Process for adopting a stray dog

Looking for some personal insights and guidance following coming into custody of a stray dog.

Long story short, a friend has rescued a stray dog from the roads the evening before the freeze was about to set in. They brought the dog to us since they couldn’t look after it (but couldn’t bare to leave him out). My wife and I have wanted to get a dog for a while (but hadn’t planned on doing so until end of the year). He would have likely died if left outside.

He was in a rough condition. He had no name tag, not been neutered. Unknown name. He had a collar and nothing else. We have fed/watered him, bathed him, kept him warm, provided safety, toys and care. He is attentive but has leash reactivity (so having short, controlled walks with thermal protection). Upon taking to a vet to check for a microchip, there is none. The vet explained this is common in Houston for dogs that have been dumped. It also wasn’t helped when driving past 2 dead dogs on the verge of the roads after the first night.

We’re relatively new to this city, so have researched what to do in this event. We have posted Found adverts on multiple sites/pages, no response so far after 4 days. We have contacted animal control and various shelters – all have been full and couldn’t take him.

We have decided to go through the process of adopting him into the family. So far, our plan is: 1. Pay for vet check up tomorrow to assess his current condition (including bloodwork) 2. Administer required vaccines shortly afterwards 3. Neuter and microchip him after a week has passed (should no owner come forward with ownership evidence, such as photos or a name he responds to) 4. Following surgery recovery, start private professional training

Is there anything I’m missing? Has anyone been through this process before? After 4 days in our care, he is already showing signs of a future loving family member so willing to invest what’s needed to give him a great life.