How to Adopt Dogs for Free

Co-authored by Belgin Altundag and Amy Bobinger

Last Updated: February 17, 2023 References

Looking for new dogs to add to your family is exciting, but it’s not always practical to pay hundreds of dollars to a breeder. Luckily, with a little research, you can find dogs offered for free to a good home. Get ready to meet your new four-legged friends today!

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Finding Free Dogs

1
Ask your friends and family if they know of anyone giving away dogs. Even if no one in your close circle is currently trying to rehome their dogs, they might know someone who is. Try asking your family, friends, and coworkers if they know of anyone who is moving and needs to find a home for their dogs, or whose dogs may have recently had puppies that will need a home. You can also try reaching out to your social media connections.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Look in your newspaper for dogs available nearby. The classified section in your local newspaper should have a section for pets. You’ll often find ads which say “Free to a Good Home” in which people are trying to find homes for their dogs.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- Use caution when you're contacting people you don't know, and never give out your personal information to strangers. If possible, take a friend with you when you go to an unfamiliar place to ensure your safety.
- If a place seems shady or you get the feeling that the dogs have not been treated well, don't adopt from there. Mistreated animals can have severe behavioral and health problems later in life. Avoid adopting from a place where the animals are dirty, malnourished, or seem nervous.
Advertisement
3
Check classified websites. for more options. If you don’t have luck finding free dogs through your friends or in your local newspaper, try looking online on classified websites like Craigslist or Facebook.^{[3]
X
Expert Source

Belgin Altundag
Certified Dog Trainer
Expert Interview. 11 August 2021} Check the “Pets” section to see if anyone is rehoming their dogs or trying to place a litter of puppies.^{[4]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Adopting from a Shelter on a Free Weekend

1
Watch local ads or social media for adoption events. Although there are some animal shelters and rescue organizations which offer free adoption year-round, most charge an adoption fee which covers the cost of vaccinations and spaying/neutering the dogs. However, when shelters and rescues reach full capacity, they’ll often hold adoption events where this fee is waived.^{[5]
X
Research source}
2
Bring your ID. Even though you won’t have to pay a fee, you will likely have to provide the shelter or rescue with a photo ID and your address in order to complete the adoption process.^{[6]
X
Research source}
3
Be prepared to wait in line. Free adoption events often draw a large crowd, so you might have to wait a while before you are able to meet the available animals. Try going early to avoid long lines. You might also want to see if the shelter has a listing of its animals online that you can browse before you visit.^{[7]
X
Research source}
- If you see dogs on the website that you're interested in, try calling the shelter and asking if they'll hold the dogs for you until you can get there. You might have better luck if you tell them a specific time you expect to arrive.
- For instance, you could try saying something like, "I'm really interested in the 2 Shepherd mixes you have on your website. If they haven't been adopted yet, could you hold them for me until I get there? I can be there at noon tomorrow."
4
Answer any interview questions. Many shelters and rescues conduct an interview with prospective owners to make sure the dogs will be a good fit in their new homes. Be honest about your answers, and take this time to ask any questions you might have of your own.^{[8]
X
Research source}

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Picking the Perfect Pups

1
Research dog breeds and characteristics before you pick your dog. You might not have a choice of the exact dog breeds you think would be the perfect fit for you, but researching dog breeds can give you an idea of what you’re looking for. This can help keep you focused in the face of all of those cute puppy-dog eyes.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- For instance, if you are highly active and you want a dog who will enjoy joining you on hikes, you might look for a terrier or retriever mix.^{[10]
  X
  Trustworthy Source
  American Kennel Club
  The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.
  Go to source}
2
Meet the dog before you bring them home. Whether you’re looking for a dog from a private owner or a shelter, make sure you meet the dog first. Trust your own judgement on whether the dog’s personalities are a good match for you and any other family members or pets who will be living with you.^{[11]
X
Research source}
- If you already have a dog, ask if it’s okay to bring them along with you while you’re meeting potential new dogs to bring home. This can help you determine whether the dogs will get along.^{[12]
  X
  Research source}
3
Wait until puppies are 8-12 weeks old before you bring them home. Some puppy owners might be anxious to find homes for their little litter, but if you're getting puppies, they will be healthiest if they are allowed to stay with their mom for at least 8 weeks.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- When puppies are separated from their litter too early, they are significantly more likely to have behavioral problems later in life, including an aversion to strangers and excessive barking.^{[14]
  X
  Research source}
4
Ensure that you get all documentation. When you adopt a puppy or dog, be it from a family or a shelter, it is important to get all documents pertaining licencing, vaccinations, spaying/neutering and any health issues. This will help give the vet you choose for your dog all of the necessary and pertinent information.
- Ask lots of questions about your potential new pet. Make a list of questions about the dogs, like their health history, previous vaccinations, anything which might be known about their breed, and information about their parents if it’s known.^{[15]
  X
  Research source}
- If the parents are kept on site, ask if you can meet them. Pay attention to their temperament, as this is often a determining factor in your new dog's personality.^{[16]
  X
  Research source}
5
Get your supplies before you bring your dog home. Before you leave to bring home your new dog, you should make sure that you have everything you need at home. Make sure you have food and water bowls, leashes, and a few toys on hand. You should also check to make sure there’s nothing the dog can chew on that will be destroyed or harm the dog, especially if you’re bringing home a puppy.^{[17]
X
Research source}
- You may want to wait until you meet your new dog before purchasing dog food, just in case your dogs have special dietary needs or a favourite brand.

Expert Q&A

Question

Do you have to pay a fee when adopting a dog?

Belgin Altundag
Certified Dog Trainer
Belgin Altundag is a Certified Dog Trainer and the Owner of Happy Doggies Day Care/Day Camp in West Hollywood, California. A passionate animal lover, Belgin is knowledgeable about multiple training styles, including obedience training, problem-solving, activity training, and behavior modification. In addition to being an Animal Behavior College’s Certified Dog Trainer (ABCDT), Belgin has also completed the Training Cesar's Way Fundamentals of Dog Behavior and Training Programs 1 and 2 and is certified by the American Red Cross in Cat and Dog First-Aid.

Belgin Altundag

Certified Dog Trainer

Expert Answer

Usually, yes. These fees are what help support the shelters and adoption events. There are, however, programs that can help you get a dog for free. For example, if you're a veteran, you probably can adopt a dog without paying for a fee.
Question

What is the best kind of dog for someone with anxiety?

Community Answer

I'd recommend a Labrador, as they're very nice and gentle, and they're usually very sensitive to human emotions as well.
Question

Where should we go for dog adoption?

Community Answer

Any local dog shelter would be a great way to save an animal's life.