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Resources

Resources for choosing and living with a dog

Breed registries, adoption finders, travel rules and veterinary guidance.

Start here for dog resources: official breed registries and clubs, national adoption and rescue finders, government and airline travel rules, and veterinary and behavior guidance.

Choose the path that fits your question, then open the official resource and confirm current details with the organization responsible for the rule or service.

Kitchen table with an open blank notebook, leash, unlabeled treat bag and mug, and a beagle on the floor beside the chair

Where can I compare breeds and find breed clubs?

Registries publish breed standards and point you to the clubs that know each breed best. Compare a breed's standard with your own exercise, grooming, training and housing needs. Our breed hub can help you build a shortlist first.

  • The American Kennel Club breed directory has breed profiles, group classifications, filters for traits and living situations, and links to each breed's national parent club. Its club search helps you find parent clubs and local clubs.
  • The United Kennel Club publishes breed standards and recognition information, and lists breeds you may not find in the AKC directory.
  • The Fédération Cynologique Internationale publishes its international breed nomenclature and official standards, with each breed's recognition status.
Groomed Standard Poodle and Australian Shepherd standing on grass at a county fairground with a white tent behind

Where can I find a dog to adopt?

These national finders list dogs from shelters and rescue groups. Each shelter or rescue handles its own applications, fees and adoption decisions.

  • Petfinder lets you search by animal, location, age, size and breed or mix. Petfinder says its network includes more than 14,500 shelters and rescues.
  • Adopt a Pet is a free adoption search that partners with more than 15,000 shelters and rescues across the United States and Canada. Its Rehome program helps families find adopters for pets they can no longer keep.
  • The AKC Rescue Network lists breed-specific and all-breed rescue groups by breed, and it is useful when you already know the breed you want. AKC says it includes more than 450 groups.

Before you apply, make sure the listing is current, read the group's own adoption requirements, and ask about medical and behavior history, fees and transport.

Medium brown mixed-breed dog sitting on gravel in a bright shelter play yard, looking toward the gate

What are the rules for dogs in parks, on flights and across state lines?

Rules are set by the park, the destination state and the airline, so go to the source for your exact trip, close to your travel date.

  • The National Park Service says many national parks allow pets, but rules differ by park. Check the individual park's website for leash, trail, beach and building limits.
  • USDA APHIS interstate pet travel explains that the destination state or territory sets the requirements, which may include a health certificate, current vaccinations, testing or treatments. It links to a state-by-state lookup.
  • Each airline decides whether pets travel in the cabin, as checked baggage or as cargo, plus carrier size, fees and age or breed limits. American Airlines' pet policy shows the kind of detail to confirm with the airline on your itinerary.

For dog-friendly stops once you arrive, see the places directory.

Chihuahua mix resting in an open soft-sided pet carrier beside a rolling suitcase and folded leash in a hotel room

Which veterinary and behavior organizations offer owner guidance?

These groups offer general education for owners. For your own dog's health, see a licensed veterinarian, and for serious or complex behavior concerns, a qualified behavior professional.