How to Adopt a Dog in Los Angeles
These tips will help you to save and adopt your new best friend
5 Min Read
5 Min ReadIf you often find yourself wistfully staring out the window watching your neighbors play with their pets, it might be time for you to adopt a dog in Los Angeles. There’s nothing in the world like having your own pooch to play with or take care of.
Los Angeles is a great place to live with lots to do, but it can get lonely. A furry companion will make your life so much sweeter. You’ll also find it easier to meet other people because pet owners tend to stick together but are very welcoming to new faces.
Now, before we look at how you can adopt a dog in Los Angeles, there’s one important issue to discuss, pet-friendly housing. 
Now that your housing situation is resolved, let’s take a look at how you can adopt a dog in Los Angeles.
Choose the right type of pooch for your lifestyle
The dog breed you choose will usually depend on your lifestyle. Some breeds require more attention, some are more energetic, some are more aggressive, and so on. Thus, narrowing down the list of breeds to a few that would fit well with your personality and lifestyle is essential. For example, if your favorite activity is curling up on the couch to read a good book or watch a movie, then a Jack Russell Terrier isn’t your best option because they have a lot of energy. Instead, you’ll do far better with a Shih Tzu or a Pekingese.
Research shelters and adoptable dogs
Los Angeles has plenty of dog adoption centers for you to choose from. Of course, you’ll want to do your research. Luckily, most centers have websites where you can learn more about the organization and see what dogs they have up for adoption. Once you’ve narrowed your list down to a few centers, call them to set a date and time when you can visit to meet the pooch you’re interested in.
If you can’t find the particular breed you’re interested in, some shelters will agree to contact you if someone brings in that specific type of dog. So, give them a call and ask if you can be put on their list. Keep in mind though that all of the dogs in the shelters need saving – regardless of their breed.
Some great shelters and rescues you can check out to adopt a dog in Los Angeles include:
- NKLA Pet Adoption Center
- Found Animals Adopt & Shop
- Downtown Dog Rescue
- Lange Foundation
- Glendale Humane Society
- The Dog Cafe
- Vanderpump Dogs
Start the adoption process
Once you’ve found the dog you’re certain is right for you, let the shelter’s staff know you are ready to adopt. Make sure the pooch you want is still available and ask the shelter to send you the paperwork you’ll have to fill out.
Fill out the paperwork
Some adoption centers have complicated paperwork, which is why it’s a good idea to fill it out at home. They could ask for the contact details of your vet, why you want to adopt, how you’ve prepared for the arrival of your new pooch, and more. Some will even require supporting documentation, such as personal references.
All of the information and supporting documentation might seem invasive. However, you have to stop and consider the situation for a moment. These are pooches that have been abandoned. The shelter is only trying to make sure that they’ll be going to a forever home where they will receive great care and lots of love for the rest of their lives.
Pay the adoption fee
You’ll then have to pay the adoption fee. Shelters and rescues use that money to help the animals, including vet care and feeding. The fee will often differ based on the age of the dog, the breed, their needs, as well as how much training and care the pooch received while at the shelter.
Make sure to check with the shelter how much the fee is in advance. Also, ask what forms of payment they accept. Some might not take credit cards, and if you aren’t aware, you could end up having to make an extra trip.
Set up a time for the home visit
Some organizations won’t allow you to adopt a dog in Los Angeles without a home visit. This means that you’ll take the dog home with you to see how you’ll get along.
You’ll have to speak with the shelter to determine whether you’ll only be given the dog for the day, or if they’ll spend the night too. Depending on when the visit is scheduled for, make sure to take time off work if necessary. It’s never a good idea to leave a pooch alone during a home visit.
Arrange to pick up your new furry companion
Once you received approval from the shelter, it’s time to bring your new canine companion home. Remember that this is a stressful time for everyone – but especially the dog. So, make sure you organize some form of reliable transportation that will get you both home quickly.
It’s rarely a good idea to use the public transit system at a time like this. It could scare and confuse the dog, who doesn’t really understand yet what’s going on. So, if you have to, ask a friend to pick you up in their car. This will make the trip as short and as pleasant as possible.
