Discover Why Adopting an Adult Dog Just Makes Sense
Why Adopting an Adult Dog is a Smart and Compassionate Choice
By Northern Illinois University students: Jared Garcia, Ben Kruse, Paul Samojluk, & Krisha Koutilya Vollala
November 2025
Thinking about adopting a dog? Many people automatically consider puppies; they’re adorable and often seen as easier to train into family life. However, adult dogs can be equally rewarding, and sometimes even more suitable for companions. In this article, we’ll explore the many benefits of adopting an adult dog, including their calmer temperaments, established training, and lower energy needs. We’ll also discuss why adoption rates for adult dogs remain low, and how potential adopters can play an important role in giving these loyal animals the loving homes they deserve.
Dog Adoption Statistics
Stats from Shelter Animals Count show why adopting an adult dog matter now more than ever.
- 4 million dogs entered shelters nationwide in the first half of 2025.
- The median length of stay is over two weeks, up six days from 2019.
- Adult dogs can spend four times as long at shelters compared to younger dogs.
- The number of dogs under 5 months old entering shelters has risen by 3.5% over the past year.
- Adult dogs have a 25% adoption rate as opposed to the 60% adoption rate of puppies.
As shelters across the country continue to intake millions of pets per year, it has become more difficult to find a home for some of these loving pets. It is crucial for shelters to have the space and resources to care for each animal that enters their facility. Longer stays for adult dogs can increase costs and limit space for new arrivals. Choosing to adopt an adult dog doesn’t just change the life of one dog; it can help the shelter care for many more.
Benefits of Adopting an Adult Dog
Already past the guessing stage
One of the biggest advantages of adopting an adult dog is that their personality is already developed. Unlike puppies, who require extensive training and time to shape their behavior, adult dogs have established temperaments and habits. This means you can choose a dog whose personality naturally fits your lifestyle; whether you’re looking for a calm companion, an active partner, or a gentle family pet. Of course, any dog will need a few days or weeks to adjust to a new home, and some behavioral changes during that transition are normal. But once they’ve settled in, their true personality will shine through.
They are calmer and require less energy
Adult dogs are ideal for people looking for a calm, easygoing companion. Unlike puppies, who require constant attention, training, and plenty of exercise, adult dogs are typically more relaxed and content with a slower pace of life. They still enjoy activity, of course, regular walks and a bit of playtime are important for their health and happiness, but they’re usually satisfied with a leisurely stroll or a short game of fetch before settling down to rest.
You skip the difficulties of puppyhood
If you’ve owned a dog before, you know how demanding the puppy stage can be. Between chewing on furniture (and your ankles), crying at night, and constant potty training, raising a puppy requires a lot of time and patience. Adult dogs, on the other hand, often come up with basic training and a good understanding of how to behave in a home environment. While they may need a short adjustment period in a new setting, they tend to adapt more quickly thanks to their maturity and experience. And even if they aren’t fully trained, the old saying “you can’t teach an old dog new tricks” couldn’t be further from the truth. Adult dogs are often eager and capable of learning when given gentle guidance.
Lower adoption fees
Many animal shelters and rescue organizations offer reduced adoption fees for adult dogs. This makes welcoming a senior dog into your home not only a compassionate choice but also an affordable one. You’ll not only be walking out with a great companion, but you’ll also leave with more money in your pocket and more options for getting your new companion higher quality food, nice toys, and a nice place to sleep other essentials that will help your new companion feel happy and cared for.
5 Common Misconceptions of Adopting Adult Dogs
Adult dogs are highly adaptable; many settle in quickly and form strong bonds with adopters. Many of these dogs have had multiple experiences adjusting to new settings and know how to acclimate themselves.
Adult dogs can learn new tricks, often more quickly than puppies due to longer attention spans. They might already have a few tricks up their sleeves! Plus, Tails Humane Society offers a variety of amazing Dog Training courses for dogs of all skill levels!
All dog adoptions at Tails Humane Society include: the spay or neuter, microchip, all vaccinations needed up to adoption, heartworm test (dogs 7 months and older) and a free vet wellness check.
Adult dogs are often extremely loving and grateful to their adopters.
Adult dogs make wonderful companions for individuals and families of all ages- plus you already know their personalities!
How You Can Help
Choosing to adopt an adult dog at Tails Humane Society not only provides a loving home for a deserving pet but also supports a more sustainable future for the shelter and its entire community of animals. If you would like to support this cause, please consider any of the following:
Adopt!
Visit the Tails Humane Society’s adoption page to meet adult dogs waiting for their second chance! Each adoption opens space for another animal in need and helps another find a forever home!
Share!
Spread awareness by posting or sharing this article on social media, forwarding it to friends, or discussing it with your local community! The more people understand the value of adopting adult dogs, the more lives we can save all together.
Volunteer!
If you're not ready to adopt or foster, consider volunteering for your time! Adult dogs benefit greatly from companionship, walks, and gentle play. Your presence could be the highlight of their day, and who knows, you might find a forever friend!
Foster!
Providing a temporary home for an adult dog while awaiting adoption. Fostering helps reduce shelter stress and gives dogs a better chance to thrive while awaiting adoption!
Dog’s Day Out!
Take a long-term shelter dog on a mini adventure or an overnight stay. This helps these dogs take a break from the shelter, socialize, and get active. Community members can do things such as taking the dog to get a pup cup, going for a walk/hike, or even taking them for up to 3 nights on a sleepover.
Any and every action, big or small helps build the story for adult dogs who deserve love, comfort, and a family. Let’s give them the happy ending they’ve been waiting for.
Resources:
https://www.shelteranimalscount.org/
https://norbertstreats.co.uk/dog-rehoming-facts/
https://twinpinesvet.com/benefits-of-adopting-a-senior-dog/
https://www.animalleague.org/blog/tips/pet-adoption/unconditional-love-has-no-age/
https://www.petpalaceresort.com/the-benefits-of-adopting-an-adult-dog/
https://animalfoundation.com/whats-going-on/blog/10-reasons-adopt-senior-pet/
https://yourpetandyou.elanco.com/us/new-pets/adopting-an-adult-dog
Adopting a Senior Dog: 10 Critical Things to Know | Hepper Pet Resources