How to Adopt a Yorkshire Terrier in the United States
To adopt a Yorkshire Terrier in the United States, apply to a Yorkie breed rescue, YTCA Rescue (the breed club's own rescue) or a local shelter, meet the dog, pass any home check and pay the adoption fee; the American Kennel Club puts typical shelter fees at $50 to $300. Most adoptable Yorkies are adults, and many arrive vaccinated, microchipped and spayed or neutered.
An adult Yorkie suits people who want a small companion without the puppy stage, but rescues look closely at homes because these dogs are tiny and often have health needs. This guide covers where to look, whether a Yorkie fits your household, the process, the health questions and the first weeks.
Key points
- Breed rescues often foster Yorkies in volunteers' homes, so they can tell you about barking, house training and behavior with children.
- Typical shelter adoption fees are $50 to $300 (AKC); breed rescues set their own fees based on the dog and the vet work done.
- Expect questions about children's ages, stairs, other pets, grooming and who is home during the day.
- Ask for records on the knees, teeth, breathing and liver, the breed's common trouble spots.
Where can you adopt a Yorkshire Terrier?
- YTCA Rescue, set up within the Yorkshire Terrier Club of America, the AKC parent club, to help Yorkies that need new homes.
- Regional Yorkie rescues, usually volunteer groups with foster homes.
- Local shelters, where Yorkies and Yorkie mixes do turn up; check often.
- Owners rehoming directly; see taking in a rehomed Yorkshire Terrier.
You can also browse Yorkshire Terriers for adoption by location and save the search to get alerts when a new dog is listed.
Is an adult Yorkie a good fit for your home?
An adult Yorkie should weigh 7 pounds or less under the AKC standard, though some grow larger, and the breed club gives a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years, so a five-year-old may have many years ahead. Short walks and indoor play are enough exercise, and PetMD says Yorkies do well in apartments as well as houses. The breed club describes them as outgoing, independent, fearless and at times stubborn.
| Factor | Adopted adult | Puppy from a breeder |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Known adult weight | Estimated from the parents |
| House training | Often done, though some need a refresher | Months of work; VCA says it can be harder in this breed |
| Health | Existing problems known and often treated | Unknown until it grows |
| Grooming | Used to handling, or not; ask | Must be taught from scratch |
| Cost | Typically $50 to $300 at shelters (AKC) | Typically $500 to $5,000 for a purebred puppy (AKC) |
Homes with toddlers are a harder match. VCA notes that Yorkies are playful with children but must be supervised, because a child could easily hurt such a small dog, so expect rescues to ask about children's ages.
How does Yorkie adoption work?
- Search listings, shelters and breed rescues, and read each dog's profile carefully.
- Message the poster with questions about health, behavior and why the dog needs a home.
- Fill in the application: household, children's ages, other pets, home type, landlord, your vet and your daily schedule.
- Meet the dog with everyone who lives with you, and introduce your own dog on neutral ground if the rescue allows.
- Pass a home check, in person or by video tour.
- Sign the adoption contract and pay the fee.
- Take the dog home with its records, microchip details, harness and usual food.
Rescuers and owners can see the other side in how to list a Yorkshire Terrier for adoption.
What do rescues look for in a Yorkie home check?
- Gaps under gates or fences that a small dog could squeeze through.
- Stairs, decks, balconies and high furniture a Yorkie could fall from.
- A quiet resting place away from young children and bigger pets.
- Where the dog will toilet; VCA notes many Yorkies are trained to use indoor potty systems.
- Who will brush the coat or take the dog to a groomer.
Treat the home check as free advice from people who know the breed, not a test to fear.
What health questions should you ask about a rescue Yorkie?
The breed club lists liver shunt, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, protein-losing enteropathy and luxating kneecaps among the conditions seen in Yorkies, and the American College of Veterinary Surgeons names the breed among those most affected by tracheal collapse. Ask the rescue:
- Has a vet checked the knees, and does the dog ever skip on a back leg?
- Has it had a dental cleaning or extractions? VCA says periodontal disease is common in Yorkies.
- Does it cough when excited, picked up or pulling on a lead?
- Has it had blood work, including a bile acid test if a liver problem was suspected?
- Is it on any medication or special diet?
How much does it cost to adopt a Yorkie?
The American Kennel Club puts typical shelter adoption fees at $50 to $300. Breed rescues set their own fees, which vary with the dog's age and the vet work done, and usually cover a vet exam, vaccines, a microchip and spay or neuter. Real rescues publish their fees; the FTC advises walking away from anyone who wants payment by gift card, wire or cryptocurrency or will not let you meet the dog.
Budget after adoption for a harness, grooming (PetMD suggests a haircut every six to eight weeks for a short coat), dental care and regular vet visits.
What should you expect in the first weeks with an adopted Yorkie?
- Give the dog a quiet bed or crate and let it come to you; many shelters use a 3-3-3 guide of about three days, three weeks and three months to settle.
- Keep its old food and routine at first, with small, regular meals.
- Use a harness and an ID tag from day one; newly adopted dogs are more likely to slip out of an unfamiliar home.
- Restart house training with praise and regular trips outside or to the pad.
- Book a vet visit in the first week or two, and register the microchip in your name.
- Introduce brushing and handling in short, pleasant sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to adopt a Yorkshire Terrier?
Shelter adoption fees are typically $50 to $300, according to the American Kennel Club. Breed rescues set their own fees, often reflecting vet work such as spay or neuter. Ask what the fee includes before you apply.
Are there Yorkie puppies for adoption?
Sometimes, but most dogs in Yorkie rescue are adults. Save a search with alerts so you hear about new dogs early. An adult has a known size and temperament, which many first-time owners find easier.
Can I adopt a Yorkie if I have young children?
Some rescues will consider it, but it is a hard match. VCA notes children must be supervised because they could easily hurt a dog this small, and PetMD says Yorkies may not be the best pick for families with very young children. Older, calm children are a better fit.
Why do Yorkie rescues ask so many questions?
Many of their dogs have already lost a home, and a tiny dog can be hurt by a poor match. Questions about children, stairs, other pets and grooming help them place the dog for life. Answer honestly.
What if my adopted Yorkie does not work out?
Contact the rescue first; most adoption contracts require you to return the dog to them. Many groups offer advice on house training or barking before it comes to that. Do not pass the dog on privately if your contract forbids it.
Should I adopt a Yorkshire Terrier or buy a puppy?
Adoption suits people who want an adult companion with a known personality. If you need a puppy with health-tested parents, read how to buy a Yorkshire Terrier puppy.
Helpful guides
Pet for AdoptionHow to List a Yorkshire Terrier for Adoption in the United StatesList a Yorkshire Terrier for adoption with clear home criteria, a published fee, an honest health and behavior profile, careful screening, a contract with a return clause and follow-up.
Pet for SaleHow to Buy a Yorkshire Terrier Puppy in the United StatesBuy a Yorkshire Terrier puppy from a breeder who screens the parents' knees and eyes, keeps puppies until about 12 weeks, gives a written contract and never sells teacup or rare colors.
Pet for SaleHow to Sell Yorkshire Terrier Puppies in the United StatesSell Yorkshire Terrier puppies only from health-tested parents, keep them until about 12 weeks, describe size and color honestly, screen buyers and hand over in person with a written contract.
Pet for FreeHow to Get a Free Yorkshire Terrier Safely in the United StatesGet a free Yorkshire Terrier safely by meeting the dog and owner in person, asking about its knees, teeth and breathing, never paying fees in advance and booking a vet exam within days.
Pet for FreeHow to Give Away a Yorkshire Terrier for Free Without Risk in the United StatesGive away a Yorkshire Terrier safely by asking your breeder or a Yorkie rescue first, disclosing health in writing, screening applicants, seeing their home and signing a short agreement.
Pet for RehomingHow to Take In a Rehomed Yorkshire Terrier in the United StatesTake in a rehomed Yorkshire Terrier by asking detailed questions about its health and behavior, meeting it at home, checking its knees, teeth and breathing, and getting records and a signed transfer.
Pet for RehomingHow to Rehome Your Yorkshire Terrier Responsibly in the United StatesRehome your Yorkshire Terrier by contacting the breeder or a Yorkie rescue first, then listing honestly, disclosing health and behavior, charging a modest fee and handing over with an agreement.
Pet for MatingHow to Find a Mate or Stud for Your Yorkshire Terrier in the United StatesFind a mate or stud for your Yorkshire Terrier only after both dogs have OFA patella and eye results and a negative brucellosis test, then agree every term in a signed stud contract.
Pet for MatingHow to Advertise Your Yorkshire Terrier for Mating in the United StatesAdvertise your Yorkshire Terrier for mating only after OFA patella and eye exams and a brucellosis test, then post honest results and terms, screen every enquiry and sign a contract.
Pet WantedHow to Respond to a "Yorkshire Terrier Wanted" Ad in the United StatesRespond to a Yorkshire Terrier wanted ad by messaging first, asking about the home, children and grooming plans, refusing overpayments and shipping, and handing over with an agreement.
Pet WantedHow to Post a "Yorkshire Terrier Wanted" Ad and Get Replies in the United StatesPost a Yorkshire Terrier wanted ad that names puppy or adult, budget, location and your household, asks for health-tested parents rather than teacup size, and never pay before meeting the dog.