Finding Your New Dog

Let's Adopt a Dog!

Now that you know what kind of dog is right for you, it’s time to decide where you should go to start your search. Some people looking for a specific breed may want to go to a breeder. If you’re looking for a dog based on personality, you have many options. You could visit a shelter, a rescue organisation, a pet shop or a foster home.

DID YOU KNOW?

There are many systems in place that often work together to help all kinds of dogs find a lasting home.

Still deciding where to go to find your new dog? Here are some of your options.

SHELTER

A shelter is a housing facility for surrendered or stray animals operated by an organisation dedicated to pet welfare, like a humane society.

RESCUE

A rescue organisation, like a shelter, is dedicated to pet welfare. Rescue organisations care for a relatively small number of animals through a network of private foster homes, rather than in an animal shelter.

FOSTER HOME

Foster homes provide temporary, in-home care for one or more animals on behalf of an animal shelter or animal rescue organisation. Foster caregivers are usually volunteers of animal welfare organisations or shelters, and may foster animals for a number of different reasons. Foster homes are often needed for pets that are not yet ready for adoption (sick, injured, recovering from surgery, not yet weaned, needing socialisation or other behaviour modification, etc.) or pets for whom there is not enough space in the shelter. Some rescue groups operate completely through a network of foster homes.

Wherever you choose to get your dog, we hope we’ve helped you find a companion that will make your life richer, more loving, and more adventurous.