Adopt & foster

Adopt, don't shop is one of our core values. Every adopted dog frees up a kennel or foster home for the next one who needs it. Puppies from pet stores and online sellers often come from puppy mills, which put profit ahead of the dogs' welfare.

Adoption is also a great way to find the right dog. Rescues and shelters know their dogs' personalities, and many adult dogs are already house-trained and calm indoors. Adoption fees usually include vaccines, spay/neuter and a microchip. Read why we say "adopt, don't shop".

A dog can be part of your life for 10 to 15 years. Before you fall for a face, think through:

• Time. Who will walk, feed and train the dog every day? What happens on long workdays and trips?
• Space and housing. Does your lease or building allow dogs, and what size or breed limits apply?
• Budget. Food, vet care, preventives, license, grooming, and a cushion for surprises.
• Household. Are there children, other pets, allergies or people who'd rather not have a dog?
• Energy match. A dog that needs miles of exercise isn't a fit for a quiet routine, and that's no one's fault.

If the honest answer is "not right now," that's a responsible choice. There are other ways to help.

Ask about the dog's history, how they do with other animals and children, energy level, house-training, health needs and what support the rescue offers after adoption. Ask what happens if it doesn't work out. A good rescue will want you to bring the dog back to them. See our full list of questions.

Set up a quiet space with a bed or crate, get the food the dog has been eating, and add an ID tag with your phone number to a well-fitted collar or harness. Walk through your home at dog height: cords, trash, medications, cleaning products and gaps in fences or gates. Choose a vet before the dog arrives.

The ASPCA describes a 3-3-3 guideline: about three days to decompress, three weeks to learn the routine, three months to feel at home. Many rescue dogs need longer. Keep a simple routine, give your dog a place to retreat, and use reward-based training. What to expect, month by month.

Fostering means caring for a dog in your home until they're adopted. Placements can last days, weeks or months. Organizations often cover vet care and some supplies, and fosters provide daily care, basic training and lots of patience.

Fostering is a wonderful way to help if you can't commit to a dog for life, or want to learn whether a dog fits your household. What fostering involves.

Not able to adopt or foster? You can still make a real difference: share a dog's profile, help with transport, donate supplies, or lend a professional skill. Everything counts.