12/20/2024
Sandy Paws Rescue prides itself on matching each dog with the RIGHT adopter. We are not a first come, first “get” rescue. We frequently have people upset with us for not being chosen for a particular dog, so we thought it would be helpful if we shared more about our process for selecting adopters.
We have placed more than 2,000 dogs in their forever homes here in New England in the last few years. Here’s what those adopters did, and what you can do to ensure an approved application:
1. KEEP PETS UP-TO-DATE ON ALL RECOMMENDED VET CARE
***This is the number one reason we deny an application.*** If your dog or cat is unaltered, or behind on their annual exams, vaccinations or preventatives, get them into the vet asap. BEFORE you apply with us. We require consistent vetting history before placing a new dog in your home.
Roughly 40-50% of the applications we receive do not give monthly preventatives to their dog. Flea/tick and heartworm prevention is not only critical to your dog’s health, but some rescued dogs from the south have already gone through the brutal treatment for heartworms. We are not willing to risk placing any of our dogs in a home where they could go unprotected again.
2. FILL OUT THE APPLICATION THOROUGHLY & HONESTLY
Yes, we know the application is long. We are trying to get to know you to ensure we’re matching you with the right dog the best we can. We also want to be sure you’ve thought this through. A dog is a long-term commitment that will require a lot of vet care and possibly a lot of training throughout his/her life.
When a dog has multiple applications, the ones with all one-word answers are unlikely to be chosen.
3. READ THE DOG’S BIO THAT YOU’RE APPLYING FOR
Sometimes we have dogs who have specific needs in their adoptive homes. For example: needs to be the only dog in the home, needs a fenced yard because they won’t walk on a leash yet, can’t live with kids, etc.
4. LIST MULTIPLE DOGS
If you aren’t selected for the dog you initially applied for, that doesn’t mean your application was rejected. You can list multiple dogs on your application for greater chances of finding a match right off the bat. Or, you can later email [email protected] if you see other dogs you’re interested in.
5. BE READY & BE RESPONSIVE
After applying, an adoption coordinator MAY reach out to you as quickly as that same day (usually within 48 hours). Please respond to their phone call, text or email in a timely manner. Your adoption coordinator will walk you through our process which includes reference checks, a virtual/video home tour, and may include a meet and greet if the dog is local. Be prepared to take your new dog home within the week if you are approved. We cannot hold dogs.
6. IF YOU DON’T HAVE ANYTHING NICE TO SAY…
Complaining about our process, our fees, or our application is definitely not going to result in an adoption. Be sure to visit our FAQ page if you’d like a breakdown on what is included in our adoption fee: https://www.sandypawsmv.com/sprdogfaq.html
