Why is there an adoption donation?

Don't these pets need homes? All of our animals will have age appropriate vaccinations, microchip, fecal test, de-worming if necessary, heartworm test if over 8 months of age and spayed / neutered. If animal is not spayed / neutered at time of adoption we require you take the animal to one of our approved veterinarians with a prepaid voucher as soon as it is deemed safe to do so by the veterinarian. Your adoption donation helps cover expenses for future pets that we will save.

I'm interested in an animal on your site…is he available for adoption?

All pets on our site are available for adoption. There may, however, be other applications for that pet. "Pending adoption" means that, in all likelihood, this dog will be adopted within 48 hours. All pets on our site are available and, as you complete the application, you will be asked to select pets of interest. When a pet is removed from the site, he or she is no longer available for adoption.

What do I need to do to meet this dog?

The first step is to complete the application. If you have not completed the application, please do so. Please do not email us prior to filling out the application, as it slows the process, and all information we have about the dog is in the description. As we learn more about the dog, we will update the description. Once the application is reviewed and if it is a good match for the dog, we will contact you about meeting the dog. Your entire family and any current dogs must be present when you meet the dog.

What happens after I complete the application?

Our Application Coordinator Volunteer(s) will check the application to see if it is a match for the dog(s) for which you applied. If we need additional information, we will contact you. If it looks like your home will be a match, we will contact your references. Please be sure to alert your vet (if applicable) that you have applied to adopt and that it is OK for the vet to share basic information with us. If you do not alert your vet, it slows our process. If you rent, please be sure to provide the phone number for your landlord. If everything checks out, you will be contacted to meet the dog at one of our events, at the foster home or at a location determined between you and the foster home.

How long does it take?

Our review process may happen quickly (within two days) or may take up to two weeks. Please do not send repeated emails inquiring about the status of your application as it slows our process.

I want to adopt this dog, but we are going on vacation…can I adopt him and have you hold on to him until I return?

We do not place "holds" on dog. If you have travel plans or need to adopt a dog after a particular point in time, please check our available dogs and cats when you return. Space in our foster homes is precious. If we hold pets, we are not able to save other pets from euthanasia.

I need a non-shedding dog…does this particular dog shed?

When we believe that a dog has a non-shed or low-shed coat, we list it in the description. If it is not indicated in the description, we believe the dog will shed, and you should presume the same. We cannot guarantee shedding status of any of our dogs.

How big will this puppy get?

We are unable to determine how large a puppy will grow. While we may know the mother, we rarely, if ever, know the father. If size is an issue, we recommend that you adopt a full-grown dog, generally over one year old.

What breed is this dog?

We can only speculate on the breed of a dog based on general characteristics and traits. If it is a puppy born in our care, we know the mother.

Is this dog/cat spayed or neutered? Does she have her shots? 

All of our animals will have age appropriate vaccinations, microchip, fecal test, de-worming if necessary, heartworm test if over 8 months of age and spayed / neutered. If animal is not spayed / neutered at time of adoption we require you take the animal to one of our approved veterinarians with a prepaid voucher as soon as it is deemed safe to do so by the veterinarian.

Can I try out the dog before adopting?

No. We ask that you complete the adoption process, with the understanding that if it does not work out for any reason, we will take the dog or cat back. In fact, our adoption agreement requires that if for any reason the adoption does not work out, the dog or cat is returned to us.

The description indicates "no children" for this dog...but MY kids are really good…can we adopt him?

No. We have this listed in a description based on the needs of the dog. It would not be a safe, healthy situation for your children or the dog.

The description indicates "must be an only dog" …but MY dog is really good with other dogs…can we adopt him? No. Please see above.

Can you tell me more about his "story"?

For the most part, the dogs and cats are strays or owner turn-ins. If he was a stray, we know nothing more than where he was found. If he was an owner turn-in, rarely do we get a complete or truthful story from the owner. So, while we don't have their "stories," we are trying to figure out as much as we can. Our foster homes work very hard to learn as much as they can about the pet they are caring for and always share this information with potential adopters. Their goal is to determine what type of home a pet needs to ensure he is a good match for the family.

Does he shed? Is she housebroken? How is she with kids/cats?

All the information we have about a pet is in the description. You must first submit an application. If the application is a match for the dog, the foster home will contact you. You can direct your questions to the foster home; they are the best source of information on the dog's current disposition, habits and needs. If your application is not suited to the needs of the dog, we will contact you about looking at other pets.

You keep mentioning "foster homes" what are they?

Before they are adopted, our dogs and cats are in temporary homes. This way, we get to know the dog's personality, likes, dislikes and general temperament. We rely on the judgment of our foster homes a great deal. Foster homes are not intended to be permanent homes; our foster homes are all volunteers, and we always need more foster homes. You can become a foster home by filling out a foster application on the How You Can Help tab of our website. It's a great experience for the whole family.

Why do you have so many "rules" about adopting? Don't these dogs and cats need a home? Why can't I just have this dog – I know I can make it work?

We invest a great deal of emotional and financial resources into each dog and cat that we save. Our top priority is finding him a home where he will thrive and become a loving, happy member of a household. Placing him in a home that does not match his needs will not make the dog or new owner happy. We respectfully ask that all potential adopters honor these decisions. We are always willing to work with potential adopters on finding the right match for your home.