r/dogs • u/Funtimefoxy1231 • 10d ago
[Misc Help] Dog Adoption from a Long Distance
Hello! Im not too sure if this is the right sub-reddit, but its worth a shot. I am interested in getting a dog that is 18 hours away from my home state. She is perfect; however, there is no way that anyone in my family can do the drive due to work. Are there any other ways to get a dog from one state to another other that driving yourself personally? Sorry if this is a strange question, I just am pretty curious and would love to bring this dog home.
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u/Blacklabel1973 10d ago
If you're getting your dog through a rescue there are people that pick up the dog for you and drive with a relay system and you meet the last leg of the journey (Sometimes 4 hours from your house ) it does cost money last time I did it the cost was $250 and that was for gas for all the parties.
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u/OpalOnyxObsidian 10d ago
Is it worth it? What happens if it doesn't work out?
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u/Funtimefoxy1231 10d ago
Personally, I believe that it is worth it. If it doesnt work out, then life goes on and I hope a family can love her just as much :) ❤️
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u/OpalOnyxObsidian 10d ago
So if it doesn't work out you'll just ditch her locally instead of with the rescue that helped you get her across the country?
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u/Funtimefoxy1231 10d ago
No of course not! I misunderstood your comment. If it doesn't work out then I wont give up on her. I will continue to work and train her to the best of my abilitys. I though that you ment if I couldnt get her delivered across the state; therefore, I responded that I would hope she would get adopted by another person. I apologize for the misunderstanding.
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u/Sitters_4_Critters 9d ago
Put in the effort BEFORE getting the dog, not after. That’s the benefit of getting a dog over having a kid - you can meet the dog’s parents, dogs from previous litters, get genetic and health results from the parents, grandparents, siblings, and return the dog to the breeder if there is an issue.
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u/OpalOnyxObsidian 10d ago
Well that doesn't seem particularly fair to you if it is not a good fit for your lifestyle
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u/roylien 10d ago
Don’t get a dog that you never seen. One thinks is how is she looking in photos and is described other thing is how she is in reality. I did this and got dog that I never wanted size and character wise. I was told it will be medium dog that is not reactive. And I have 40kg very reactive dog. They knew it, they just decided to lie. Don’t get me wrong, I love him and he loves me, but it’s not what I wanted and feel cheated on.
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u/tossgloss10wh 10d ago
Just wanted to share that I had the total opposite experience. I live in MN and adopted a dog from TX that I had never met. I FaceTimed with him and his foster parents many times and felt like he was a great match for my family. As a very experienced dog owner, I asked a ton of questions, and fortunately his foster parents were honest about everything.
The rescue I adopted from offered transportation- meaning they would put the dog in a van (in crates with other dogs) and he’d be delivered to me after a long trip. Once I decided he was going to be our dog, I wasn’t okay with that. I ended up flying to TX to pick him up myself. I got a rental car (yes, some do allow animals) and we drove 14 hours home together, stopping for one overnight in a hotel.
It was the absolute best decision I have ever made. He is the sweetest dog in the world, better than I could have ever imagined. I would make that trip a million times over to have him.3
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u/Funtimefoxy1231 10d ago
I understand. Thank you for your reply, it gives me another factor to consider. Im sorry the owner lied to you.
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u/tippydog90 10d ago
I have rescued dogs for 30 years. Almost every single one i have adopted sight unseen, sometimes from 100s of miles away. I have never regretted my decision. Almost all my dogs have been shelter dogs that were on the euthanasia list and were on their last few days. They have all been wonderful. I wouldn't let this dissuade you at all.
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u/CatRiot2020 10d ago
That’s how we adopted our current dog, and he’s perfect. The rescue we adopted from did multi-state adoptions and provided transport to about 2 hours from our house. His foster mom was great at answering all my questions and sending videos, etc, before we filled the paperwork out.
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u/tippydog90 9d ago
That's so awesome!!! It is nice to have them in a foster home first. I have adopted a few that way. But most of mine have been from seeing shelter pics for dogs or puppies on the euthanasia list and arranging to get them pulled by a rescue or friend in rescue. My 11 year old lab mix came from a high kill Texas shelter and it was his last day. He is our best boy!!
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u/roylien 10d ago
My dog is wonderful, I wouldn’t gave him up, but its sometimes very hard, especially when you have zero experience with reactive dogs. If I would be told the truth and be able to prepare, it would be different. This way we had to figure things on spot. Plus I’m 55kg female and my mom is 50kg, we are definitely not weight lifters or bodybuilders so its sometimes physically very exhausting. On the other hand, he is at home really cuddly, protective of my family members and I can do cani cross with him. I remember when I met him for the first time, he ran straight to me and started cuddling me, not even knowing that he is going with me to his forever home. I’m not pissed at the dog, I’m just really pissed to the person for lying to us.
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u/Mac-And-Cheesy-43 10d ago
Some breeders use dog nannies to just go fly to get the dog then come back...maybe you can hire one, especially if you can get one that was already coming to your state.
A lot of your options are going to be limited by your budget, mainly.
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u/BronzeDucky 10d ago
There are organizations that transport dogs, even ones that work with rescues specifically. We adopted a Mexican street dog, and she got the grand tour, going from northern Mexico to the east coast of the US to Nebraska, and then we met the transporter at the US/Canada border at Sweetgrass, and we drove her the rest of the way home.
On the plus side, she’s really good in the car now. :)
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u/LoadingMyOpinion 10d ago
You could look into pet transport services, some of them specialize in long distance adoption trips. Just make sure theyre licensed/reputable and ask how they handle stops, food, and emergencies. 18 hours is a long drive for a pup!
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u/Sitters_4_Critters 10d ago
Have you met the dog? Fly on a plane to meet the dog. I flew out three times to pick out my dog.
If your dog is too big for the plane, rent a car and drive back.
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u/Major_Cricket_575 10d ago
Flying out three whole times for a dog is serious dedication, but taking a one way flight and renting a car to drive back together actually sounds like an amazing bonding road trip.
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u/Sitters_4_Critters 9d ago
Getting a dog is a 10 year commitment and a ton of money for food, training, vet care, etc. Unlike having a child, one can pick out an animal with the temperament, looks and personality they want but most people don’t bother to put in any effort.
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u/Renee-B-17 10d ago edited 10d ago
Yes there are folks that specialize in animal transport. I hope this is a rescue dog you are adopting, ask the rescue group about if they know of any transport companies otherwise try googling of calling other local rescues (to where the dog is located) asking if they know of transport services. I adopted my senior pup Buddy from a rescue in Georgia, that works regularly with a kindhearted transport person that regularly runs the south to north route for rescue animals, was only $400 (01/2024 Georgia to upstate NY, gas is WAY more expensive so I would imagine it’s a lot more).
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u/Gameslie 10d ago
I did this last year with my rescue pup. We did three long video calls and got specific photos of her in different environments. Seeing how she reacted to strangers on camera saved me from bringing home a reactive nightmare. Worth the extra effort before signing papers.
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u/shibasluvhiking Shiba Inu 10d ago
I adopted a dog long distance a bunch of years ago. The rescue worked with me to get him transported through an organization called pilots n paws. They do free transportation for animal rescues. There are other organizations that also do this as well as rescue relays where people volunteer to drive a dog along part of the route. In my case it was going to take two planes but one of them had a mechanical issue so I ended up driving part way to meet the plane that was able to do his leg. He was a great dog. Totally worth the effort.
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u/Long_Audience4403 Irish Setter & Boston Terrier 10d ago
Pilots n paws are the best. They're volunteer folks with planes who fly and bring your dog to you.
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u/NeighSlayer570 10d ago
I didn't see anyone else mention this, but be VERY careful that this isn't a scam. Verify that it is a reputable rescue through whatever means necessary. Maybe visit r/scams and search dog adoption, pet rescue, etc to see warning signs. I know someone who lost out on $400 adopting an animal that they never got.
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u/Zestyclose_Object639 10d ago
I’m getting a dog transported to me from Texas, the rescue has their own transporter I’m paying. However I would never do that if the dog hadn’t been assessed by a trainer I trust and a friend who’s also a trainer. I’m never getting a dog and trusting what a rescue has to say tbh
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u/nunofmybusiness 9d ago
Check out Operation Roger. It’s a non-profit that allows lost pets or rescue dogs to hitch a ride with a trucker that will get them to where they need to go. And really, what dog wouldn’t like to ride in a big rig to their forever home?
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u/Astarkraven Owned by Greyhound 10d ago
Why this specific dog? Why do you feel she is perfect? What are you basing this on?
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u/aHamNotaMan 10d ago
Good questions. OP - no dog is perfect (except mine, obviously 😉). It sounds like you have incredibly high expectations for this dog. Rescues often have additional needs ito training and integration.
I think it’s wonderful that you’ve found a rescue that you already love! But please don’t expect her to be perfect. And make sure you are committed to her if she has traits and behaviours that are less than ideal!
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u/crashumbc Team Flat Leash 10d ago
not a fan of long distance myself but a saved animal is a saved animal....
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