YOU ARE READY TO ADOPT A FUR BABY! Having a dog in the South can be such a rewarding thing. A new best friend, travel companion, and roommate. But what happens when you are ready to purchase your pooch?

If you are looking for the weekend trip guide to adopting a buddy in the South, this is the best place to start. This honest guide will tell you everything you need to know about real costs, real timelines, and where to take a weekend trip to meet your new dog. If you’re still not certain about rescuing, adopting, or shelters, check out our guide here

Here is everything you need to know about the adoption process in the South:

Rescue Dog Adoption Guide

Adopting a dog is an out-of-office experience. Although you can search for your new companion online, you must leave your house to find your perfect companion. The drive itself is one of the most exciting parts of the journey. You leave your home alone and come back with the pitter-patter of little paws that will fill your home with love.

Yes, searching local shelters is a great place to start. This strategy gives you an idea of what type of dogs are available. But the true magic happens when you get in your car and head to one of the nearby dog rescues. Being in-person is where the journey between you and your new love truly begins.

What You’ll Actually Pay in a Year

You found the dog of your dreams. You put them in the car and headed home together. Now is when the fun starts! However, it is wise to know the cost of owning a furry companion. This can prepare you for all things dog owner.

Here are the typical first-year costs after dog adoption:

• Adoption fee – $50 – 300 – Can include neuter/spay, vaccinations, heartworm test, tick and flea prevention
• Spay/neuter – $200 – 600 – Can be included in adoption fee in certain locations
• Initial vet wellness exam – $150 – 350 –
• Supplies: Bed/crate $50 – 200, food and water bowls $15 – 50, treats and toys $100 – 400, leash and collar $20 – 60
• Food – $400 – 1200 – This can vary based on size, breed, weight, age
• Pet insurance – $400 – 1500 – Depends on your first-year premium

What Mixed-breed Temperament Actually Looks Like

Knowing what you are getting is as important as which dog you choose. Learning how to read shelter descriptions is your best move. Searching for things like “good with kids” is a great example.

First, knowing your lifestyle is important. If you have children, other pets, sharp corners, and breakable things, that is a great place to start. Match the shelter description to what matches your lifestyle. This includes when looking at different dog breeds to adopt.

Temperament is something that is both instinctive in the dog and training by the individual. Every dog can be trained to behave and exhibit behaviors that are fitting to your lifestyle. If you are looking for a more active breed, you can narrow down the winners.

If you are looking for a family-style dog, your breed options may be different than a guard dog breed. Either way, you can train whichever breed to fit your needs and preferences.

The 3-3-3- Rule

The 3-3-3 Rule is tried and true. This rule allows the dog the following:

• 3 days to decompress
• 3 weeks to settle
• 3 months to feel at home

This is also considered the “rescue dog honeymoon period.” Yes, you get a honeymoon with your pet, too! The first few days, the dog may feel overwhelmed or scared. This is normal. There is nothing wrong with your dog.

Your new baby may not be eating or drinking much within the first few days. After a few weeks, they pretty pooch starts to settle in and realize they are safe with you. They begin to acclimate and feel more comfortable. Getting into a routine helps them reach this level faster.

After a few months, the dog is comfortable in their new and fur-ever home. They have built trust and bonded with you. They will settle well into their daily routine with you and gain a total sense of security. You now have a mate for life!

Please note that every dog is beautiful and unique. These timeframes are not concrete, as every dog is different. Please allow them the space to get acclimated and comfortable. Keep showing up and showing them they are safe and loved. Be there to support them on their new journey in getting to know you. They will learn to trust and love you!

The Trip Itself For Meet-and-Greet

Now you are ready to pick up your pooch! This is what you need to bring to your meet-and-greet:

• Safety gear – A leash and harness are the best way to go. Get a comfortable, adjustable-fit harness.
• Sturdy pet carrier – This is vital for medium to larger breeds or scared dogs.
• D. tag – Have an I.D. tag with your information engraved, even if the shelter offers you one.
• Dog bed and blanket – This can make their first ride to their new home feel safe and comfortable.
• Toys – Bring several toys for them to choose from. These can reduce stress on your car trip.
• Potty pads – If you have a long trip, it is a great idea to bring puppy potty pads during potty breaks.
• Food and treats – Food and water bowls are a great option
• Health paperwork – Copies of medications, vaccination records, medical documents, etc. are useful if the adoption goes forward.
• Adoption application/contract – Have these copies filled out and ready in the event you find the pup of your dreams and are ready to adopt!

A great tip is to arrive at the meet-and-greet early. Let the dog meet you outside and allow them to smell you. Watch their body language before you approach them. Allow them to come to you. Show them you are safe and trustworthy.

What You ACTUALLY Need – Not What is Marketed To You

Hundreds of marketing gimmicks can be found all over your phone and computer. “Buy this,” “You must have that.” Here is the actual tried-and-true-and-proven scoop:

• Dog bed
• Crate
• Leash
• Harness
• Collar with I.D.
• Food and water bowls
• Selected vet

Here is what you don’t need:

• Designer beds
• Top-of-the-line treats and food
• Name-brand everything (or anything!)
• Subscription boxes

Where to Find Rescue Mutts in the South

If you are ready to find your fur-ever best friend in the South, this is the place to start! Here you go:

Atlanta

• Atlanta Humane Society – This rescue shelter offers a variety of different breeds and ages of furry companions to adopt!
• PAWS Atlanta – You can learn all about the dogs available to adopt and fill out an application online.
• LifeLine Animal Project – This shelter offers affordable veterinary care and adoption services to the public.

Charlotte

• Humane Society of Charlotte – This well-known organization focuses on adoption and rescue, with a website that allows you to see the dogs available for adoption.
• Halfway There Rescue – This is a volunteer-run organization that rescues dogs from overcrowded shelters and helps assist in the adoption process. They also offer free veterinary care for animals in need.
• South Charlotte Dog Rescue – This organization rescues dogs and helps them get adopted into permanent homes. They offer a list of available dogs for adoption, including listing their needs and personality traits.

Nashville

• Wags and Walks Nashville – This organization boasts over 5,200 dogs rescued since 2019, getting them relocated into forever homes. They offer online descriptions of all dogs available for adoption and meet-and-greet opportunities.
• Rural Animal Rescue Effort (RARE) – RARE is a rescue center that rescues animals from rural shelters for adoption. All dogs are spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and receive the medical care they may need.
• Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue – This is another volunteer-based organization that rescues and provides medical care for dogs. They also provide necessary training before adoption.

Notable mentions:

Charleston

• Charleston Animal Society – This organization rescues abused and homeless animals. They sponsor adoption and fostering of dogs looking for their new companions.

Savannah

• Humane Society for Greater Savannah – This rescue shelter helps rescue dogs and relocate them to new, loving homes. They offer spay and neuter services as well as essential medical care, as well as post-adoption support.

An Honest Closing

Finding a new dog can be exhilarating. However, it can also be difficult. The process is not seamless, nor are the transitions always easy. This is hard. Do it anyway. No one is ever fully prepared or ready to take on the responsibility of a furry friend. But the risk is fully worth the reward.

You will look over your shoulder on your first drive home with your new baby. This drive paves the way to a brand new journey for you both. No longer will you have to do road trips alone, sit on your couch in solitude, or wish you had someone who unconditionally loves you.

Your beautiful pup is there to live life with you, bring you joy, some tail-wagging, and endless memories. It can be tough sometimes – but do it anyway. This is your newest adventure!