How to Adopt a Saint Bernard in the United States
To adopt a Saint Bernard in the United States, apply to a Saint Bernard breed rescue or check local shelters, expect a detailed application, references and a home visit, and pay an adoption fee that is often several hundred dollars. Colorado St. Bernard Rescue, for example, says its fee is generally $500 and that adopters must let the Saint live indoors as a member of the family.
Adopting suits many people because an adult Saint's size, coat and temperament are already known. It is still a giant dog of 120 to 180 pounds with a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years, so plan the space and budget before you apply.
Key points
- The Saint Bernard Club of America points families to the Saint Bernard Rescue Foundation for rescued Saints.
- Expect an application, references and a home visit; fees vary by rescue, so check the group's own page.
- The breed club says the most common reason owners give for rehoming a Saint is that they did not expect it to get so big.
- Budget about $80 to $120 a month for food and $40 to $80 a month if you insure the dog.
Why do Saint Bernards end up in rescue?
The Saint Bernard Club of America (SBCA) says the most common reason it hears for rehoming a Saint is that the owner did not know it would get so big. The club also warns that every Saint sheds and drools.
That means many rescued Saints are healthy, friendly adults whose only problem was a mismatch. Ask the rescue why each dog was given up and what its foster home has seen.
Where can you adopt a Saint Bernard?
| Source | What to expect | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Saint Bernard breed rescue | Dogs in foster homes, breed-savvy volunteers, application and home visit | Often a few hundred dollars; Colorado St. Bernard Rescue says generally $500 |
| Local shelter | Faster process; Saints and Saint mixes appear from time to time | The AKC puts typical shelter fees at $50 to $300 |
| Owner placing a dog | Full history if the owner is honest | Free to a modest rehoming fee |
The SBCA refers adopters to the Saint Bernard Rescue Foundation, and many states have their own Saint rescues. You can also search Saint Bernards for adoption and save the search on PetzLover to get an alert when a new one is listed near you.
How does Saint Bernard adoption work?
- Read the rescue's requirements; some will not place in homes with very young children or outdoor-only housing.
- Fill in the application honestly: home, yard, work hours, other pets, past dogs and your vet.
- Expect reference checks with your vet and, if you rent, your landlord.
- Prepare for a home visit. Colorado St. Bernard Rescue, for example, requires an in-depth one.
- Meet the dog, with everyone in the household and, if allowed, your current dog.
- Read and sign the contract, pay the fee and collect the dog's records and microchip details.
How much does it cost to adopt and keep a Saint Bernard?
The fee is the smallest part. Typical running costs from iHeartDogs (March 2026) and the AKC:
| Item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Adoption fee | Often a few hundred dollars; generally $500 at Colorado St. Bernard Rescue |
| Food | $80 to $120 a month (iHeartDogs) |
| Routine vet care | $200 to $500 a year (iHeartDogs) |
| Pet insurance | $40 to $80 a month (iHeartDogs) |
| Spay or neuter if not done | $50 to $300 for dogs generally (AKC); ask for a giant-dog quote |
Most rescues spay or neuter, vaccinate and microchip before placement, which makes the fee good value.
Is your home ready for an adopted Saint Bernard?
- Indoors with the family. The AKC says a Saint left alone for long periods can develop unwanted behaviors.
- Cool space. The AKC warns that going from air conditioning into high heat can cause serious distress; breeders writing for the club say Saints overheat quickly above about 80°F in the sun.
- Room and transport. Clear floor space, a non-slip surface and a vehicle or ramp a heavy dog can use.
- A fenced yard helps. The club says a moderate fenced yard is enough if the dog also gets regular walks.
- Towels. Drool is part of life with a Saint.
What health questions should you ask about a rescued Saint?
- Has the dog had bloat, or a gastropexy to help prevent it?
- Any limping, stiffness or X-rays of the hips or elbows?
- Any eye problems such as entropion, or surgery on the eyelids?
- Any heart murmur, seizures or skin hot spots?
- How old is the dog? With a life expectancy of 8 to 10 years, a seven-year-old is already a senior. PetMD notes the breed's risk of bone cancer, so report any new lameness or bony swelling at once.
Book your own vet exam within the first week or two, and register the microchip in your name.
What should you expect in the first weeks?
Many shelters use a 3-3-3 guideline: about three days to decompress, three weeks to learn your routine and three months to feel at home. Keep the first days quiet, walk on a short leash and use rewards; a 150-pound dog that pulls is a safety issue. A basic obedience class helps you bond and gives the dog clear rules.
If you are open to a puppy instead, read how to buy a Saint Bernard puppy. Rescuers and owners placing a dog can see what good groups ask in how to list a Saint Bernard for adoption, and breeders can read how to sell Saint Bernard puppies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to adopt a Saint Bernard?
Breed rescues often charge a few hundred dollars; Colorado St. Bernard Rescue says its fee is generally $500. Shelters usually charge less, with the AKC putting typical fees at $50 to $300. Expect food, vet care and insurance to cost far more over the dog's life.
Where can I adopt a Saint Bernard near me?
Start with Saint Bernard breed rescues, including those listed by the Saint Bernard Rescue Foundation, and your local shelters. Online adoption listings filtered by breed and location can alert you when a Saint becomes available.
Do Saint Bernard rescues do home visits?
Many do. Colorado St. Bernard Rescue, for example, requires a detailed application and an in-depth home visit, and asks that the dog live indoors.
Are adopted Saint Bernards good with children?
The AKC describes Saints as patient and careful with children, but a rescued adult's history matters. Ask how the dog behaved with children in foster care, and always supervise because of its size.
What should I know before I adopt a Saint Bernard as a first dog?
Be ready for size, shedding, drool and a short life expectancy of 8 to 10 years. Plan training classes from the start and keep the dog cool in hot weather.
Helpful guides
Pet for AdoptionHow to List a Saint Bernard for Adoption in the United StatesContact the breeder and a Saint rescue first, then set clear criteria, charge a fee that covers vet care, describe size, health and drool honestly, screen with an application and home visit, and sign a contract with a return clause.
Pet for SaleHow to Buy a Saint Bernard Puppy in the United StatesChoose a breeder who shows both parents' hip, elbow, eye and heart results and a DM DNA test, meet the mother, get AKC papers and a written contract, and budget for a 120- to 180-pound dog that lives about 8 to 10 years.
Pet for SaleHow to Sell Saint Bernard Puppies in the United StatesHealth-test the parents first, follow your state's age and lemon-law rules, price against regional data, write an honest ad, and screen every buyer for the space, money and training a 120- to 180-pound dog needs.