Available Dogs
Is adoption right for you?
Adopting a pet is a big decision that can bring joy and companionship into your life. However, it's important to carefully consider some key factors before making this commitment:
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Time Commitment
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Pets require daily attention and care. Consider if you have sufficient time for feeding, grooming, exercise, and vet visits.
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Financial Responsibility
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Owning a pet involves costs such as food, supplies, medical care, and potential emergencies. Ensure your budget can accommodate these expenses.
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Living Situation
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Make sure your home is suitable for a pet. Check if your lease allows pets, and consider the space needed for the type and size of pet you want.
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Lifestyle Compatibility
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Choose a pet that fits your lifestyle. Active pets need more exercise, while others may be more suited to a quieter home.
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Long-Term Commitment
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Pets can live many years, so be prepared for a long-term commitment. Consider how your life might change in the future and how a pet will fit into those plans.
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Understanding Pet Needs
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Research the specific needs of the pet you're considering. Different species and breeds have unique requirements for diet, exercise, and social interaction.
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By reflecting on these aspects, you can ensure that adopting a pet will be a positive and rewarding experience for both you and your new furry friend.
Why do you want a pet?
Are you committed to making a pet part of your family? Are you ready to accept the headaches and hassles along with the love and joy of pet companionship?
Who will be the pet's primary caregiver?
Pets should not be left alone for long periods of time. If you work full-time or are away from the house regularly for more than 6-7 hours at a time, you will need to consider additional caregiving options. Pets become bored, restless and unhappy when they feel neglected, and can sometimes resort to destructive habits to show their unhappiness. If you or another family member can't spend most of the day at home, you'll need to consider doggie day care, a secondary caregiver, or a second pet.
Are you considering a puppy?
Remember that puppies take much, MUCH more time than adult dogs. In addition to all the extra veterinary costs involved in caring for a puppy, puppies need extensive training to become housebroken and to grow into well-behaved, happy pooches. If you do not have the time to adequately care for a puppy, an adult dog is the best choice for you.
Is there room for a pet in your home?
Dogs need plenty of space to run and play, but cannot be allowed to run free. If you're in a small apartment or a house with a very small yard, please consider whether you'll have time to take your dog for long walks. Remember that indoor dogs are happy dogs! No dog likes to be left alone outside for long periods of time, and you should not get a dog if you are not willing to keep him/her inside most of the time.
Can you afford a pet?
A pet is not only an investment of time, but of money as well. According to a 1991 survey of costs, the Humane Society of the United States determined the average cost of properly caring for a dog:
Adopting a dog from a shelter $55
Annual feeding $155-$400
First Year vaccinations $200
Each year thereafter $65
Initial Training $50-$100
Each year thereafter $50-$200
Other annual veterinary care $135
Annual toys, grooming supplies $160
Grooming per visit $50
Annual flea and tick care $80
Long Distance Adoption
Ace of Hearts predominantly adopts to those in the Los Angeles or greater California area. However, we also adopt many dogs out to Colorado due to our familiarity with the state and pathways to humanely transporting dogs to their forever homes in the area - more information on this process can be provided upon request!
Ace of Hearts will sometimes consider long-distance adoption applications (outside of CA and CO). Please note, though, that we do give priority to local applicants, as long-distance adoptions are more difficult and time-consuming.
The following conditions must be met for out-of-area adoptions:
1. Complete and return an adoption application.
2. With serious applications, we would then ask a local rescue group or a previous adopter in your area to do a home check.
3. You would then need to come to Los Angeles to meet the dog. We cannot approve any application without this step.
4. If all parties are in agreement, the adoption could then be finalized. The adopter is responsible for travel arrangements; please note that we will not allow our dogs to fly unaccompanied.
Meet Your New Best Friend
Meet our adoptable dogs. Choose from a variety of friendly companions with different genders, male or female, and compatibility, good with kids, other dogs, and cats. Find the perfect dog for you!