How to Adopt a Dog or Cat from a Shelter: A Simple Guide

Choosing to adopt a dog or adopt a cat from a shelter means giving a home to an animal who doesn't have one, instead of buying. It's a wonderful decision, but one to make calmly and thoughtfully: a pet becomes part of the family for many years. This guide walks you through how shelter adoption works, what to weigh up before you say yes, and how to spot the listings you should stay away from.

Why adopt from a shelter instead of buying

Shelters and rescues are full of dogs and cats waiting for a family. When you adopt a dog or adopt a cat from a shelter, you don't just help one animal: you free up a space so another one can be taken in. In practice, you save two lives at once.

• You give a second chance to an animal who has often already lived through being abandoned.
• You don't fuel puppy mills or irregular breeding.
• Many shelter animals are already adults, so you know their character and size from the start.
• Adoptions are usually free or ask for a small contribution, and the animal typically comes already vet-checked, vaccinated and microchipped.

How shelter adoption works, step by step

Adopting a dog or a cat from a shelter is straightforward, but it always involves getting to know each other first: you don't take an animal home at first sight. Here are the most common steps.

• Visit the shelter or rescue. Book a time, look around without rushing, and ask the staff or volunteers about the animals' stories.
• Get to know the animal. Meet more than once: watch how they react to you, to your family and to other animals. Ask about temperament, habits and any health needs.
• Fill in the adoption application. The shelter may ask about your home and routine. That's normal, it helps them find the right match.
• Sign the adoption agreement. You'll receive a form committing you to care for the animal, and the microchip is registered in your name in the official pet database.
• Prepare for the homecoming. Many rescues do a follow-up in the weeks after, even just a phone call, to check that everything is going well.

What to consider before you adopt

Before you adopt from a shelter, pause and ask yourself honestly whether it's the right time. It's kinder to say no now than to return an animal after a few weeks.

• Time. Dogs need daily walks and company; cats need attention too. Who will be with them during the day?
• Space and lifestyle. Small flat, garden, working hours, travel: choose a size and character that fit your real life, not an idealised one.
• Costs. Budget for food, vet visits, yearly vaccinations, parasite treatments and the occasional surprise. A pet is an ongoing expense.
• Family. Children, other pets, possible allergies: talk it through with everyone first, because the choice should be shared.
• The long haul. A dog or cat can live 15 years or more. It's a long commitment, not a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Watch out for suspicious listings

Alongside genuine adoptions, there are scams and unclear rehoming offers, especially online. A few warning signs worth knowing.

• They ask for money upfront for "transport" or "paperwork" before you've even seen the animal.
• They give away purebred puppies "urgently", with no microchip or health records.
• They won't let you visit where the animal lives, or avoid meeting in person.
• They sign nothing and disappear after handing the animal over.

Always prefer recognised shelters, rescues and associations. Ask to see the microchip and documents, and have your new companion checked by a trusted vet after adoption. If you suspect animal cruelty or trafficking, in Italy you can alert the environmental police (Carabinieri Forestali) on 1515 or call 112.

How Orma helps you find adoptions near you

Finding the right shelter isn't always easy. With Orma you can see adoptions from shelters and rescues near you, with photos and a description of each animal, so you can get a sense of them before you even visit.

• Browse the dogs and cats looking for a home calmly, with no pressure.
• Contact the shelter safely from the app, with your details kept private.
• Arrive at your appointment already informed, with a clearer idea of who you might meet.

Adopting changes a life, and often yours too. Take the time you need, ask the right questions, and choose with your heart but also with your head: when the moment comes, you'll know the right animal for you.