Step by step
- Decide what fits your life: size, energy, age, and whether the dog must be fine with children, cats or other dogs.
- Look at your nearest SPCAs and shelters, and on the NogPets dog board. Set an alert so you hear when a dog like that is posted.
- Visit and meet the dog, more than once if you can. Bring everyone who lives with you, and ask whether your own dog can meet them.
- Fill in the shelter's adoption form. Most ask about your home, your yard and fencing, your work hours and other pets.
- Expect a home check. Someone from the shelter visits to see the yard, gates and where the dog will sleep.
- Pay the adoption fee and sign the adoption agreement, then take your dog home.
What you usually need
- Your ID document
- Proof of address
- A secure yard with no gaps under the fence, or a clear plan for walks if you live in a flat
- Your landlord's or body corporate's permission if you rent or live in a complex
What the fee usually covers
Each SPCA and shelter sets its own fee, so ask them. It usually covers sterilisation, first vaccinations, deworming and a microchip, which together would cost more at a vet. Some shelters charge less for older dogs.
Adopting from an owner rehoming a dog
When an owner rehomes a dog themselves, ask for the vaccination card, whether the dog is sterilised and chipped, and why they're rehoming. Meet the dog at their home, and never pay a deposit before you've met the dog.