Step-by-Step: How To Adopt From Dog Rescues in New York

December 15, 2025

1. Introduction

Adopting a dog through No Dogs Left Behind is a life-changing act of compassion. While many dogs in New York come from local shelters, NDLB specializes in rescuing dogs from East Asia, where nearly 500 dogs are currently safe in our shelters after being saved from cruelty, abandonment, or neglect.

If you want to adopt through a rescue that works internationally, this step-by-step dog adoption guide will walk you through exactly how the NDLB process works.

2. Why Choose a Rescue Like No Dogs Left Behind?

NDLB operates differently from local New York shelters.
Here’s what makes our rescue unique:

• All dogs receive full medical care, vaccinations, and rehabilitation at our East Asia shelters.
  
• Many dogs receive training and socialization before adoption.
  
• With nearly 500 dogs in our care, we focus on long-term recovery and emotional healing.
  
• We offer virtual meet-and-greets so adopters can connect with dogs before they arrive.
  
• By adopting, you directly support international rescue work and help bring dogs to safety in the U.S.
  

3. Step 1: Research and Choose Your Dog

Start by browsing available dogs on our website.
You’ll find:

• Young and adult dogs
  
• Different breeds and personalities
  
• Dogs who are flight-ready
  
• Dogs still in rehabilitation but available for pre-adoption
  

Each profile includes photos, videos, and personality notes to help you choose.

4. Step 2: Fill Out the Adoption Form

Next, complete the online adoption application.
This includes questions about:

• Your home
  
• Lifestyle
  
• Family members
  
• Experience with pets
  

Your answers help us match you with the right dog and ensure a successful transition.

Also, Read this Blog: Why Rescuing a Dog From China Saves More Than One Life

 

5. Step 3: Meet Your Dog via Live Video

Because our dogs are in East Asia, live video meetings replace in-person visits.

You will be able to:

• Meet your dog through live video at our East Asia shelter
  
• See their personality, behavior, and interactions
  
• Ask any questions directly to the team
  
• Request additional videos if needed
  

This ensures you feel fully confident before moving forward.

6. Step 4: Zoom Interview (No Home Visit Required)

NDLB does not conduct in-person home visits.
Instead, we schedule a Zoom interview to:

• Understand your living environment
  
• Learn about your experience with pets
  
• Answer your questions
  
• Confirm readiness for international adoption
  

It’s convenient, respectful, and designed to set adopters up for success.

7. Step 5: Adoption Fees & Paperwork

Adoption through NDLB is different from standard New York rescue fees.
Because we must fly each dog from East Asia to the U.S., the adoption fee primarily covers:

• Flight costs
  
• Medical care
  
• Shelter care
  
• Vaccinations
  
• Spay/neuter
  
• Microchipping
  

These fees are higher than typical local shelter fees of $150–$500, because transporting a dog internationally is significantly more costly.

Once the adoption is approved, final paperwork is completed, and your dog is prepared for travel.

8. Step 6: Bringing Your Dog Home

Once travel is scheduled, we coordinate everything:

• Flight preparation
  
• Required documentation
  
• Arrival instructions
  

Before your dog arrives, make sure you have:

• A safe resting area
  
• Bed, bowls, toys, food
  
• Leash and harness
  

Give your new companion time to decompress and adjust after the long journey.

9. Step 7: Post-Adoption Support

NDLB remains committed even after your dog arrives. We provide:

• Guidance on decompression
  
• Training and behavior tips
  
• Veterinary advice
  
• Community and support groups
  

We’re with you every step of the way.

Also Read: Beloved German Shepherd Stolen From Pet Owner’s Backyard

 

10. How to Volunteer or Support NDLB

There are many ways to help:

• Rescue: Adopt a dog and give them a permanent home.
  
• Foster (when available): Provide temporary care for newly arrived dogs.
  
• Donate: Help fund medical care, flights, and shelter support for our 500 dogs.
  
• Volunteer: Assist with events, outreach, or foster support.
  

By joining No Dogs Left Behind, you help us save more lives and bring more dogs home.

11. Conclusion

Adopting through No Dogs Left Behind not only changes a dog’s life it changes yours too.
You become part of a movement that rescues dogs from cruelty, rehabilitates them, and brings them home to loving families in the U.S.

Follow these steps, trust the process, and your new best friend could be on their way from East Asia to New York soon.

FAQs

1. How do I adopt a dog through NDLB?

Research dogs, complete an application, meet your dog via live video, complete a Zoom interview, pay adoption/flight fees, and prepare for their arrival.

2. What is the dog adoption process for NYC adopters?

The process includes applying, virtual meetings, a Zoom interview, and finalizing adoption after approval.

3. How much does it cost to adopt?

The fee is higher than typical local shelters because it covers international flight costs, medical care, and shelter support.

4. What are the requirements to adopt from NDLB?

A completed application, commitment to lifelong care, ability to provide a safe home, and willingness to support a dog recovering from trauma or long travel.

5. Can I meet the dog before adoption?

Yes via live video from our East Asia shelter.