The APBF Adoption Process
APBF is not a rescue or adoption agency, however, we do aid community members in finding good homes for well-tempered dogs that have been rescued with no possibility of being returned to their owners. We do rescue pregnant female dogs for our Shelter to Service Dog Program, Operation Sidekick and adopt the mothers out, no earlier than nine weeks post-delivery. Puppies from the litter may be made available if they do not remain in the program. APBF does also acquire dogs occasionally through various community partner channels and will offer those dogs for adoption into good homes through our rescue partners, or directly.
Learn more about our Adoption Services Program to help privately rescued dogs find great homes.
Step 1: Submit an Adoption Inquiry Application Online
Begin the adoption process by completing the APBF Adoption Application. Once submitted one of our volunteers will be in touch.
Step 2: Interaction
When your application has been reviewed a member of the APBF team will schedule a home visit to help you make sure that your home environment is safe for your new dog, the environment is the right fit for your new dog, and that your family is the right match for the dog.
Step 3: New Best Friend
It’s that simple! We’ll make sure that you have the resources available every step of the way to ensure adoption success.
Adult Dogs $200
Adoption fee includes the following:
Spay / Neuter
Microchip
Current on Heartworm and Flea Prevention
Current on DHLPP, CBV, and CRV Vaccinations
Veterinary Examination
Puppies $300
Up to 4 rounds of vaccinations and 3 dewormings
Current fecal
Microchip
Current on Heartworm and Flea Prevention
Spay/Neuter
Veterinary Examination
Operation Sidekick Puppies $500 (non-service)
Our Operation Sidekick puppies are born into our care, hand-raised, and train to become service dogs.
Some of them are pulled from our PTSD Shelter to Service Program and made available for adoption based on their personalities and skill set.
Read about adopting an Operation Sidekick puppy HERE
As with any facilitated adoption through APBF, our adoption fee includes spay/neuter, being current on all core vaccinations through a licensed veterinarian, being current on Heartworm and flea preventive, and a microchip.
Please be advised that the American Pit Bull Foundation bases adoption decisions on situations that we feel will best suit the dog or puppy involved.
APBF does not discriminate against race, sex, religion, sexual orientation, or skin color. We do reserve the right to deny anyone adoption privileges based on our application process and assessment.
APBF also often covers the cost for medical treatments of our adoptable dogs and puppies such as Heartworm treatment, hospitalization, orthopedic surgeries, and treatment for minor issues such as skin allergies and ear infections.
All APBF dogs and puppies are kept current on their vaccinations, Heartworm and Flea medications, are spayed or neutered and microchipped.
Adoption Guidelines
Before considering the adoption of any dog or puppy, it is essential to research the breed you favor for your next family companion. We recommend doing your research ahead of time to make sure your lifestyle pairs well with the type of dog you ar looking for. Please also take a moment to read Pit Bull Myths – Debunked. We think that this myth sheet covers incorrect stereotypes.
In considering a Pit Bull, any owner must be prepared for an active dog that typically is very athletic and thrives on routine, as well as companionship. Overall, Pit Bulls tend to be eager people pleasers and do not make good backyard dogs, guard dogs or pets for inactive individuals.
Keep in mind that though there are “breed normalcies”, all dogs are individuals, should be treated as such, and the same personalities and characteristics may not apply to all dogs in the same breed group.