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 Indiana dog rescue & shelters with an adoption guide.
Top 5 Indiana Dog Rescues & 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) Every Dog Counts Rescue
Every Dog Counts Rescue (EDCR) is a non-profit all-volunteer organization founded to save the lives of dogs in high-kill shelters in Indianapolis and the Midwest.
Dogs facing death row are pulled from these shelters and live in their foster homes and receive veterinary care while awaiting transport to their rescue partners in areas of the country with less pet over-population, or until they find a loving home for them locally.
Every Dog Counts Rescue believes that truly every dog counts, regardless of age, breed, injury or disability. Many of the dogs they take in are dogs other groups won’t or can’t…seniors, dogs with heartworm, dogs who have been hit by cars or shot, dogs with medical problems like seizures or diabetes, tiny babies who require bottle-feeding, and dogs with “handicaps”, to name a few. They believe if they still have the ability to enjoy a quality of life, they deserve that chance.
Every Dog Counts Rescue Information and Details:
- Mailing Address: PO Box 24786, Indianapolis, IN, United States
- Website: http://www.edcr.org/
2) Save A Dog Rescue Inc.
Save A Dog Rescue Inc. is a non-profit… all-volunteer.. 501c3 Rescue. If you are looking to adopt you must be approved before you visit. All adoptions are by appointment only
Save A Dog Rescue Inc. Information and Details:
- Address: Grovertown, Indiana 46531, United States
- Website: https://indianasaveadog.com/
- Phone: 574-348-1003
3) Natalie’s Second Chance
They are a no kill dog shelter founded in 2009 and are a 501(c)3, non-profit organization that relies heavily on private individual donations and volunteer services to be able to continue helping homeless dogs. They have a board of directors that helps manage the shelter.
They accept personal surrendered dogs, strays, and work with other rescues or animal shelters to rehome dogs and puppies. They have saved many dogs from death row at high kill shelters. They do not discriminate against breed, age, or health of a dog and They provide all of their dogs with a comfortable, temporary home until a match with the right family can be found.
Why adopt and support Natalie’s Second Chance Dog Shelter? They are a local dog shelter that rescues all kinds of dogs in need all over the state of Indiana (sometimes even out of state!). They do not discriminate dogs by breed, size, age, or… even by their health. As long as they have the room, funds, and support to take a dog in, they will never deny a dog!
They accept pregnant moms, puppies, injured dogs, senior dogs, and even dogs that may not have the best manners. They work with all dogs to get them healthy and happy, they have a vet and a trainer that works closely with them to help them get dogs in their best condition so they can go to a great home.
They make sure that each of their dogs goes to the best-fit home for them, which is why a lot of times they start out with a “foster to adopt” agreement to make sure the dog fits well inside the home.
To them… their dogs are like their kids, so they always make sure they are well taken care of, and they want them to go to the best homes possible. They appreciate all that this community has done for them, and really thank you for your continued support and love.
Natalie’s Second Chance Information and Details:
- Address: 10 S 16th St, Lafayette, IN 47905, United States
- Website: http://www.nataliessecondchance.org/
- Phone: +17654261285
4) Lakeshore PAWS
Lakeshore PAWS is a mostly volunteer run, nonprofit 501(c)3 animal rescue organization located in Valparaiso, Indiana. They were established in 2011. Their vision is to create a culture of compassion and partnership in Northwest Indiana that will one day assure that every pet born has a stable home and care throughout its natural life.
Lakeshore PAWS is dedicated to finding loving homes for abandoned and unwanted pets in Northwest Indiana–one animal at a time–because they believe they deserve it.
Lakeshore PAWS envisions a culture of compassion and partnership in Northwest Indiana that will one day guarantee every pet has a stable home and care throughout its natural life.
Lakeshore PAWS Information and Details:
- Address: 4611 Evans Ave, Valparaiso, IN 46383, United States
- Website: https://www.lakeshorepaws.org/
- Phone: +12194767297
5) It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue, Inc.
Our mission is “To work as one in helping homeless animals irrespective of breed, location or circumstance.” We are a 501(c)(3) mostly volunteer no-kill rescue. We have two locations, one in Evansville, Indiana, and one in Chrisney, Indiana. We have helped over 8200 animals since we were created in 2010. WE WILL NOT STOP UNTIL ALL PAWS HAVE A HOME!
It Takes A Village No-Kill Rescue, Inc. Information and Details:
- Address: 1417 N Stockwell Rd, Evansville, IN 47715, United States
- Website: http://www.itvrescue.org/
- Phone: +18129091306
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.
