What Do I Need To Do To Adopt A Puppy? [Step-By-Step Guide]
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The first thing that came out of my mouth when I visited the Carson Animal Shelter was “What do I need to do to adopt a puppy?”
It was my first time taking responsibility for anything except for myself. Well maybe I took care of a goldfish when I was 8 years old and oh yeah, the ant farm I got for my 11th birthday, but a puppy was a whole different ball game.
The good news was when I asked “What do I need to adopt a puppy” I was 32 years old and finally ready to take on the responsibility of caring my own little pup.
Let’s rewind a little bit…
This is a step-by-step guide and I’d be remiss to leave out the steps leading up to my visit to the animal shelter.
What Do I Need To Do To Adopt A Puppy?
This is a step-by-step guide based on my experience adopting my first puppy Linus from the Carson Animal Shelter.
For Your Information, Linus was my first puppy and unfortunately I took some of these steps out of order. I shuffled them so the order is what I think would be best for your and your new puppy.
Step 1: Are You Ready To Adopt A Puppy?
Step 2: Research Puppies, Dog Breeds, etc.
Step 3: Browse Pet Adoption Websites & Apps
Step 4: Visit Shelters & Rescues
Step 5: Puppy Proof Your Home
Step 6: Puppy Supply Checklist
Step 7: Choosing A Puppy To Adopt
Step 8: Fill Out The Adoption Application
Step 9: Bring Your Puppy Home
Step 10: Make An Appointment With Your Vet
Step 11: Your Puppy’s First Night Home
Step 12: Congratulations! Get Some Rest 🙂
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Hi Sarah,
Take a look at this post when you have a moment: https://puppyintraining.com/where-or-how-do-i-go-about-getting-a-service-dog/
Good luck with your search!
Colby
hi, so a while back i was told i need a ptsd service dog but dont know where to look all the places ive tried are for veterns and im a 16 year old i was wondering if you could recomend me a place? i would prefer a trained dog since i dont really have the money to pay for $600 an hour classes and am in dire need of help currently
@Rodney, sorry for the late response. I have had both male and female Labradors. Both males and females can be high energy or easy going it depends on the individual dog. However, a male dog will normally lift his leg to pee. As guide dog puppy raisers we discourage this and through proper training we can usually get them not to lift their legs and mark objects. As far as puppy training I don’t have a personal preference for either male or female Labrador Retrievers.
Hi Colby
Me and my wife want to get a labrador as a famliy pet and we don’t know what to get a female or a male dog. I have been talking to some people that have dogs, they have been telling me to get a female because they are move relaxed, by the the way i have to 2 yong boys 6 and 2.
Which one is easier to train? I am just scared to get a male lab because i dont want him to put his leg up when has to go.
@liadi, thanks for visiting our website. Unfortunately we do not train guard dogs and I’m not too sure how you would go about obtaining one to bring back to your country.
I want to buy two small guard dog to return to my country. how to buy and bring back
@Samantha, if you’re interested in adopting a puppy try PetFinder.com that’s how I found my rescue pup, Linus. By the way, I’m doing well. I hope you’re doing well too.
So how are u
I want a nice cute boy dog