07/08/2024
We wanted to take a moment to make a post after seeing something very similar come out from another wonderful shelter. Whenever we post new dogs, we have an influx of applications. This is great, but we wanted to take a few moments to address some things so that everyone understands what goes into this process when an application is submitted.
1. Prior to filling out the application, it is important that you know the following:
❤️We will be doing reference checks and various forms of property checks on each application (whether that be in person or satellite/aerial/street views).
🐾 Stated within the application is the requirement for 2 NON-FAMILY references.
💙 Do not put a family member as a reference, it takes our volunteers extra time to then reach out to you and get those references.
🐾 It is required that you provide an email contact for your references. As much as we wish we had the manpower to call every potential adopter, reference, vet, landlord, etc. we do not. This line item IS required and putting N/A in that slot in order to move on in the application is not acceptable.
❤️ We will be doing vet reference checks.
🐾 Make sure you have contacted your vet and that your animals are up to date one vaccines/preventions.
❤️ If you rent, you are required to provide your landlord’s contact information.
🐾 Make sure you contact your landlord for approval prior to applying.
2. When filling out the application, please be as thorough as possible in your responses:
❤️ The more information you can provide, the easier the decision will be on whether your home will be a good fit for the dog you are applying for.
❤️ Stated within our application is a section that asks how you would address certain issues should they arise. It also very clearly states that applicants answering N/A or single word answers will not be accepted. Period.
3. Do your research:
❤️ While we understand many of these dogs have unknown ancestry/breed, and many times we are guessing based on appearance and characteristics, it is incredibly important to do research on what to expect as a dog owner. If you are searching for a dog to be a calm companion and movie buddy, a high energy herding dog, or a high drive sport dog would not be a good fit.
❤️ Read their bios thoroughly. The bios are glimpses into who these dogs are and what they need from a family. If you have a chaotic and busy household, a shy and reserved dog may not be a good fit, but a dog who thrives on being busy and on the move might.
❤️Understand the 3-3-3 rule of adopting, and what to expect from your dog:
🐾 3 days of feeling overwhelmed and nervous as they try to adjust to life with new people and a new environment.
🐾 3 weeks of settling into a new routine.
🐾 3 months of bonding and building a relationship with you and your family.
4. We pour our heart and soul into rescuing and placing the dogs in our care.
❤️ We do NOT operate on a first come, first served basis.
❤️ If there are requirements listed on a dog, these are put in place for the safety and sanity of everyone involved. The dogs in our program are fostered in our homes, as part of our family. If these requirements exist, it is for a reason.
❤️ We will ask questions, speak to references, call your vet, etc. before deciding to place a dog in your home. This is not to deter you, but to better assess if your home is the right fit for that dog.
5. Items that will get an application denied:
❤️Answering N/A or single word answers to our questions.
❤️Not providing references.
❤️Applying for a dog with specific requirements and not meeting those requirements.
❤️Lying on your application.
❤️Adopting a pet for someone else.
❤️Having a track record of rehoming previous pets (this applies case by case, we do fully understand that things outside of your control may take place, or that not all dogs are the proper fit for every home. More so if there is a pattern of this behavior).
❤️Being rude to our volunteers. We are a completely volunteer run rescue, this means that we have jobs, families, and pets of our own to attend to on top of the responsibilities of caring for fosters and responding to emails/processing applications. Please be patient and courteous.
6. What to expect from us:
❤️Full disclosure on behavioral and health issues known to us during the time we have cared for the dog. We believe in full transparency and and while not all dogs have certain needs or requirements, when they do, we are brutally honest about it. We do not want to set anyone up for failure.
❤️Age-appropriate vetting on all dogs.
❤️Treatment of any known issues (heartworm, lymes, dental work, etc)
❤️Spay/Neuter is a requirement. Often, due to a backlog at many clinics, this will need to be scheduled with the adopter after the adoption is finalized. This is included in the adoption fee, is not optional, and MUST be completed through one of our participating vet clinics.
❤️We are always happy to answer any questions you may have about a dog. In fact, we encourage you to ask questions.
❤️2-week trial on all adoptions. We hold payment for two weeks following all adoptions.
❤️We are always here for follow up support after an adoption, and while it is important for adopters to understand that it can take up to 3 months for a new pet to truly settle into a home, we are here to assist you should any issues arise.
❤️ Please understand that we are a volunteer run organization. While we strive to respond to inquiries and applications within 24 hours, please allow up to 48 hours to receive a response.
We understand that this may seem daunting to some, and that many feel the application process is too involved, and while our application process is not nearly as rigorous as some, it is our job as rescuers to set these animals and their future families up for success, and nothing less. It has been proven time and time again that adoptions without an application/vetting processes in place are more likely to end in failure/rehoming (think of the “clear the shelter” events we often see, and the high amounts of returns that follow shortly after).
Dogs are a commitment, and it is our job to ensure their next home is their forever home.
