Adopting a Dog From a Shelter? (What You Should Know)

Check the Requirements

Before you visit a shelter, be honest with yourself about these points:

Living situation. Does your landlord allow dogs? Do you have enough space? A quiet area with green spaces nearby makes everyday life easier. Shelters check your living situation during the home check.

Time. Dogs need 2-3 hours of attention a day (walks, grooming, activity). In the first weeks after the adoption, considerably more, because settling in takes time. If you work full-time away from home, you'll need a care arrangement.

Finances. Monthly costs: 100-300 euros (food, vet, insurance, dog tax). On top of that, an emergency reserve of at least 2,000 euros. Details: How much does a dog cost?

Family. Everyone in the household has to be on board. Test for allergies beforehand. Small children and certain dogs don't go together. The shelter advises you on the choice.

Other pets. Not every dog gets along with cats or other dogs. The shelter usually knows how the dog behaves around other animals.

How the Adoption Works

1. Make contact. Most shelters show their dogs on their website. If a dog catches your eye: call and arrange a time to visit. Even without a specific dog in mind: the staff know their animals and can suggest a good match.

2. Get to know each other. Several visits and walks together. That way you see the dog in different situations: on the leash, with other dogs, when meeting people. Take your time, the chemistry has to be right.

3. Consultation and application. You share information about your living, family, and work situation. The shelter uses it to gauge whether the dog fits your everyday life. Not every dog you like is also the right one for your situation.

4. Home check. A staff member from the animal welfare association visits you at home. They check a few things: is the home safe (balcony secured, garden fenced in)? Does everything line up with what you told them? This isn't distrust, it's routine.

5. Contract and adoption fee. If the home check is positive, the adoption contract is drawn up. The adoption fee (200-500 euros) becomes due. It covers the vet costs incurred so far (vaccinations, microchip, neutering, deworming) and supports the shelter.

6. Follow-up check. A few weeks or months after the adoption, the shelter checks in on how the dog is doing. Some shelters also offer guidance during the settling-in phase.

Why Can't You Take the Dog Right Away?

Shelters don't hand over dogs on the spot. The multi-step process protects against impulse decisions that lead to returns. Over 100,000 dogs end up in German shelters every year, often because of a rushed purchase, a changed life situation, or underestimated costs. The structured process makes sure dog and owner are a good fit.

International Animal Welfare

Dogs from international animal welfare (Romania, Spain, Greece) can be placed without you meeting them first. Foster homes are the better choice here: the dog already lives with a family in Germany, you can visit it and observe its behavior in everyday life. Look for reputable organizations with transparent communication, complete papers (EU pet passport, vaccination record), and a written contract.

Checklist Before You Adopt

• Is everyone in the household on board?
• Does anyone in the family have allergies?
• Does your landlord allow dogs (in writing)?
• Do you have enough time (2-3 hours a day)?
• Can you cover the ongoing costs (100-300 euros/month)?
• Do you have an emergency reserve (at least 2,000 euros)?
• Are there other pets that need to get along?
• Are there small children who need to be taken into account?
• Are changes on the horizon (a move, a job change, a baby)?
• Is your home big enough for the size of dog you want?
• Who looks after the dog during vacations or illness?

Everything to do with owning a dog is available at Hundeo Pro. From training to nutrition to health: structured courses with video guidance, training tracking, and personal help from real trainers when problems come up.