchipping, and any basic vet care the shelter provided before the dog became yours. Each shelter is different, but the range is usually somewhere between $50 and $500 in adoption fees, with puppies costing more than adult or senior dogs. How much does it cost to adopt a puppy from an animal shelter or rescue? How much it costs to adopt a puppy will vary by dog, shelter, location, and more factors. Adoption is much more affordable than buying a dog from a breeder, and you’re giving a worthy animal a second chance at love. Typically, an adoption fee will range from $50 to $500 (puppies are usually more expensive). That fee will include proactive healthcare, like microchipping, spaying/neutering fees, vaccines, and any basic vet care the puppy had while in the shelter’s care. Is it free to adopt a cat or kitten from an animal shelter or rescue? No, it is not free to adopt a cat or a kitten from an animal shelter or rescue, but it is significantly more affordable than purchasing one from a breeder. Adoption fees can run from $50 to a couple hundred dollars, and kittens are slightly more expensive than adult cats or seniors. The adoption fee covers a lot of basic healthcare, including spaying/neutering fees, vaccines, basic healthcare, and microchipping fees. How much does it cost to adopt a cat from an animal shelter or rescue? The cost of adopting a cat from an animal shelter or rescue depends on the organization, where you live, the age of the cat, and more. Adoption fees, or the price you pay to the organization, often include the cost of vaccines, microchipping, spaying or neutering your cat, and various wellness checkups. Generally speaking, you can expect to pay between $50 and $300 to adopt a cat. How much does it cost to adopt a kitten from an animal shelter or rescue? Adopting a kitten from an animal shelter or rescue can cost roughly between $50 and $300. Kitten adoption fees are slightly higher than adult or senior cat adoption fees and can include a first set of vaccines, spaying or neutering costs, microchipping, and more. Every organization is different, though, so that number is just a guideline. Age, Availability, and Special Situations At what age can puppies be adopted? It’s so exciting to see a young puppy up for adoption, but there are some things to know. Puppies are usually allowed to be adopted after 8 weeks. This gives them time to wean and get a head start on the vaccines they need. Some organizations make puppies who are up for adoption wait longer than 8 weeks to socialize them. If the puppy you fall in love with online is young, don’t worry: the shelter will alert you that the puppy is too young to be adopted and will tell you when to check back in with them. At what age can a kitten be adopted? If you’ve seen an adorable kitten online that’s captured your heart, it’s important to know that most shelters and rescue organizations will likely wait until the cat is 8 weeks old and fully weaned to put them up for adoption. Some places might keep kittens in their care even longer to ensure they have their first round of vaccines and have reached a healthy weight. Contact a shelter or rescue if you see a young kitten you are interested in; they can advise on the cat’s availability. Can I adopt a single kitten, or should I adopt two? Yes, you can adopt a single kitten at a shelter or animal rescue. You can also adopt two. Cats are social and energetic, and having a companion pet will give them an outlet to burn energy together instead of using your body or furniture for scratching, biting, or other undesirable behaviors. It can also ease the transition to a new home if you have two kittens. Communicating with Shelters and Rescues How long will it take to hear back from the adoption group? Each shelter and rescue group is run independently, and many rely on volunteers. That means that it could take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks to hear back. Don’t get discouraged. To get the shelter’s attention, make sure you have completed all requirements in the application, follow up with a short, polite response, and check the organization’s profile for timeline and process information. Why isn't the adoption group calling me back? It can feel frustrating to want to adopt a pet and have a roadblock in an adoption group getting back to you. Try not to get discouraged, as it’s likely not a reflection of your worthiness but rather a bandwidth issue as many shelters run on volunteers. Complete your application according to the organization’s directions, keep follow-ups brief and polite, and check the organization’s website for any posted delays and updates. Why wasn't I selected to adopt? It can feel crushing to want a pet badly and then not get selected to be their forever person. If you weren’t selected to adopt, it could be due to several factors, including someone else applying first, missing adoption paperwork, overall lifestyle suitability, and more. Each shelter or rescue organization runs its application process independent of Petfinder; if you are seeking feedback, get in touch with it directly. How can I tell if a rescue group is real or a scam? All rescue groups on Petfinder have been screened, and Petfinder bans breeders. Legitimate rescues will always allow you to meet the prospective pet first, communicate clearly, and screen adopters. How do I make a complaint about a shelter or rescue group? Petfinder has over 14,000 shelters and rescue groups that post adoptable pets. Each operates individually and is fully screened before being allowed to post animals on the site. If you have a negative experience with a shelter or rescue listed on Petfinder, please contact us. What to Expect After Adopting What should I expect when adopting a rescue dog, and how long does adjustment take? Adopting a rescue dog is a noble thing, but it often does come with an adjustment period. There may be some confusion in the first few days as your dog acclimates to their new space, new family, and more. A consistent feeding and bathroom routine can help them adjust. Keep things low-key for the first few weeks. The cuddles will come with time and patience! Why is my newly adopted dog not eating, and is this normal? Yes, it’s normal and common that your newly adopted dog is not eating in their first few days at home. Stress from being in a new place with new people could drop their appetite temporarily. Most dogs resume normal eating habits within 24 to 72 hours. Continue to offer food at consistent times and avoid switching their diet immediately. Consult your vet if you would like to switch food. If your new dog is vomiting or lethargic and has not eaten in 48 hours, consult your vet. Can you change a dog's name after adopting them? Yes, you can rename a dog after adopting them. Dogs don't have an attachment to their given name the way people do. Shelter names are often placeholders anyway, and you might have seen some pretty creative ones in your search for that reason. If you’d like to rename your adopted dog, use the name consistently. Pair it with positive association, such as with treats, praise, or a reward. Avoid using both the old and new name during the transition, which should take a few weeks. What should I expect when adopting a cat, and how long does adjustment take? Rescuing or adopting a cat is a wonderful thing to do, but it can take some extra patience to make sure that your feline friend adjusts well to their new surroundings and family. In the first few days, it’s common for new cats to hide or be shy. They’re not rejecting you; they’re trying to get their bearings. Set up a small, quiet, and contained home base for them in a room with access to food, water, and a litter box, and gradually introduce them to the rest of the house, other pets, kids, and family members. Most cats can settle into a routine in a few weeks, but it could take up to a month. Go slow and have patience to let the relationship develop naturally. Why does my newly adopted cat or kitten meow so much? If your newly adopted cat or kitten is showing behaviors like meowing a lot, it’s likely stress related. They could be crying out of distress, or because they need something like food or water. Kittens may also meow more because they are adjusting to being away from littermates. The excessive meowing should settle down within a few weeks as they begin to feel more confident. If they are pacing, not eating, or seem very distressed, contact your vet. Is it normal for a newly adopted cat not to eat? Yes, it’s normal for a newly adopted cat not to eat. There might be an appetite dip because the cat is stressed about a change in their environment. They should return to normal eating within a few days. If they don’t, or if your cat is showing signs of illness, vomiting, lethargy, drooling, pain, or other distress, call your vet. Is it normal for an adopted cat to hide, and how long does it last? Yes, it’s normal for an adopted cat to hide. There might be some cat behaviors that seem strange to you during the adjustment period, but most of the time they are common behaviors as the new cats assess their surroundings and build their confidence. Most settle in and start exploring within a week or two, though shy or previously stray cats can take a month or longer. Give them a small, quiet, and contained space with food, water, and a litter box, and let them emerge on their own timeline. Should I give my newly adopted cat a bath? No, you likely don’t need to give your newly adopted cat a bath. Usually, cats can groom themselves naturally. You can also brush them regularly. If you need to bathe your cat, use lukewarm water, cat-specific shampoo or mild baby shampoo, avoid splashing their face, and dry them thoroughly. How long should I keep a newly adopted cat in one room? It can be tempting to want to show your newly adopted cat the whole house, but they should stay in one room for a few days, possibly up to 2 weeks. They will need a confined space that’s quiet and where they are the only cat. Make sure they have access to the litter box, food, and water in there. Hold off on meet-and-greets until they are using the litter box and eating normally. Ready to find your perfect match? Search adoptable pets near you on Petfinder.

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