08 Jun Thinking About Dog Adoption? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
Bringing a dog into your life is one of the most rewarding decisions you’ll ever make. Whether you’re welcoming a playful puppy or giving a senior dog a second chance, adoption is an act of love—and it comes with a lot of questions. At Mountain Dogs, we’re here to help you every step of the way, from choosing your new best friend to setting you both up for long-term success.
Where to Adopt a Dog in Colorado
Looking to adopt near Leadville or Colorado Springs? Here are reputable shelters and rescues in both areas:
Colorado Springs Dog Adoption Centers
-Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region
hsppr.org
A large, well-known shelter with dogs of all ages and breeds.
-National Mill Dog Rescue
milldogrescue.org
Specializes in rescuing and rehabilitating puppy mill survivors.
-All Breed Rescue & Training
haveanicedog.org
Focused on training support and behavioral rehabilitation.
Leadville & Surrounding Area
-Lake County Animal Shelter (Contact through Lake County government)
Smaller shelter with limited dogs, but a great local resource. (Betty White, our mascot, was adopted here)
-Ark Valley Humane Society (Buena Vista – nearby)
ark-valley.org
A fantastic rescue just a short drive from Leadville.
What You’ll Need for Your New Dog
Once you’ve found your new family member, you’ll want to be ready from day one. We’ve made it easy at Mountain Dog Life—stop by our Leadville or Colorado Springs locations and we’ll help you build a personalized adoption essentials kit.
Your New Dog Checklist:
✅ Collar and ID tag
✅ Leash and harness
✅ Crate (safe space for rest)
✅ Bed or blanket
✅ Food and water bowls
✅ Quality food and treats
✅ Toys for chewing, mental stimulation, and bonding
✅ Waste bags and cleaning supplies
✅ Grooming tools
✅ Training gear (clickers, treats, long leads)
Our staff are all dog lovers—we’ll help you choose the right products based on your dog’s size, age, and personality.
Understanding the 3-3-3 Rule
The 3-3-3 Rule is a simple way to understand your new dog’s transition period:
-3 Days: Feeling overwhelmed, unsure of their new surroundings.
-3 Weeks: Starting to settle in, learning the routine, and showing some personality.
-3 Months: Beginning to feel secure, bonded with the family, and fully comfortable in their new home.
Remember—patience and consistency are key during this time. And you’re never alone! Our team can recommend training tools and local trainers to help ease the adjustment.
How Daycare & Boarding Support New Dog Owners
Being a new dog parent is exciting—but life doesn’t stop! That’s where our structured daycare and boarding services come in.
Benefits of Daycare & Boarding at Mountain Dog Life:
✅ Structured play and rest cycles to prevent overstimulation
✅ Supervised socialization with dogs of similar size and energy
✅ Safe, secure, and enriching environment
✅ Reliable care when you’re at work or out of town
✅ Mental and physical stimulation to reduce stress and anxiety
Daycare can be especially helpful for adopted dogs who need to build confidence around other pups and people. Our trained staff ensures positive play and gives your dog a healthy outlet while you go about your day.
Adopt, Prepare, and Thrive—Together
Adopting a dog is just the beginning of an incredible journey. At Mountain Dog Life, we’re proud to be part of your dog’s new beginning—from gear and guidance to socialization and care.
Visit us in Colorado Springs or Leadville!
️ Shop local or online at mountaindoglife.com
Ask about our Adoption 10% Discount and your free day of daycare for new pet parents!