What is involved in adopting a dog from a shelter?
Very little. Most shelters spay or neuter before the dog is allowed to leave. It will be vaccinated but that’s about all the veterinary care it will receive. Some shelters will give you a certificate for a free veterinary check then you’re on your own. The cost of adoption is different in each city and state but generally, it costs less than $100. Humane societies may require a house check similar to the rescue groups but municipal shelters are too understaffed to undertake investigations before adoption. Now what? Where do I find a shelter? You can do a Google search using the keywords: Animal Shelter plus your city and state. You can look in your phone book under “Humane Society,” or “animal shelter.” You can call your local Chamber of Commerce or ask at the nearest pet supply store. Nearly every community has some facility to house homeless animals. Your loyal Akita waits for you in one of those shelters.
