Former Vice President Joe Biden adopts rescue dog

Joe Biden and his wife Jill have adopted 10-month-old German Shepherd Major. Photo / Delaware Humane Association Facebook

Former Vice President Joe Biden has a new four-legged family member.

The Delaware Humane Association said Saturday that Biden and his wife, Jill, have adopted a 10-month-old German Shepherd named Major.

"We are so happy to welcome Major to the Biden family, and we are grateful to the Delaware Humane Association for their work in finding forever homes for Major and countless other animals," the Bidens said in a statement on the DHA's Facebook.

Director of Animal Care Kerry Bruni said the Bidens had been providing foster care for the dog in their home for several months and were ready to make the adoption official.

Former Vice President Joe Biden with his new dog at Delaware Humane Association. Photo / AP

According to the DHA's Facebook page, Major had been one of six puppies brought to them after being exposed to toxins at their previous home.

The previous owner of the dogs relinquished their right to the animals after admitting that they could not afford veterinary care.

"With the help of our friends at VSCD, together we provided lifesaving care, shared their story here and that we were looking for fosters for them," the DHA added.

Bruni said the former vice president reached out to see if he could help after the association posted on social media of the sick puppies' journey.

Joe Biden showing Major a photo of him as a puppy. Photo / Delaware Humane Association Facebook

Adoption Coordinator Cathy helped finalise the details for the adoption.

"It was such an honour for us to adopt a puppy to Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden," said Patrick Carroll, DHA executive director. "We make friends for life at DHA and we know that the bond between humans and their pets is incredibly strong. We have adopted thousands of animals into homes in Delaware, and we are happy to add the Vice President and his family to our list."

Biden recently returned to the campaign trail to stump for Democratic candidates and has said he expects to decide whether to seek the 2020 presidential nomination by early next year.

Joe and Jill Biden have another German Shepherd named Champ.

- With AP