How to Adopt an Australian Shepherd in the United States

Pet for Adoption6 min read
A family meeting an adult Australian Shepherd in a dog rescue's play yard

To adopt an Australian Shepherd in the United States, apply to a breed rescue such as Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline (ARPH) or check local shelters, expect a reference check and possibly a home visit, and budget for an adoption fee; ARPH's standard fee for a fully vetted dog is $300. Then plan for daily exercise, training and a settling-in period of weeks to months.

Aussies end up in rescue for many reasons, from an owner's move to a household that could not keep up with a herding dog. An adopted adult lets you see its energy, manners and health before you commit. This guide covers where to look, whether the breed suits you, the process, the home check, fees and the first weeks.

Key points

  • ARPH, a volunteer rescue network started in 1992, places purebred Aussies through local representatives and does not ship dogs to adopters.
  • Approval can take days to weeks, and finding the right dog can take weeks to months, longer if your wish list is narrow.
  • Rescue Aussies from ARPH come vet-checked, vaccinated, heartworm tested and, over six months old, spayed or neutered.
  • Ask whether the dog has an MDR1 result; if not, test it, because Washington State University puts the mutation's frequency in the breed at about 50%.

Where can you adopt an Australian Shepherd?

Ways to adopt an Australian Shepherd in the US
RouteHow it worksGood to know
Aussie Rescue & Placement HelplineApply online; a local representative reviews you and matches a dogPurebred Aussies only; standard fee $300; no shipping
Regional Aussie and herding-breed rescuesFoster-based, usually with their own applicationFosters can describe the dog's home behavior
Local sheltersWalk-in or appointment; fees set by the shelterAussies and Aussie mixes appear in shelters too
Adoption listingsRescues and owners post dogs for adoptionCheck who is placing the dog and what the fee covers

You can browse Australian Shepherds for adoption by location and save the search to get an alert when a new dog is listed. Be cautious with anyone claiming to be a rescue who asks for money before you meet the dog; the FTC has warned about scammers posing as SPCA and animal welfare staff.

Is an adopted Australian Shepherd right for your home?

  • Exercise: VCA says the breed needs a long walk, good run or energetic play session every day, plus training or a job.
  • Herding: PetMD notes that Aussies may try to herd children and small animals and chase cars and bikes.
  • Escapes and alone time: PetMD calls them escape artists and says separation anxiety can occur, so a secure yard and a plan for long workdays matter.
  • Strangers: some Aussies are reserved with people they do not know, which is normal, but they need calm socialization.
  • Shedding: the medium-length double coat sheds year-round and most in spring and fall, so plan for weekly brushing.
  • Lifespan: about 12 to 15 years, according to PetMD and VCA.

An older or calmer Aussie can suit a quieter household; ask the rescue about seniors, which ARPH may place at a lower fee.

How does Australian Shepherd adoption work?

  1. Fill in the rescue's application. At ARPH it goes to the representative closest to you.
  2. Expect the rescue to call your references, including your vet, and talk through your answers.
  3. Allow several days to a few weeks for approval.
  4. Once approved, the rescue matches you with a dog. ARPH says this can take a few weeks to a few months.
  5. Meet the dog, ideally more than once and with everyone in your household and any resident dog.
  6. Sign the adoption contract, pay the fee and take home the records.

Have your landlord's permission in writing if you rent, and your vet's details ready, to speed things up.

What does an Aussie rescue home check look for?

ARPH says its representative may ask for a home check. Expect questions on whether the home is safe and fits what you described: secure fencing or a clear leash plan for a breed known for escaping, where the dog will sleep and spend the day, how children and other pets will be managed, and that existing pets are vaccinated and see a vet each year, which ARPH lists among the signs of responsible ownership. They also want to see that you have the time, energy and resources an Australian Shepherd needs. A home check is not a test of how nice your house is.

How much does it cost to adopt an Australian Shepherd?

ARPH's standard adoption fee for a fully vetted dog is $300, which may be lowered for some special needs and senior dogs. Unaltered puppies carry an extra spay or neuter deposit, refunded with proof of the surgery. The American Kennel Club puts typical shelter adoption fees at $50 to $300. For comparison, PetMD puts a puppy from a breeder at typically $500 to $2,000; see how to buy an Australian Shepherd puppy.

Ask exactly what the fee covers. ARPH dogs are vet-checked, up to date on vaccines, heartworm tested and treated for parasites, and those over six months are spayed or neutered. You will still pay for food, parasite prevention, a class, and an MDR1 DNA test if the dog has not had one.

What should you expect in the first weeks after adopting an Australian Shepherd?

An adopted Australian Shepherd resting on a dog bed in its new home

Shelters often describe a 3-3-3 pattern: about three days to decompress, three weeks to learn the routine and three months to feel at home. A smart, sensitive herding dog may test the rules early or seem anxious when left alone.

  • Use a secure harness and an ID tag with your phone number, and check fences and gates before the first day.
  • Start daily exercise and short training sessions at once; boredom shows up as barking, chewing and herding.
  • Keep the first weeks quiet, with few visitors and short, predictable absences.
  • Book a vet visit within two weeks, ask about MDR1 before any new medicine, and register the microchip in your name.
  • Look for a positive-reinforcement class or a herding, agility or obedience club to give the dog a job.

If you are considering a dog from a private owner instead, read taking in a rehomed Australian Shepherd. Rescues and fosters can read how to list an Australian Shepherd for adoption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to adopt an Australian Shepherd?

Aussie Rescue & Placement Helpline's standard fee for a fully vetted dog is $300, lower for some senior and special needs dogs. Shelter fees are typically $50 to $300, according to the American Kennel Club. Budget separately for food, prevention and an MDR1 test.

How long does it take to adopt an Australian Shepherd from a rescue?

At ARPH, approval can take several days to a few weeks, and matching with the right dog a few weeks to a few months. A narrower wish list, such as a young female merle good with cats, means a longer wait.

Do Aussie rescues ship dogs?

ARPH says it does not ship dogs to adopters; you meet and collect the dog locally. Be wary of anyone advertising a rescue Aussie who wants a shipping fee before you have met the dog.

Are rescue Australian Shepherds good with children?

Many are, and VCA describes the breed as very good with children. Some will try to herd running kids, so ask the rescue or foster how the dog behaves with children and supervise early meetings.

Can I adopt an Australian Shepherd puppy?

Yes, rescues place puppies as well as adults. ARPH adds a spay or neuter deposit for unaltered puppies, and adopters of dogs under six months agree to have them altered by six months.

Should I adopt a deaf or blind Australian Shepherd?

Only if you are ready for its needs. The AKC says double merles, from two merle parents, often have small eyes and a high rate of deafness. Ask the rescue what training the dog already knows and what support it offers.