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Walk-in adoptions are available Monday to Friday from 10am to 3pm and on Saturdays from 10am to 2pm.
Please note you will require proof of identification (for example a driver’s licence) to enter the Domestic Animal Services facility and to adopt a dog.
Are you considering adding a new member to your family?
Domestic Animal Services has a variety of dogs available for adoption. Please see below the outline of the adoption process and how to apply to adopt a dog.
Things to consider before adopting a dog
Adopting a dog should be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for you and your family. A dog will be a loyal and loving addition to your family, however there are a few things you need to consider before adopting a new dog.
Time commitment: Can you commit to caring for the dog for the next 10 years or more (depending on the age of the dog)? Can you give your dog the attention, training and exercise it needs?
Financial implications: Can you meet the financial requirements of dog ownership (food, vaccinations, vet visits, registration, behavioural training and other bills)?
Suitable housing: Is your property secure and suitable for the type of dog you are going to adopt?
Adoption process
Once you have carefully considered all the commitments and are ready to apply to adopt a dog, here are the steps you need to follow:
Visit the Domestic Animal Services facility in Symonston during opening hours (Monday to Friday, 10am to 3pm or Saturday, 10am to 2pm) to meet the dogs available for adoption.
A team member will guide you through the courtyard to view the dogs available for adoption and arrange a meet and greet with the dog you are interested in. The meet and greet will be in an exercise yard so you can interact with the dog.
You can bring a family member, friend and/or your dog to the dedicated dog exercise yard for the meet and greet where dogs can be introduced to each other to assess how they interact.
After the meet and greet, you can complete the adoption paperwork and pay the associated fees. All dogs are vaccinated and microchipped before they leave the shelter. If the dog is not microchipped upon impounding, Domestic Animal Services will implant the microchip and the new dog owner will need to pay the microchip fee when they adopt the dog.
The adoption fees are set out below and are payable before you take your dog home.
If the dog is sexually entire you will need to arrange a time with your vet to have the dog desexed and Domestic Animal Services will deliver the dog to your chosen vet on the day of the procedure. Desexing fees vary from vet to vet and are payable by the new owners.
Entering a new environment can be overwhelming for many rescue dogs. Your house is a new place, with new smells and sounds, and it can take time for them to feel comfortable. Being prepared can help make the transition as smooth as possible.
First few days
When you first arrive home, immediately take the dog to what will be the toileting area. Spend a good amount of time here and praise them when they toilet where you want them to. Even if they’re already house-trained, rewarding them will reinforce this good behaviour early on.
Let the dog wander and investigate their new home.
Give your dog space by not forcing interaction. Follow their lead and let them come to you. If the dog wanders away after receiving attention, let them.
Be patient and praise often. Reinforce good behaviour by praising or treating your dog when they do something good (without asking). They’ll quickly learn good things happen when they perform that behaviour.
To limit gastric distress, wean them off their current food by mixing in their new food slowly. Your dog’s feeding routine was:
Keep a calm environment by avoiding loud noises or inviting guests over in the adjustment period.
Start their new routine as soon as possible. Think mealtimes, walk times, playtime, and toilet breaks. Dogs adapt quickly to routine and having a plan from the start will help.
Separation anxiety is common in shelter dogs. Before leaving them home alone for a whole day, practice leaving them for short periods of time. Use enrichments to keep them occupied while you’re gone.
Don’t overwhelm them by visiting a dog park or off lead area in the first few weeks. Give them time to bond with you and settle into their new routine.
After the first few weeks
Your dog’s ‘true’ personality may start to come through now. They will be starting to feel more confident, understand their environment, and become more settled. It’s around this time that behavioural issues may also start.
We recommend rewarding good behaviour and ignoring or redirecting unwanted behaviour to help your dog understand what you want.
The team at Domestic Animal Services carefully reviews every application to ensure each dog is matched to the most suitable family. Due to the large number of enquiries at certain times, please allow up to 10 business days for a response to your application. Please do not submit multiple applications for the same dog.
Suitable applicants will be contacted by phone to book a ‘meet and greet’ prior to adoption.
Please note, as Domestic Animal Services is open for walk-in adoptions, a dog can’t be placed on hold for adoption prior to a ‘meet and greet’ appointment being confirmed.
Unsuccessful expressions of interest will be notified by email.
