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5 tips for finding your new best friend this Adopt a Shelter Dog Month

Photos by Best Friends Animal Society

Thinking about bringing home a new best friend this fall? No matter what dog breed, size, age, or energy level best suits your lifestyle, your perfect canine companion is ready and waiting at a nearby shelter.

Last year, more than 207,000 dogs were killed at shelters simply because they didn’t have a safe place to call home. Best Friends Animal Society, a leading national animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters in 2025, wants to encourage anyone thinking about getting a dog to head to their local shelter or rescue group this Adopt a Shelter Dog Month.

Hundreds of shelters across the U.S. are close to achieving no-kill, and by adopting a dog from a shelter rather than purchasing from a breeder or pet store, people can directly impact pet lifesaving in their communities.

“Currently, a shelter pet is killed every 90 seconds. This tragic reality isn’t due to a lack of homes but rather the choice an individual makes when acquiring a pet,” said Julie Castle, CEO, Best Friends Animal Society. “By bringing home a shelter dog, adopters save two lives – the one they adopt and the dog who now has space to come into a shelter. Adoption is the most important step everyone can take to make their community no-kill.”

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In addition to helping pets in need, adoption offers many benefits to new pet owners. Most shelter dogs are fixed, vaccinated, microchipped, and ready to go home for one low fee. They also tend to acclimate quickly, as most were part of a family before, so it usually just takes a quick refresher course for these dogs to become housebroken in a new environment.

Saving the life of a dog in need is incredibly rewarding, according to Castle, who has two adopted German Shepherds. “Your kindness will be returned tenfold with a lifetime of unconditional love and companionship,” she said.

In celebration of Adopt a Shelter Dog Month, here are five tips from Best Friends to help with the adoption search:

  • Ask the shelter team to play matchmaker. Tell the shelter staff and volunteers about your lifestyle, living space, and who you share space with, including any and all pets) so they can find the best fit for you.
  • Make it a family affair. Make adoption a journey for the whole family and observe how everyone interacts to make the best choice when bringing home a new family member.
  • Keep an open mind. Rather than fixating on looks, size or breed, focus on such characteristics as who best fits into your lifestyle and who you find a connection with.
  • Know your limits. If you’re not willing to potty train a puppy or can’t handle a strong, young dog, don’t feel guilty. Knowing what you can and cannot take on when taking care of a dog is important.
  • Foster first. Most shelters allow potential adopters to take a dog home for several weeks or longer, which is the best way to really get to know a dog and gain the confidence to decide whether you should make the situation permanent.