Dog adoption is a beautiful thing. There are millions of pets in shelters and rescues waiting for forever homes. Adopting a dog can help homeless animals and set an excellent example for others.
Dog adoption isn’t suitable for everyone, and it’s not something you should get into lightly. Getting a dog is an important decision that will affect your life for many years. If you’ve decided dog adoption is for you, this is excellent news!
Bringing an adopted dog into your home should be a rewarding experience for you and your family. Before looking for your future best friend, arm yourself with the knowledge to navigate the world of dog adoption and make the best possible decision.
We’ve compiled a list of the top Maryland dog rescue & shelters with an adoption guide.
Top 5 Dog Rescues in Maryland & Shelters
Adoption is an alternative that benefits everyone when it comes to acquiring a pet: the family, animal protection entities, and, of course, the dog itself
Shelters across the country house approximately eight million companion animals each year. Yet, nearly 50% of them are euthanized due to the shelter’s lack of resources.
1) Saving Grace Animal Rescue of Maryland
They are an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) non-profit animal rescue. As a rescue, it is their mission to end the neglect of animals across the east coast by rescuing them and helping find their forever home.
They want to save the lives of pets and enhance the lives of people by finding the perfect new fur-baby for each family! They do not have a facility, their fosters accept these rescue dogs and cats into their homes out of their love for animals.
Saving Grace Animal Rescue of Maryland Information and Details:
- Mailing Address: PO Box 92. Millersvile, Maryland 21108, United States
- Website: https://www.savinggraceanimalrescuemd.com/
- Email: [email protected]
2) Pet Rescue of Maryland
Pet Rescue of Maryland is a donation driven, non-profit, volunteer group dedicated to saving the lives of dogs, cats, kittens and puppies. All of their animals come from shelters when euthanasia becomes inevitable. They foster these animals in their homes so that they can provide the most comfortable and humane environment.
By being in a natural home setting they are able to assess each dog and cat and address any behavioral or medical needs the animal may have. The high success rate of their adoptions is due to their ability to understand the needs of their foster pets and match them with families that provide the best “forever homes”.
Pet Rescue of Maryland Information and Details:
- Address: PO Box 178, Monkton, MD 21111, United States
- Website: https://www.petrescueofmd.org/
- Phone: (410) 472-1172
3) Last Chance Animal Rescue
They rescue animals from high-kill shelters to help them find permanent homes… They are part of the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC)
They are one of the largest no-kill animal rescue organizations in the United States. Partnering with PetSmart Charities and PETCO, Last Chance rescues and rehomes approximately 10,000 animals a year.
Last Chance Animal Rescue Information and Details:
- Address: 8500 Bensville Rd Waldorf, MD 20603, United States
- Website: http://www.lastchanceanimalrescue.org/
- Phone: +1 301-274-9409
4) Almost Home Dog Rescue
Almost Home Dog Rescue is a non-profit, foster-based, all volunteer rescue organization dedicated to rescuing and rehabilating dogs at risk and in danger of an untimely death. They all share the passion of helping these homeless dogs who don’t have a voice, who won’t have a chance, without organizations such as this one, helping them to a new beginning.
It is their mission to seek out dogs where there is need, to bring them to them where they are placed in loving foster homes and prepare them for their forever families. It is also their mission to prepare their adoptive families for a smooth transition and a better outcome. Their community outreach program will offer New Adopter classes whether you adopt from them or not.
But they can’t do this alone. They need your help. Adopt, don’t shop. If you can’t adopt, foster. If you can’t foster, volunteer or donate to their cause. They are a 501(c) (3) organization.
Almost Home Dog Rescue Information and Details:
- Address: Ellicott City, Maryland, United States
- Website: https://almosthomedogs.org/
- Phone: 443-750-2833
5) Puppy Paws Rescue
Puppy Paws Rescue was created in March of 2013 in order to find loving homes for abandoned puppies and dogs.
They are a non-profit (501c3) Also like them on facebook to get constant updates on available dogs, current adoptions and rescue news. Puppy Paws saves dogs from high kill shelters from the eastern portion of the United States. With the help of many foster families they typically have a large inventory of puppies and dogs available for adoption in the Maryland and northern Virginia area.
Puppy Paws Rescue Information and Details:
- Address: PO Box 45, Huntingtown, MD 20639, United States
- Website: https://www.puppypawsrescue.org/
- Phone: (202) 630-5874
Dog Rescue & Shelter Online
We hope that one of the shelters listed above can help you find your future dog, but if for some reason that doesn’t happen you can always opt for different alternatives.
For this reason, we’ve added these alternative platforms. These platforms will help you connect with people who have dogs for sale or adoption near you. It can be a great alternative in looking for your future pup within the comfort of your home.
AKC Market Place
Finding trustworthy dog breeders, groomers, and trainers can be challenging. AKC Marketplace is your trusted resource to help make a lifetime of responsible dog ownership safe, happy, and healthy.
AKC Marketplace® is the only website that exclusively lists puppies from AKC-Registered litters, so you can choose a breeder with confidence.
Adopt A Pet
If you want to give an abandoned puppy a second chance, a shelter is definitely the place to find a dog.
Adopt a pet is North America’s largest non-profit pet adoption website. They help over 21,000 animal shelters, humane societies, SPCAs, pet rescue groups, and pet adoption agencies advertise their homeless pets to millions of adopters a month, for free.
Puppies for sale Today
Puppies Today has over a decade of experience, established in 2008. They pride themselves on connecting loving families with new furry friends and have happy customers all over the nation. They provide all of their customer’s puppy payment plans and health guarantees to ensure the best experience and peace of mind when adopting a puppy through their service.
Check Out Our Dog Breeders Page :
DOG BREEDERS NEAR ME | PUPPIES FOR SALE
How much does it cost to adopt a dog?
Generally, it will cost around $50 to $150 for a dog – and because typically shelters and rescuers give pets medical treatment, you’ll save money on a medical examination; you’ll also likely save on spay or neuter surgery, which can cost around $50 to $300.
Aside from the puppy’s price, it would be best to consider the expenses that would come with it. For instance, you may want to get the essential things for your puppies like grooming tools, food, and shelter.
What kind of dog should you adopt?
If you have decided to adopt a dog, you may want a mixed breed dog. Or, you can have your heart set on a specific dog breed. It is possible to adopt purebred dogs from shelters and rescues if you plan ahead. However, if you’re not set on a particular breed, you should still have an idea of the type of dog you want.
Consider age, size, care needs, health concerns, and activity level. Have your wishes in mind before you go looking. Better yet, create a list of dog characteristics that is divided into three areas:
- What do you absolutely need in a dog: Do you have children, cats, or other dogs? The dog you adopt must be able to get along well with everyone in your home. Are you in an apartment or small house and need a small dog? Are you allergic to certain types of dogs and need a hypoallergenic breed? These are just some of the things to consider.
- What you would like in a dog but can live without: Maybe you have a soft spot for a specific breed but will be happy with a mix of that breed. Maybe you want a dog with short hair, but don’t worry about a little extra grooming if you meet a big long-haired dog.
- What is not acceptable to you: these are dealbreakers. What qualities would prevent you from even considering a certain dog? Dimension? Temperament? Maybe you have a fear or dislike for a certain dog breed. Perhaps you are renting out your home and have to meet specific rental requirements.
Write everything down and take the list with you. That way, when you go out and see all those cute faces, you will know where to start.
When not to adopt a dog
It is best to avoid adopting a dog in the following circumstances:
- You are in the process of moving
- You are remodeling or repairing your home
- You are about to have a baby (it is usually best to have the baby and let life stabilize a bit before introducing a new dog)
- It’s the holiday season ( dogs aren’t meant to be gifts and holidays are usually too hectic for a new dog)
- You or someone in your family is going through other major life events (the new dog may be lost in the shuffle or be overwhelmed by chaos)
The Dog Adoption Process
Well done! You have found your new dog. Now is the time for formalities. Most organizations require an application before they can adopt. This is to prevent pets from falling into the wrong hands. While it may sound like an interrogation, these groups have policies in place for a reason. Fortunately, many people have no problem getting approval.
Some groups require a waiting period before bringing your new dog home, possibly due to a medical procedure that has been done. Some dogs may have a waiting list, so ask questions beforehand.
Find out what the adoption fee includes (vaccines, spay/neuter, etc.). Before signing the contract, learn what you expect from yourself and what the group will do to help you. If the dog is too young to be spayed or neutered, the contract will require it to do so in the future. Also, find out what happens if you can’t keep the dog.
Most organizations ask you to return the dog to them if you can no longer care for it (don’t give it away to someone else). Find out what is known about the dog’s history and what health problems, if any, were noted while the dog was in their care.
Final Thoughts
Remember, it can take a long time for a dog to adjust to a new home. You and your family will need time to adjust. You may notice that your new dog has behavioral problems, fears, phobias, or lacks training. If the adaptation period is long and complex, it’s a good idea to seek the assistance of a dog trainer or behaviorist.
You may need to consult more than one. Be patient and follow the advice of the experts. If you feel that you have genuinely exhausted your options, you may decide to give up on your new dog.
Remember to try to get your dog back to the place of adoption first. If this is not an option, you need to be responsible and find a good home for your dog. I hope you never have to be in this situation.
