How Old Do You Have to Be to Adopt a Pet?

Adopting a pet is a life goal for many people, but there are age limits in place to ensure that pets go to homes where they are welcome and properly cared for. Most states have similar age laws when it comes to adopting a pet, and it’s important to be aware of any specific restrictions that your shelter or rescue organization might have before adopting. Our guide tells you more about how old you have to be to adopt a pet.

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What Are the Requirements for Adopting a Pet?

While adopting a pet can be rewarding and a great way to get a loving companion, there are requirements in place when it comes to adopting. Shelters and rescues might have slightly differing rules, so it’s important to check directly with the shelter you wish to adopt from. Otherwise, you can keep these requirements in mind when you think about adopting:

You must be able to provide a safe home for your pet
You may be required to let your new pet meet current pets to ensure they get along
You must be able to provide for your dog financially and physically
You must show valid identification when adopting a dog

Additionally, if you are trying to adopt a more controversial breed, such as a pitbull, you will want to take careful note of any apartment or housing restrictions that might be in place. If you’re considering a smaller, friendly breed that’s easy to manage, a mini golden retriever can be a great option for first-time adopters.

Generally speaking, you will need to be 18 years old to adopt a pet. Once you are 18, you are an adult, and you are legally able to own and adopt pets of your own volition.

However, if you are living in your parents’ home and have just turned 18, a shelter might not let you take home a pet if your parents do not want a pet in their home.

Technically, you cannot be stopped from adopting the animal legally, but many shelters will hesitate or refuse to adopt out pets when they cannot be sure they will be welcomed and properly cared for in a home; final decisions on this are at the shelter’s discretion.

Individuals younger than 18 may be allowed to care for and live alongside pets in their family home, but an older family member who is 18 or older will need to officially and legally adopt the pet first.

Are There Exceptions to the Age Limit for Pets?

While you cannot usually adopt a pet when you are younger than 18, some shelters may also stop individuals younger than 21 from adopting an animal. This typically only happens when an animal is hard to handle or requires significant dog experience to ensure that they thrive in their new home. You will need to check with a shelter directly before making any decisions about adoption.

Will a Shelter Need to Check My Home Before Adoption?

Some shelters do require home checks before you are allowed to bring home a pet. These checks are intended to make sure that you have the space and ability to care for a dog, and they are more common when adopting harder-to-handle breeds like German shepherds, huskies, or pitbulls.

A shelter worker will tell you during the initial steps of the adoption process if a home check or meet and greet with other animals in your home is required.

How Much Does It Cost to Adopt a Pet?

Fees for adopting pets vary, and you may pay nothing to adopt a pet, or you may pay a few hundred dollars. Generally, puppies and kittens are more expensive to adopt, while senior animals and animals that have been in the shelter for a while will be cheap or free. Your adoption fee usually covers things like basic vet care and processing fees for bringing your new pet home.