What Do You Need to Adopt a Puppy?

A puppy is an exciting addition to any home, whether you’re single and looking for an adventure pal or a family seeking a furry friend who’s good with kids. That said, any new pet adoption is a serious decision that should never be done on a whim. You’ll need to meet at least some basic requirements first, regardless of whether you’re getting your pet from a shelter or rescue center, a pet store, or a breeder.

The specific rules will vary depending on where you apply for a puppy, so it’s a good idea to call ahead and ask what they’ll need to approve you. That said, knowing the general requirements beforehand will help make sure you’re ready for a puppy and are making the right decision. Let’s dive in!

Things you need to decide before adopting a puppy

Before you even look at a puppy adoption application, you’ll need to determine a few things. To start, what dog breed are you looking for? What kind of dog do you want and are equipped to handle? Different types of canines have different temperaments and exercise needs, not to mention individual health risks.

You’ll also need to decide early on just how much you’re willing to spend on a new puppy. In addition to the upfront adoption fees, you’ll be responsible for covering your new pet’s veterinary care (a good puppy insurance plan can help with this) and dog food costs, among other expenses.

Keep in mind that the right pup for you will not just be about what you want — it’s about what’s best for both you and the dog. Figuring these things out ahead of time will help streamline the puppy adoption process and help you meet the requirements.

Take this dog size quiz to help you figure out which type of pup best fits with your lifestyle.

What do dog adoption applications ask for?

There are a lot of different places these days to adopt a puppy from, and they all tend to have their own sets of requirements for prospective pet owners. Nevertheless, some common standards include:

• Financial stability / a clear job title with an employer address
• Stable housing (you are a homeowner or on an established lease)
• A regular schedule / routine that won’t leave a puppy all alone for long hours every day
• A good idea of your dog preferences / what kind of companion you are hoping to have (honesty is important here!)
• Personal references who can vouch for your ability to care for a young dog
• Prior experience caring for a pet (often not necessary for application approval, but it can help)

Check out this sample dog adoption application for an idea of what to expect.

More extensive puppy adoption requirements

Browsing around different puppy adoption organizations can give you more options for finding the perfect companion, but it’ll also mean having to navigate different rules. Depending on where you look, you may find that some have noticeably higher standards for new puppy owners than others. For example, some organizations will not allow someone living with temporary roommates to adopt a puppy while others may have certain income minimums that need to be met.

Some breeders also have their buyers sign a contract that outlines various rules for the dogs’ protection. Common list items here include:

• The dog will reside with the buyer. If the buyer can no longer care for the dog, they will notify the breeder immediately if possible.
• The buyer will keep up with the dog’s veterinary needs, including routine vaccinations and checkups, heartworm prevention, flea and tick prevention, dental cleanings, and any emergencies that arise.
• The buyer will put a fence around their home yard if one does not currently exist.
• The buyer will not keep the dog chained up or constantly outdoors. They will also not allow the dog to roam unattended.

Can a puppy thrive in your home?

Love, attention, and setting healthy boundaries are crucial for a puppy’s growth and development. But another vitally important factor is where they’ll be growing up. Most dog adoption groups will ask questions about the type of home environment you can provide:

• How many people are in your household?
• Does anyone in the household have dog allergies?
• What other pets (if any) are in the home?
• Have you / will you make sure your home is puppy-safe?
• Do you already have basic care items for a puppy, or do you need to get them?
• Do you have enough space for your desired dog breed?
• Do you have a yard and/or access to outdoor spaces where your puppy can get exercise?
• What kind of a neighborhood do you live in, and is it safe for walking dogs?

It’s worth noting that some stricter puppy adoption agencies or rescue centers may ask for proof of home ownership if you say you own your home or for a landlord reference if you’re a tenant. If you are currently living with roommates, you may even be asked to provide their written consent to you adopting a new pet. While these requirements can feel like a bit much, this is just to make sure that pets are allowed in your home and won’t be surrendered if discovered to be there without permission.

Why are puppy adoption rules so difficult?

While frustrating at times, puppy adoption requirements exist for good reason. Many people get new pets because they’re fun and cute upfront, only to realize later on that they’re not actually able to provide the kind of home and living experience the dog needs. When older dogs get returned to shelters, they have a tougher time being adopted again. Adoption requirements therefore exist to reduce impulse buying and help match puppies with the right pet parents from the get-go.

The good news is that if you're taking the time now to learn more about puppy adoption requirements and what to expect with a new dog, you're already on the right path!

Not sure what kind of puppy is best for you yet? Check out our dog breed guide to learn more about different types of pups that may suit your lifestyle.