Finding your ideal dog in Melbourne is an exciting adventure whether you’re looking to rescue and adopt from a reputable rescue organisation or looking to purchase from a reputable breeder. This guide will provide you with some options through which you can decide what’s best for you and your soon-to-be pup.
Reasons Why You Should Adopt
Adopting a dog in Melbourne is a noble thing to do! So many dogs across Victoria are waiting for their forever homes in shelters and foster homes. These dogs can come in various shapes, sizes, ages and temperaments, and the odds are that a perfect pup is waiting there somewhere for you.
Reasons Why You Should Adopt a Rescue Pup
When you adopt a pup, you give a dog a chance at a new life. Rescued dogs often come already trained (house training and basic obedience skills) and are sometimes less expensive than starting from scratch with a puppy. Furthermore, adoption fees often include desexing, microchip, vaccination and health checks.
Furthermore, reputable rescue organisations will have backgrounds on their animals and can help recommend the best fit for you based on temperament. They often have take-back policies if things do not work out, and some provide free consultation months after adoption for new owners.
Where to Adopt Dogs in Melbourne
Melbourne has numerous reputable rescue organisations and shelters committed to animal welfare:
The Lost Dogs’ Home operates shelters in North Melbourne and Cranbourne, rehoming thousands of dogs annually. They offer a comprehensive adoption process with behavioural assessments and matching services.
RSPCA Victoria has adoption centres across Melbourne’s suburbs, including Burwood East and Peninsula. They provide thorough medical care and behavioural evaluation for all animals.
Saving Animals From Euthanasia (SAFE) is a foster-based rescue network throughout Victoria, allowing dogs to live in home environments while awaiting adoption.
Pound rounds and breed-specific rescues also operate across Melbourne. Breed-specific organisations like Australian Cattle Dog Rescue or Greyhound Adoption Program specialise in particular breeds and can provide expert guidance.
The Adoption Process: What to Expect
The general process for dog adoption in Melbourne is standard across most rescue organisations. You will fill out an application indicating your home, history with other dogs, and daily routine. Many will come to your home for a visit to assess whether the environment is appropriate for a pup.
You can expect to pay between $200 and $500 for an adoption fee, which will indicate the level of medical treatment the dog received while in their possession. Some rescues offer a trial period to see whether you and the dog are a good fit, so be prepared to stand your ground. Good things come to those who wait.
Buying from Responsible Breeders: A Valid Alternative
While adoption is a wonderful thing, there’s nothing wrong with getting a puppy from an ethical, registered breeder in Melbourne (especially if you want a specific breed for working/sport needs or have specific temperament, size, and fur needs).
How to Identify a Responsible Breeder
A responsible breeder values their dogs and their dog’s health over profit. They must be registered with a reputable organisation and breed for improvement of their chosen breed, not just to produce more puppies.
Ethical breeders will be happy to answer any of your questions and will also have plenty of their own. They will likely want to know about your lifestyle, home, personality, and your experience with dogs.
They should be happy to provide health clearances of the parent dogs, showing testing for breed-specific genetic conditions.
You should be able to meet the mum and see where puppies are raised. Their living conditions should be clean with a stimulating environment. The pups should be social and appear healthy with good coats. Responsible breeders will keep puppies until eight weeks old, ensuring that they begin socialisation and basic training.
Red Flags to Avoid
Avoid dodgy sellers—those who have too many breeds, those who say they can’t come see you, those who pressure you to buy right away. Never buy a puppy younger than eight weeks old. Avoid meeting in public places like car parks, and always ask for registration papers and health records.
If pet shops sell puppies, they’re more likely to get them from puppy farms, which are commercial breeding facilities that care more about breeding for cash than health. Responsible breeders will not sell their puppies through a pet shop or an online ad without an intense vetting process.
If it’s too good to be true, it’s may very well be too good to be true. Purebred puppies are costly; however, those that are incredibly low-priced probably were bred from inferior stock and/or have too many health problems that the seller doesn’t want you to know about.
Using PetsForHomes.com.au Safely
Always insist on meeting the dog in question at the breeder’s home or at the foster parent’s location. If not, try to get into a video call walkthrough of where the puppies are being raised. Never wire a deposit to someone who hasn’t been verified by an ethical verification group like Responsible Pet Breeders Australia. Ask for references from veterinarians or previous puppy buyers.
Look for comprehensive, accurate ads that discuss the dog’s personality, health, training, and any issues. Avoid overly vague ads or ads with stock photos instead of real pictures of the dog in question.
Reputable rescues and registered breeders will have contact information, websites, and a social media presence. Always reach out for further questions before committing.
Preparing for Your New Dog
Whether you’re adopting or buying, dog ownership requires preparation for an easy transition. Dog-proof your house and yard—take care of potential hazards, if any, and ensure proper fencing is in place. Purchase necessary items like food and water bowls, bedding, collar and lead, tags, and required toys.
Identify a trusted vet prior to bringing home your new pooch. You may want to enroll your new friend in puppy school or obedience classes—socialisation and training are important for any pup at any age and any circumstance.
Expect to spend for the proper care of your pup, which will include quality dog food, parasite prevention, vaccinations, insurance, grooming, vet visits, and training. Having a dog is a long-term commitment as they can live for 10 to 15 years, and they will need proper care throughout all of those years.
Finding Your Perfect Match in Melbourne
Whether you decide to adopt a rescue pup or purchase from an ethical breeder, Melbourne has excellent options for finding your future best friend. Don’t rush the process and don’t settle. Good things take time and if you do your research, finding the right rescue or the right breeder, you will find the right pup for your in Melbourne.
Ultimately, all dogs deserve a loving and committed home. By choosing to get a pup from a dog adoption rescue in Melbourne or whether you’re opting to support ethical breeding practices, you’re giving a pup a new home and contributing to animal welfare.
Start your search today on PetsForHomes.com.au, where you can browse adoptable dogs from verified rescue organisations and connect with registered breeders who prioritise the health and happiness of their dogs. Your perfect companion is out there waiting to meet you!
