Small Dog Adoption:  Is it Right For You?

by Janice Jones     |Last updated 08-25-2021

Small Dog Adoption is an excellent way to obtain your next best friend. 

Whether you are looking for a puppy, young adult, middle age or senior small breed dog, there is likely to be a dog waiting for you. 

While adopting an adult small breed dog is usually easier than finding a puppy, there are puppies to have if you are patient and diligent in your search. 

The good news is that you will get a low cost pet that has been neutered or spayed and up to date with all vaccines, worming, and other medical care needs. 

The bad news is that most rescue organizations require you to be approved and the process can take time. 

Some are very strict so not all people who want a dog will be allowed to adopt.

In this article I will talk about the different ways you can adopt a small breed dog. 

Where can one find a small breed dog to adopt?

Rescue Organizations

If you have your heart set on an adult dog, a small dog adoption through a rescue organization may be your best bet.

Many rescues are breed specific, but others provide services to groups of breeds including small breed dogs.  

Sometimes professional breeders will either sell or adopt out their retired adults. If the breeder is reputable, has kept the dog in excellent health and provided training and socialization, this might be the perfect option.

Adopting a dog from a less than reputable breeder or worse yet, a puppy mill might mean years of rehabilitation.

Don't be fooled into thinking that dogs from rescues or shelters are inferior, damaged, incorrigible, or hopelessly ill.  Most are healthy, happy, and are there through no fault of their own.  Many will need additional training and some may have medical issues. 

The good news with small dog adoption is that you are entering pet ownership armed with knowledge about the small dog's background.  It will be your choice to accept or decline. 

You may or may not have this knowledge with a tiny puppy.

Rescue organizations often have individuals who love a particular breed and agree to foster and rehabilitate an adult dog until they are ready to be adopted.

Dogs are housed in different foster homes where they are evaluated and trained while waiting for the perfect forever home. Rescue Organizations spare dogs the trauma of living in a shelter environment.

The dog foster parents are trained and have an interest in the well-being of the dog. Those that foster try to discover as much about the dog’s personality and habits, as is possible and provide this information to the prospective home. Small Dog Adoption usually includes:

• Spay or Neuter
• Vaccinations
• Worming including Heartworm testing and medication
• Dental if needed
• Microchip
• Complete Health Check
  

Grooming is often part of the package.

New owners are expected to pay an adoption fee that helps offset some of these procedures. For the low adoption fee, prospective new owners must fill out an extensive interview form and submit to a home visit.

Many of the questions that breeders ask are also the same ones a rescue organization will ask.  Every rescue organization is unique and develop their own questionnaire, so be prepared for a variety of questions.

Shelters

Shelters can be privately own or publicly owned, operated and funded. Some are associated with the local Animal Control organizations.

Some are strictly shelters that house dogs for a set number of days before the dogs are euthanized or are shelters considered “no kill” which means the dogs are housed there indefinitely until new owners can be located.

Some shelters accept only animals from abuse or neglect situations. This includes raids on puppy mills where adults and puppies confiscated to be re-homed.

Others allow only dogs that require medical attention.

Still others will accept owner surrenders. In other words, all shelters are different, so if you are interested in adopting from a shelter, your best bet is to call or visit and learn about their policies.

Most shelters will provide spay/neuter services, vaccinations, worming and treat any injuries.

Most people believe that the only dogs found in a municipal shelter are pit bulls and pit-bull-mixes, not small dogs.

It is true that the majority of dogs in shelters are large breed dogs; however, it is unreasonable to assume that you might not find the perfect dog for you in such a place.

Most shelters require a completed application for small dog adoption, but not all require a home study or visit.

Some are not as restrictive as rescue organizations.  Some allow you to visit and take home a dog you choose all in the same afternoon.

The most rewarding part of the adoption is that you are giving life to a dog that might otherwise be euthanized.

Questions Asked for Small Dog Adoption

• Your living situation, those residing in the home, their ages, and if they have pet allergies
• They type of breed you are interested in adopting and a reason why you like that particular breed
• Your experience with caring for and training a dog
• Will you have the resources to pay for vet bills, grooming, and supplies for your dog
• Your work situation and hours, including provisions for the dog while you are at work
• Your definition of disciplining a dog
• Some may ask for a fenced in yard or note from the landlord stating that pets are permitted
• Some may inquire about your travel plans and what you will do with the dog when you travel
• Personal references including the name of a veterinarian
  

You are also free to ask questions and make requests such as your preferred age, gender, breed, or specific characteristic.

If you are okay with the rescue organization’s requirements, you are likely to get a great adult dog that meets your needs at a great price.  You can feel happy that you are giving another adult dog a new lease on life.

Finding Your Perfect Small Dog Adoption

The easiest way to find a small adult dog to adopt is to locate organizations that advertise for an enormous variety of rescues. Places on the net such as PetFinder.com can provide pictures and descriptions of many dogs that are available.

Another good resource is Adopt a Pet

If you know which breed you want, you may be able to start with that breed's national breed rescue organization. 

Links to breed rescues are on each breed page found on this site.  Search a breed through our Small Breed List and then click to be taken directly to the breed information page.

Even though they may not be in your locale, you may still be able to adopt. This could be the best of all worlds: The chance to adopt an adult dog, who needs to be re-homed.

All information available including the background of the dog, its history, medical condition, likes and dislikes, etc. are already known all at a price that is affordable to most people.

You are less likely to find a perfect eight week old puppy using this route, but it is not unheard of, so don’t rule out the adoption route if you want a puppy.

More Small Dog Adoption Articles

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Your Experiences (Rescues, Adoptions, Fostering)

If you adopted a dog recently or even long ago, we would love to hear how it went for you.  Please be honest, we want to know the good part, the bad part, and maybe even the part you'd like to forget.  Just know you are helping others who want to adopt.