If you see a dog that you are interested in adopting, please fill out an Adoption Application. Your application will then be reviewed. We strive to place our dogs into homes that we feel will be best suited for the dog(s). Our goal is to provide permanent, loving homes.
If your application is approved, we will set up a home check at your residence. After your home check is approved, we will set up a day/time for you to meet the dog(s) that you are interested in. If the “meet and greet” goes well, you will sign an adoption contract and pay the non-refundable adoption fee; subsequently, the dog will be left in your care.
The adoption fee for all adult dogs over 6 months of age is $400. The adoption fee for dogs under 6 months of age is $550. Please keep in mind that our rescue helps many dogs in need of vetting and we are a non-profit organization. The adoption fee will be used to help rescue and care for other homeless dogs in danger.
Our adoption policies are based on our knowledge, experience, and ability to save rescued dogs. We reserve the right to approve or deny any adoption that occurs through this organization, without disclosure. Our adoption committee carefully reviews every application. We reserve the right to make exceptions for special circumstances.
All dogs have been Vetted, Spayed/Neutered and Microchipped, as well as vaccinated.
ADVICE FOR SUCCESSFULLY ADOPTING A RESCUED DOG
A little preparation goes a long way toward helping your new dog transition to his/her life in your home. Some dogs settle in right away, some take a few days, so please be patient with your new family member.
Purchase an ID tag and local dog license within 5 days of bringing your dog home. Some pet stores, such as PetSmart, have machines where you can create an ID tag immediately.
To set the tone for a positive relationship from the beginning, proper introductions with each dog in the home are essential, regardless of the dog’s age. Children should NOT handle a dog during introductions.
http://www.citydogsrescuedc.org/dog-introductions.html provides clear steps and excellent advice to help all the pets in your home become accustomed to the new group dynamics.
Because your home will be at least the 3rd home your newly adopted dog/puppy has known (his/her original home, the shelter or foster home, and now your home), your dog will need time to adjust to his/her new life. It may take a few hours, days, weeks or months for him/her to “normalize”. We encourage you to keep in touch with us, to give us updates on your dog’s progress. We are available for advice and support, when needed.
When he/she is first settling in, your dog may experience shyness, anxiety, restlessness, excitement, crying or barking. He/she may exhibit excessive water drinking, frequent urination, or diarrhea. His/her appetite may not be good. If any of these symptoms last more than a few days, call your veterinarian.
Understand that grabbing at, hugging, and kissing are all human behaviors, not canine behaviors. It is normal for a dog to resist this type of handling, if your dog has not been well socialized.
We urge you to enroll your dog/puppy in a training class for about 2 weeks after bringing him/her home. Choose an instructor who uses motivational or positive training.
Establish a routine for feeding, walking, exercising, etc., to help your dog get used to a predictable environment. Consistency and predictability is comforting to your dog and will help him/her adjust to your home.
Your dog should have access to fresh, clean water at all times. If he/she is crated, please use a water bottle designed for use with crates if he/she knocks water bowls over.
We encourage you to feed your pets with the best food you can afford. Many “common problems” in dogs are caused by feeding improper foods and inadequate nutrition. The cost of quality food will always be less then the cost to treat illness or allergies caused by poor nutrition. http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/ provides unbiased food reviews.