Best Places to Get a Dog: Adoption, Shelters & Reputable Breeders

Looking for a new four‑legged friend and wondering where to start? The best place to get a dog depends on your budget, lifestyle, and how much research you’re ready to do. Below you’ll find a clear, step‑by‑step guide that walks you through every major option - from local shelters to carefully screened breeders - so you can make a confident decision without falling for scams or bad matches.

What you need to decide before you start

• Do you prefer a specific breed or are you open to mixed‑breed dogs?
• How much time can you devote to training, grooming, and exercise?
• What is your budget for purchase fees, veterinary care, and ongoing supplies?
• Are you ready for a potential waiting period or adoption process paperwork?

Answering these questions narrows the field and makes the search far less overwhelming.

Understanding the main sources

There are fiveprimary ways people acquire dogs in the United States and Ireland:

1. Local Animal Shelter - a municipal or nonprofit facility that takes in stray, abandoned, or surrendered dogs. Shelters focus on re‑homing dogs quickly and often provide basic health checks, vaccinations, and spay/neuter services.
2. Breed‑specific Dog Rescue - an organization that saves a particular breed or type. Rescues usually have a rigorous screening process and keep dogs in foster homes until adoption.
3. Reputable Breeder - a person or business that deliberately breeds dogs according to health standards. A good breeder will provide health clearances, socialisation, and a contract protecting both parties.
4. Pet stores and online platforms - commercial venues that sell dogs, often sourced from puppy mills or third‑party breeders.
5. Private owners looking to re‑home a dog - informal arrangements that can be reliable but require due diligence.

Each source has its own set of advantages and trade‑offs. Let’s dig deeper.

Animal Shelters - community heroes

Shelters are the go‑to for most first‑time owners because they offer a low‑cost entry point and a built‑in safety net. In Dublin, the Dublin Dog Rescue operates from a central hub and partners with local councils to house stray dogs. works with over 1,200 volunteers and re‑homes roughly 500 dogs a year.

• Pros: Adoption fees usually cover spay/neuter, microchip, and first vaccinations. Dogs often come with a temperament assessment, so you get a realistic idea of their behavior.
• Cons: Many shelters are at capacity, meaning wait times can be several weeks. Some dogs may have unknown medical histories if they were rescued late.
• Tips: Visit multiple times, ask staff about the dog’s history, and request a trial period if possible.

Breed‑Specific Rescue Groups

If you have your heart set on a particular breed, a rescue is a smart middle ground between a shelter and a breeder. For example, the Irish Wolfhound Rescue Ireland focuses on re‑homing giant breeds and runs a rigorous health‑screening program. typically has a waiting list, but the dogs are placed in foster homes where they receive personalized care.

• Pros: Dogs are often already socialised and health‑tested. You’ll join a community of breed enthusiasts who can offer support.
• Cons: Adoption fees can be higher (often €500‑€800) to cover veterinary expenses. Waiting periods can run months.
• Tips: Sign up for newsletters, engage with their social media, and be prepared to fill out a detailed application.

Reputable Breeders - when you need a known pedigree

Not every breeder is a puppy mill, but finding a Reputable Breeder means looking for health certifications, a clean facility, and a willingness to answer questions about lineage. is critical. In the UK and Ireland, the Kennel Club maintains a list of approved breeders who must comply with strict health testing.

• Pros: Puppies come with documented health clearances (e.g., OFA for hips). You get early training guidance and a predictable temperament.
• Cons: Costs are steep - €1,200‑€3,000 for popular breeds. You’ll also likely sign a contract that includes a return policy.
• Tips: Visit the breeder’s facility, meet the puppy’s parents, and ask for references from previous buyers.

Pet Stores and Online Adoption Platforms - tread carefully

Big‑box pet stores often source puppies from large‑scale operations. While they may advertise “healthy, vet‑checked pups,” the lack of transparency can hide genetic issues. Online platforms like Pets4Homes aggregate listings from breeders, rescues, and private sellers across the UK and Ireland. provide filters, but the buyer remains responsible for vetting each listing.

• Red flags: Sellers who won’t allow a home visit, ask for full payment upfront, or cannot provide health paperwork.
• Safer approach: Use the platform’s “rescues only” filter, request veterinary records, and arrange a meet‑and‑greet in a neutral location.

How to choose the right source for your lifestyle

Use the following decision matrix to match your priorities with the strongest source:

Checklist: Steps to adopt responsibly

1. Research the source: Verify registration, read reviews, and ask for references.
2. Visit the facility or meet the dog in person. Observe cleanliness, dog behavior, and staff knowledge.
3. Request veterinary records: vaccination dates, deworming, health clearances, and microchip info.
4. Complete the adoption application: be honest about your schedule, housing, and experience.
5. Prepare your home: purchase a crate, food, toys, and set up a safe space before the dog arrives.
6. Schedule a vet check within the first week to confirm health status and discuss a vaccination plan.
7. Enroll in a basic obedience class within the first month to aid socialisation.

Red flags to avoid

• Seller refuses to let you see where the puppies are raised.
• No health paperwork or vague answers about parents' health.
• Pressure to sign a contract immediately without a trial period.
• Prices that seem too good to be true - often a sign of a puppy mill.