A Step by Step Guide for Dog Adoption — Cleburne, Texas

You’re ready to make room for one more member of your family.

You’ve pictured what your life will look like with your new addition. Trips to the Cleburne's State Park, a companion to stick with you through the good times and the bad, and a smiling face to greet you when you return home from work.

You feel like and know you’re ready to make that big commitment: adopting a dog.

But what’s next? How do you proceed?

At Russell Feed and Supply, we know what gift pets are to our lives. That’s why we’ve come up with a step-by-step guide to adopt a pet in Johnson County for our customers that live in the Cleburne, Godley, Joshua, and Alvarado areas.

Here are the steps to take when adopting from Cleburne's Animal Shelter:

1. Research the Type of Dog(s) You Want to Adopt

It’s vital to figure out what dog personality will be a good fit for you and your family.

For example, if you’re a high-energy person who likes to run and exercise with pets, choosing a Chihuahua mix is probably not the best choice. On the flip side, if your ideal day involves sitting on the couch, watching netflix with the dog, and not lifting a finger, a high energy breed like a Brittany, Australian Shepherd, or German Shepherd is likely not a great fit either. 

It’s vital to know the type of personality you’re looking for that’s best suited for your lifestyle and your family. 

Take this test from Purina and find out what dog breed would be the best for you and your family.

2. Contact the Cleburne Animal Shelter or another trusted local Animal Shelter

Research local shelters like Cleburne Animal Services, Joshua City Animal Shelter, Burleson City Animal Shelter, Home at Last Animal Haven in Godley,  and Crowley Animal Shelter. Or, search for a Fort Worth or Cleburne dog rescue that specializes in the breed or type of dog.  

It’s also wise to ask your friends, neighbors, and family members for recommendations. Sometimes they have the best advice! 

Talk to people who’ve already gone through a pet adoption process. Listen to their advice and do your research to find the shelter or rescue center which fits your needs. There are plenty of great animal shelters and rescue organizations through the greater Fort Worth and Cleburne area. 

Note: To make sure the adoption center is reputable, look for positive online reviews. You can also check their website or call to find out if they have a license. Ask if they’re a 501(c)(3) Non-Profit Organization.

3. Meet the Dogs That Caught Your Attention

Search for Dogs Online

Once you’ve figured out what kind of dog you want and where you'd like to adopt from, check your chosen rescue or shelter’s website. Most will have options that allow you to narrow down the search by choosing a dog breed, age, and more.

For example: on Cleburne’s Animal Services website, you can select from a grouping of dogs that will list each dog by its Pet ID #. The Pet ID number will be needed as an input when you’re filling out the application to adopt the animal. 

Check all the listed information for the dog that caught your attention. Also, think about questions you want to ask before you adopt the dog, such as:

• How old is the dog?
• Is the dog good with children?
• Has the dog ever been adopted?
• Has the dog been examined by the vet?
• Is the dog potty-trained?
• Is the dog a high energy or low energy dog?

3. Submit an Adoption Application with Cleburne Animal Services 

Submitting an adoption application is the first official step to take when adopting in Cleburne. 

Contact your chosen rescue or shelter. Have them send the application to you, or visit them in person and fill out the necessary information. You can find the application for Cleburne’s Animal Services here:

This is the info you’ll be asked to provide:

• Pet Name (on Cleburne Animal Services website)
• Pet ID # (on Cleburne Animal Services website)
• Contact Information
• Owner or Renter of a Property 
• Types and Quantities of Animals in your household
• Responsibility for future medical, training expenses
• Review of any issues you’d like discussed before officially adopting
• Confirmation of Shelter and a secure fence
• Children in your household

Here is the pet adoption application for Cleburne, for you to have a look at. 

5. Adoption Fee

Applications for Cleburne Animal Services are processed within 24 - 48 hours and on a first come, first served basis.  The adoption fee is $75 for dogs and $50 for cats and includes:

• Spay/Neuter*
• Rabies vaccination*
• Age-Appropriate Vaccinations
• Microchip
• Deworming
• Heartworm Test (dogs over 6 mos.)
• Current Heartworm Prevention
• Flea/Tick Prevention
• 30-day free trial pet insurance

7. Get Your Cleburne Home Ready for a New Pet

We recommend buying food, a crate, and other necessary pet supplies after you know which animal you’re adopting. Some animals may need a special diet, or you’ll have to consider their size when buying crates and collars.

Once you know which dog will be yours, go shopping before you bring it home. We don't recommend making a shopping trip on your ride home with your new dog, as chances are the dog will be stressed.

Buy the Basics

Start with the essential dog supplies you’ll need:

• Food
• Leash (visit in-store)
• Crate (visit in-store)
• Dog Bed (visit in-store)
• Treats
• Harness (visit in-store) 
• Dog Toys 

Visit us in-store and talk to one our local pet experts to discuss proper diet, starter supplies, and let us help you get set up to welcome your new dog or cat home. You can visit us in-store at 1731 N Main St. Cleburne, TX 76033 starting in late 2022.