I'm looking for a dog

Great that you are looking for a new four-legged mate! Our dogs can’t wait to meet you! Take a look and perhaps it’s time to make it official and go for a first date? Please email us at honden@doamsterdam.nl!

Why should I adopt a dog from DOA?

When you adopt one of our pups, you are giving him or her a second chance to a happy life. Obviously, this is good news in itself, but adopting a DOA dog also means that you: 

  1. Receive professional and personalised guidance so that you can find a dog that suits your lifestyle
  2. Are guaranteed that all our dogs have been checked by our vets
  3. Can be sure that every dog has had a behaviour examination and –if necessary—has received additional training
  4. Can rest assured that all our dogs have been vaccinated, chipped, and are free of worms and fleas
  5. Can come back to DOA for three months after the adoption for free veterinary care and personalised guidance*

*Dogs from the Misfit Programme usually receive life-long free care!

 

How does adoption work?

Before you can adopt a dog, we go through a number of steps to make sure that you and your dog of choice are a good match.

1: Make an appointment

Would you like to meet some of our dogs? No problem! Make a no-strings-attached appointment, which lasts between 30 to 60 minutes.

We want to be cautious and thorough; after all, you are looking for a companion who will stay with you for many years. During the introductory meeting, we’ll make sure to take into account your wishes and desires, and only introduce you to dogs that we think will be a good fit. 

Are you hesitant about getting a dog, or do you want some advice on what breed best fits your circumstances? A telephone consultation is probably your best bet!

 

I want some more information
2: What are you looking for?

During the introductory meeting we’ll discuss what kind of dog you are looking for. Are you looking for a bundle of energy or a laid-back dog? Do you want a puppy, or is your heart set on giving an elderly dog the best last years of his life? Are you looking for a tiny dog that can fit in your bike basket or the bigger the better?

It is important to consider how a dog would fit into your life. For example, will the dog be living with children or cats? Are you an experienced dog owner or will this be your first? How much time do you have to take your dog out for a walk and/or to spend training him or her?

3: Meet your new companion

Once it’s clear what you are looking for, we will introduce you to dogs that are potential matches. Because we don’t want other dogs in the kennel to get too excited, our caretakers will bring your potential matches out one by one. If you feel a click with a dog, then you can go for a short walk to get to know each other a bit better. 

Unfortunately, it is possible that at the time we cannot find dogs that suit your lifestyle, or that you don’t end up liking any of the dogs that we have. There’s also always a chance that a dog you had seen on our website has just been adopted by someone else. While heartbreaking, there’s nothing we can do to prevent this. You are always welcome to come back at a later time!

 

4: Follow-up meeting

If your first encounter with a dog went well, we'll immediately plan a follow-up meeting. Then you can really get to know each other better and you can prepare for the adoption. Naturally, you may need some more time to make a decision. Our caretakers are always happy to discuss the nitty-gritty details of the adoption procedure with you.

5: The adoption!

Once you have found your match, the adoption is a go! This is, of course, the best part, as you get to bring your new buddy home! This is a big change for you, as well as for your dog. Please read our tips on how to help make your new best friend happy!

Tips for a happy dog
6: Aftercare

Our care does not stop after the adoption. You can come back to us for three months after the adoption to visit our vet as well as our behaviour specialist free-of-charge. Depending on the dog, this period can be extended. We’ll offer you guidance to create a long-lasting relationship with your dog. 

We’re devoted to making both dogs and dog-parents happy!




Useful pages

  1. Tips for a happy dog
  2. Tips for how to choose a dog

Lifelong support for misfits

Misfits are animals that come with “baggage” and they need extra care and attention. Consequently, they typically have to wait longer for a new owner, despite the fact that their need for a new home is that much greater. This is why at DOA we offer additional support, often lifelong, to owners who are willing to take on one of these misfits.

 Read more about the Misfits

And they lived happily ever after!

Every year, hundreds of DOA dogs get adopted by loving dog parents. We love hearing from overjoyed people about how happy they are to have found their perfect match! And, naturally, we are more than happy to share these heart-warming success stories with you!

Let's go to the Dutch success stories

Adoption fees

Different rates may apply for dogs from the Misfits Programme.

 

 Please, read our animal placement conditions.
Puppy (<9 months) €375
Young Dog (9 months to 9 years) €225
Older Dog (9+ years) €150

Do you wanna help?

Adoption is only one way to help out dogs. Of course, there are many other things you can do to get involved!