Before you apply to adopt a dog, please read the following:

We’re so excited you’re considering adoption with Vindicated! Our goal is to find the best possible matches for both our dogs and their future families, so we want to make sure you have everything you need to decide if adoption with us is the right fit.

Before applying, please review the following requirements:

• You must be at least 21 years old to adopt a Vindicated dog.

• Please do your research! “Pit bull”-type dogs are intelligent, active, and people-focused companions. They thrive with time, structure, training, and lots of love so it’s important to be ready for that commitment.

• Renters are absolutely welcome, but you’ll need landlord approval. We’ll connect with your landlord directly as part of the process.

• Adopters must live in the DC Metropolitan (DMV) area.

• As part of our screening process, we will conduct a public records check.

For residents of Prince George’s County:
As of February 2, 2026, the county’s previous pit bull ban has been repealed, making it legal to own a “pit bull-type terrier.” There are still a few steps required, including registering your dog and completing a Prince George’s County Pet Parenting Class. We’re happy to help guide our approved adopters through that process. More info can be found here.

A quick note about our process:
The dog you’re interested in may not always be the right fit. We do not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, we take the time to thoughtfully match each dog with the home where they’ll thrive.