Dog Adoption Guide: What to do before and after you adopt a dog

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dog adoption guide

So you’ve decided to adopt a dog?

Congratulations!

By adopting a dog, not only would you help an otherwise homeless pooch find a forever home but also set a great example for others to follow suit.

We’ve brought this Dog Adoption Guide to help you make the decision of adopting a dog from an impulse to thought through conscious one.

Dog Adoption Guide

What Kind of Dog Should You Adopt?

Before you bring home the happiness that’s a dog, please consider his age, size, grooming needs, health issues, and activity level.

It wouldn’t make sense to adopt a large dog if you live in a small flat. Similarly, furry breeds’ native to hills won’t be comfortable in say Chennai’s humidity or Delhi’s sweltering heat.

Go for a high energy dog if you have an active lifestyle. You’d, in this case, be required to channelize your dog’s energies by stimulation games – tips and tricks and exercises else you might see yourself complaining that ‘My dog is destructive as he tears household items apart’.

A sedentary life in the apartment or yard isn’t a dog’s idea of fun. They’re active animals who love to move around, sniff, explore and engage with the world. A dedicated dog owner will work through any issues, relocations, lifestyle changes, vet visits but alas not many who adopt a dog fall in this rare category.

‘The biggest fear that many a prospective pet parents have is that the dog isn’t going to get along well with them,’ says Sunny, CUPA Centre Manager, ‘but all it takes so often is just a friendly pat in the head.’

Your dog needs to get along with everyone in the household so please ensure that kids, other cats/dogs at home, the adults are taken in consent so that there’s no unfortunate case of later giving up on the dog.

How to Adopt a Dog in India: Complete Guide (Before & After Steps)

  • For first-time Indian adopters in apartments/families eyeing hardy Indie dogs. Visit registered shelters like Blue Cross or CUPA; spend time assessing energy/temperament match for your flat size and family dynamics. Submit ID/address proof, adoption form; expect home visit for safety. Sign contract, pay adoption fee (₹1,000-5,000 covering vaccines), then register with municipal vet for rabies tag.

  • Society/Landlord Rules for Apartments

    Many Indian societies ban breeds like Pitbulls but allow Indies; get written NOC pre-adoption. Landlord clause: Declare pet in lease; offer damage deposit.

  • Find shelter → Meet dogs → Home check → Sign papers → Vet visit.

  • Check society/landlord rules; budget ₹5,000 initial costs; commit 10-15 years.

  • What documents do I need to adopt a dog in India?
    Most shelters ask for government ID, address proof, basic adoption form, and sometimes rental NOC or society approval letter. Indies cost less (₹2,000 avg) vs. pedigrees; add ₹3,000-10,000 for first-year vaccines/sterilization.

    Are Indie Dogs Good Family Pets?

    Q: Are Indian street dogs good family pets?
    A: Indie dogs are hardy, intelligent, loyal; with socialization/vet care, they thrive in families/apartments. Low grooming suits humid cities; active but adaptable to Indian lifestyles unlike foreign breeds suited for different climate. Indies adapt well; studies show kids with dogs build stronger immunity. 

How old a puppy should be before you adopt him?

It is important to understand the importance of bringing home puppies at the appropriate age. Adopting a puppy under the age of two months can not only put their health at risk, but also have an impact on their development and growth.
 

See Also: The best dog for an Indian home

dog adoption guide infographic

 

Dogs demand time, love and attention and in return, you get unflinching love, companionship, and loyalty. But there’d be vet bills, chewed shoes, and long walks. It would mean more ‘we time’ as against ‘me-time’. Even your travel plans may need a thorough recheck. It may mean fewer parties (unless your dog is invited too!)

Where to adopt a dog?

India’s adoption scene is booming—shelters, indie rescues, and now government portals like CRPF’s K9 program offering retired service dogs completely free.  Spend some time with dogs at the shelter, not only to know them better in terms of energy and temperament but also to learn something about yourself in the process.

Adopt Retired CRPF K9s

CRPF’s Dog Breeding & Training School (DBTS) portal  lists 100+ healthy retirees yearly—German Shepherds, Labs, Belgian Malinois. Trained heroes deserve forever homes; you get unwavering loyalty. Launched publicly in 2025, it’s PAN-India with vet-checked dogs.

7-Step Adoption Process (From CRPF FAQs):​

  1. Visit portal → Filter (State/Breed/Gender).

  2. Click “Apply” → Submit form (ID proof, address).

  3. Shortlist review (1-2 weeks).

  4. Meet dog at nearest center.

  5. Home vet check + agreement.

  6. Collect your K9 (transport arranged).

  7. Annual check-ins (first year mandatory).

Costs? Zero adoption fee. Just commit to care—no resale/relocation without CRPF nod.​

Pro Tips Before Any Adoption

  • Match lifestyle: High-energy K9s need 2hr walks.​

  • Prep space: Secure yard for retirees’ zoomies.

Sign up for our adoption updates!

Adopting a senior dog is much more rewarding – not just in terms of the sheer nobility of it but also because of the love and gratitude that comes as a part of the bundle.

After you adopt a dog- What next?

Once you bring in a dog home, take him to the veterinarian so that necessary vaccinations and general health checkups can be done.

Please remember to:

  1. Get rid of any ticks and fleas on the dog.
  2. De-worming – Consult your vet regarding the de-worming tablets.
  3. Vaccinate your dog for distemper, hepatitis, Parvovirus, leptospirosis and rabies.

Your dog will be adjusting to an entirely new environment. Much of what’s commonplace and normal to you, may startle your pooch, from sights and sounds to smells.

Dog-proof the area where your pooch will spend most of his time during the first few months. Electrical cords, poisonous houseplants, and any item small enough to swallow are just a few of the things that should be out of his reach.

Also See: Is the dog food you’re giving your pooch, good for him? 

You need to be patient with your dog and work slow and easy to build a relationship with him. Not only will this give him a sense of stability and security but will also help him get comfortable with housemates.

  • Ensure that your dog carries an ID tag with your phone number on it so that he has an extra measure of safety.
  • Your dog must get plenty of exercise, socialization, and attention as all of it leads to building a healthy and happy relationship.

One of the biggest reasons why people give up dogs is because they’ve had a baby. This is extremely sad and akin to giving up on life as you intend to welcome another. Dogs and kids make the best of friends if only people realized it!

Babies who grow up with dogs have a much better immune system as cited in many scientific studies.

See Also: Promises that you make to your dog… 

Remember that adopting a puppy is like having a baby. Also, abreast yourself with this illustrious guide to understanding the body language of dogs.

So be patient and let the fun and frolic begin 🙂

Know of anyone looking to adopt a dog? Please do share this dog adoption guide with them.

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4 thoughts on “Dog Adoption Guide: What to do before and after you adopt a dog”

  1. Myra

    Adopting a dog is a great adventure. Remember that you give second chance to another animal being. Be sure though that your choice is thought through and just follow the guide in this article. Good luck!

    1. Blandine Nagecia

      I have a street dog but I am having problems of my own house because m staying in a rent that’s why I want to give him away.please help me that any can take him

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