Adopt a Dog

Adopting a dog is a responsible and ethical choice that can make a big difference in the life of a dog in need. By adopting, you are giving a second chance to a dog that may have been abandoned or surrendered by its previous owner.  Overall, adopting a dog is a rewarding experience that can provide a loving home to a furry friend while making a positive impact on the community.

View our Dogs

Dog stood on back legs in long grass, panting heavily.

Considerations

This could be a 10-15 year commitment. That’s a large chunk out of your life. What do you want from your dog, and is it realistic? Do you want a cuddle-bunny to sit on your lap, or a personal training partner, or a fashion accessory? The answers to this question could greatly influence your choice of dog.

Dogs cost money! You need to decide if you can afford to pay veterinary and food bills etc. Your new dog will (hopefully) be with you for many years to come.

Dogs require your time. They need social contact for their mental well-being. Not to mention training, walking, grooming and feeding time. ARF uses a ‘perfect match’ system for our dogs which will help you to choose the right dog for your lifestyle.

Many landlords don’t allow dogs, so check first – before you have your heart broken and your rescue dog winds up homeless yet again.

If you have 3 children under six years old, or are contemplating an overseas job, or have a job which is just coming up to the busy season, for instance, it might be better to wait until you can give your new dog the attention he or she will need to help them adjust to their new home.

A large energetic dog in a small apartment might not work, if you are also unable to give the dog the appropriate level of exercise. Or perhaps you’re never home to give it the social contact it needs. Some dogs don’t like to share their humans with other pets, some dogs like to have a doggy friend to play with. Research the breed types, talk to the dog’s current carers, and try to establish if you and the dog will be suited to each other.

Yes – really! Dog ownership takes a certain amount of “know-how”. If you’ve never owned a dog before, or not since you were a child, you may be in for a bit of learning curve. Fortunately, the resources are out there for you if you need help.

If you are houseproud, how will you cope if your new dog soils the carpet, or chews on the couch? What about the hair? Be honest with yourself. If these issues are important to you, that’s OK – just choose carefully so that you get a dog you CAN live with.

Today’s laws require your dog to be registered, identified, and kept on lead except in specific areas. If you go away on holiday without the dog, it will need to be cared for in your absence. There are your neighbours to consider – their needs, and how they will impact on your dog’s quality of life. Then there’s the everyday responsibilities of having a dog – feeding, watering, walking, bathing, grooming, loving. Are you ready for this commitment?

Dog stood on back legs in long grass, panting heavily.

Adoption Process

ARF is not a shop where dogs are sold on a first come, first served basis. We consider ourselves more like a ‘matchmaking’ service where dogs are adopted into the most suitable ‘forever’ home available to meet the dog’s (and the person’s) characteristics and needs.

  • 1
    Read and understand the perfect match criteria to help you choose your future dog.
  • 2
    View the Available dogs gallery and find matches.
  • 3
    Contact the foster carer by filling in the enquiry form at the bottom of the dog’s profile. Please bear in mind that many dogs get a lot of enquiries.
  • 4
    The foster carer will then talk with you about your lifestyle and the sort of dog you are looking for.
  • 5
    They then visit your home to conduct a yard check. If both you and the foster carer are happy and wish to proceed, both parties will complete an adoption agreement.
  • 6
    The final decision about which new home the dog goes too is made by the foster carer based on their knowledge and understanding of both the potential home and the personality of the individual dog.
  • 7
    Sometimes it may take several enquiries before you meet an ARF dog that is right for you.
Small terrier walking on a patio, tongue hanging out.
Small terrier walking on a patio, tongue hanging out.
Chocolate Lab Licking muzzle

Adoption Fees

This fee helps cover the cost of caring for the dogs we rescue. These costs may include veterinary care, food, shelter, specialist training and other expenses associated with providing a safe and comfortable environment for the dogs. By charging an adoption fee,  we can ensure that the dogs receive the proper care they need and can continue to rescue more dogs in need.

  • Dogs up to 4 months old – $650 (incl GST) (with reimbursement to the new owner of $100 on production of a receipt for puppy classes)

  • Dogs not expected to go to puppy classes up to and including 10 years old – $450 (incl GST)

  • Dogs older than 10 years – $300 (incl GST)

  • Special needs dogs – cost assessed on the individual dog
Chocolate Lab Licking muzzle

Perfect Match

We’ll help make a match made in heaven

ARF has developed the perfect match system to make it really easy for you to find the best dog for you and your family.

Each dog that comes into foster care is temperament tested and assessed against some basic criteria. The dogs are then grouped into one of three categories, with each category being represented by a colour:

Make a difference to a dog’s life

Click on the Buttons below to find out what you can do to make a difference to a dog’s life