Why You Should Consider Adopting a Dog From a Rescue

Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue
Jun 14
5 min read

Are you thinking about getting a dog? If so, we really hope you’ll consider adopting from a rescue.

Not only can bringing home a rescue dog be a rewarding experience, but it’s also often the most responsible and compassionate choice.

Here’s why adopting a dog from a rescue could be the best decision you’ll ever make.

1. Rescues Can Guide You to the Right Match

One huge advantage of adopting from a rescue is the personalized matchmaking process. Rescue organizations and foster homes get to know the dogs in their care. This includes what they love, what makes them anxious, and what kind of home they’ll thrive in.

They also take the time to get to know you and your family. This includes your schedule, lifestyle, and what kind of dog you are looking for.

Instead of guessing which dog might fit your lifestyle or getting a puppy from a breeder and hoping for the best, working with a rescue means you’ll get expert advice from people who know the dog well and have gotten to know you a bit, too!

This thoughtful matching process increases the chances of a life-long relationship between you and your new dog.

Learn More: How To Choose the Right Dog For Your Home

2. Most Health Needs Should Be Addressed

Dogs from reputable rescues are typically vetted before adoption. This means they’re usually spayed or neutered, up to date on vaccines, and screened for common health issues in the event they are symptomatic.

In California, it’s actually the law that rescues and shelters spay or neuter dogs prior to adoption. Breeders aren’t subject to the same law, so you’ll be on your own to deal with that when the time comes.

Beyond that, rescues will likely have the dog microchipped and up-to-date on flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives. And if the dog has any illness or ailment, they'll probably have it treated before adoption.

Learn More: Adult Dog Vaccine Schedule

3. More Behavioral Info Should Be Available

Behavior and temperament are huge factors when choosing the right dog for your family. Rescues can offer valuable insights here.

Whether the dog is living in a foster home or a well-run shelter, they’re being observed daily. This gives you a better idea of how the dog reacts to kids, strangers, other animals, and household routines.

The caveat to this is that dogs can sometimes change once they enter a new environment. Nevertheless, a rescue should be able to provide you with a fairly accurate baseline of what to expect from your new dog.

Learn More: Questions To Ask When Adopting a Dog From a Rescue

4. You Should Receive Post-Adoption Support

Adopting usually doesn’t mean you’re on your own once the dog is in your home. Many rescues offer ongoing support in the form of training advice, references to veterinarians, and more. Some even partner with trainers or offer discounts on obedience classes.

Having that safety net can make all the difference during those early weeks of adjustment.

At Diamond's Friends Pet Rescue, all of our adopters have our Executive Director's cell phone number and can contact her at any time for questions or support. While this might not be the protocol for all rescues, most rescues will provide some support to ensure the long-term success of the adoption.

5. The Dog May Come With Some Training

Rescue dogs often have had some training, especially if they've lived in a foster home. They might be house-trained, crate-savvy, or familiar with basic commands.

Even if they need a refresher once they are in a new home, they’re usually beyond the puppy chaos stage (or the rescue can make you aware of exactly what training needs will be required once the dog is in your home), which can be appealing.

6. It Can Be More Affordable

Adoption fees are usually way lower than what a breeder will charge. Better yet, that fee often covers spaying or neutering, vaccinations, and microchipping.

The usual adoption fees we’ve seen range from $200 to $500, while buying a dog can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more. Plus, when you buy a dog, you’ll still need to pay for the spay and neuter, putting you out even more money.

Your savings can go straight into toys, beds, and high-quality food for your new pup.

Learn More: How To Choose the Right Food For Your Dog

7. You Won’t Be Accidentally Supporting a Backyard Breeder

One big risk of getting a dog online or through classified ads is unknowingly supporting backyard breeders or puppy mills. These operations often put profit before animal welfare, leading to poor living conditions and unhealthy dogs.

Sadly, the people behind backyard breeding and puppy mills know how to prey on unsuspecting dog lovers, inaccurately using terms like “rehoming” or “adopt” to bamboozle people into thinking they’ve saved a dog.

Adopting from a rescue ensures you're not supporting unethical practices.

8. Rescue Dogs Aren’t “Broken”

There's an inaccurate myth that all rescue dogs come with baggage or behavioral issues. This makes people think they are damaged, broken, or too difficult to welcome into their homes.

The truth? Most are simply in need of a stable, loving home.

Some have lost families due to moves, deaths in the family, financial issues, or lifestyle changes, none of which are their fault. With love and structure, rescue dogs often thrive and become deeply loyal companions.

9. We Are Dealing With a Massive Pet Overpopulation Issue

Currently, dog euthanasia rates in the U.S. are rising because shelters and rescues are overcrowded. There are more dogs looking for homes than there are homes looking for dogs…yet breeders continue to keep breeding.

By buying from a breeder, you are contributing to the overpopulation issue by proving there is a demand for certain breeds of dogs. Backyard breeders and puppy mills then use this proof of demand to warrant breeding more dogs to make a profit.

It’s a vicious cycle, and you can help put an end to it by adopting from a rescue.

10. You Are Saving Two Lives (Potentially More)

When you adopt a dog from a rescue, you’re doing more than helping one animal. You’re also making space for another to be saved. According to data from Shelter Animals Count, almost 334,000 dogs were euthanized in United States shelters and rescues in 2024.

Sadly, that data is only from shelters and rescues who report their stats to Shelter Animals Count. That number is likely higher.

Your adoption creates a ripple effect, opening up space and resources for another animal in need. Plus, when you adopt from a rescue, you lead by example and show people just how awesome rescue can be, potentially saving even more lives!

Final Thoughts

Adopting from a rescue is about giving a deserving dog a fresh start while completing your family.

Whether you're drawn to a bouncy pup or a calm senior, there's a rescue dog out there waiting to meet you. We hope you'll give them a chance!

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