If you want to start adopting stray dogs or want a free puppy without inadvertently supporting puppy mills, there are plenty of ways for you to open your heart to a homeless animal. Whether you’re looking to become a pet owner or want to be a foster parent, free adoptions are a great way to meet a new furry friend that you can take home. In this guide, we’ll take you through the different options that you can look into for where you can get free puppies.
Before Adopting a Dog, Watch “Free Puppies!”
When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in August 2005, it left 250,000 homeless dogs and pets. As a result, the nation-wide dog rescue effort that followed gave birth to the infrastructure of modern pet transport as we know it. Since then, thousands of rescue dogs from the underserved areas of the rural south have found new homes thanks to the tireless efforts of a grassroots network of dog rescuers.
Today, rescue groups, individual volunteers, animal shelters, and transporters have built a movement to help southern dogs find their homes in various areas of the country where adoption is in low supply but in high demand. “Free Puppies!” is based on a true story about a local animal shelter along with the complex challenges faced by a group of women dog rescuers. Following them through their journey along Alabama, Georgia, and Tennessee, “Free Puppies” shed light on why there is a rescue dog crisis in the first place.
This group of intrepid women rescuers not only promote humane education, improve local ordinances, and finds dogs a permanent home, but they also organize accessible spay that’s affordable. Directors Samantha Wishman and Christina Thomas come together to bring this charming documentary that features special needs dogs and their saviors as they solve demands for dog adoption. It has also been praised by the New York Times, saying that it’s a “Noteworthy Film of the Summer”!
Where to Get Free Puppies
Now that you’re ready to adopt your new puppy and excited to be a dog owner, here are the best options for you to choose from.
1. Local Dog Shelters
These can be found in almost every community across the country and are mostly owned by the government, where homeless dogs are cared for. Sadly, these pups were abandoned, lost, or left on the side of a road by irresponsible human beings. Because they carry such huge numbers of available pets, local shelters will readily provide qualified dog adopters dogs for free.
2. Local Breeders
If you’re looking for a particular breed or want to adopt a litter of puppies, then this is the best place to do so. Be sure to look through your neighborhood where some breeders may be trying to rehome pups that didn’t find buyers or were left over from a previous sale. However, make sure that you don’t get dogs from shady breeders that may have unethical breeding practices looking to get rid of puppies with inherited disorders.
3. Newspaper Ads
Sometimes, people will post information about rehoming their puppies using a newspaper ad. The local newspaper will usually have captions for free dogs under the classifieds along with the owner’s contact details. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see pictures or much information about the dog itself — instead, engage the owner by asking for a valid photo ID.
4. Instagram Breeders
Instagram is all the rage now — this social media platform can be the right place to connect with people who can lead you to free puppies, especially through the use of #hashtags. Try your luck by searching for the following hashtags:
- #dogforfree
- #freepupsforadoption
- #intagrambreederfeeds
- #dogsupplies – If you need supplies for your new dog
While this can be an easier way to find a free puppy, be sure to do your due diligence on the dog and the breeder before closing your deal. According to a certain animal rights organization, various unethical pet deals have been taking place on Instagram, where it has been described as an advertiser of puppy mills.
5. Rescue Organizations
These are known as private organizations that care for dogs that were rescued from deplorable or abusive conditions. They often place dogs in a foster home where they are given the love and care they need until they find a fur-ever home that’s a good fit. Rescue organizations primarily rely on sponsors and might charge minimal adoption fees to cover the expenses of their rescues.
6. Facebook Groups
Doing a quick search on Facebook can give you a wide variety of dog adoption groups that have been created to help rehome puppies and adult dogs. If you’re looking for a senior dog, you’re also likely to find one at this internet site. You’ll also find that you can quickly contact the owner to learn more about the adoption process so that you can rehome your new canine pal faster.
7. Email For Referrals
When you don’t want to visit pet stores for your dog, the fastest way to get one for free is to be proactive. You can get started by getting the email address and mobile number of various individuals or organizations that can help you with giveaway puppies. These include the following:
- Shelters and rescues
- Breeders
- Animal rights organizations
- Local and national kennel clubs
- Your neighbors
It will also help if you keep an eye on upcoming events at your local dog rescues where you may be able to get a waiver on adoption fees.
Source Your Free Puppies Responsibly
When getting a new pet, pet shops shouldn’t be the first stop in your search. Be sure to look through our local pet shelters and rescue groups, where dogs of all breeds, ages, and sizes are looking for a family that will love them and a home that will keep them safe. But before you sign any papers and take your new buddy home, do your research and make sure that you will be fully committed to raising your pup so that it never has to experience the adoption process again.
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