Welcoming a rescue dog into your home is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make, but it's also a significant commitment that requires careful consideration and preparation. This guide will help you understand if rescue dog adoption is the right choice for your lifestyle, how to select a dog that matches your family's needs, and what resources are available to support you through the adoption journey.
Whether you're a first-time dog owner or have previous experience with pets, making an informed decision is crucial for both you and your potential new family member. Every rescue dog has their own unique personality, history, and needs. By taking the time to evaluate your readiness and understand what to look for in a companion, you'll be better equipped to provide a loving forever home for a dog in need.
Here's what you'll find below, in our Adoption Guide:
Adopting a rescue dog is a commendable choice and can bring immense joy, but it’s essential to understand that a rescue dog may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some important considerations:
Understanding Our Dogs
Most of our dogs come from high-kill shelters in Alabama or puppy mills, and we typically don't receive any background information regarding their health or temperament. Many dogs arrive without names and often come from stray situations or owner surrenders. While none of our dogs are aggressive, many have never lived in a home environment.
As such, you should expect:
In summary, while we are thrilled that you're considering adopting, please remember that you are not getting a "perfect" dog. There will be work involved, and it's important to be ready for that commitment.
With thousands of adoptions since 2006, we understand that selecting the right dog goes beyond just looks. Here’s some guidance to help you choose the best fit for your lifestyle:
Your application will be processed immediately during our business hours. You must be 24 years of age to complete the application. We ask that you do not apply or work with other rescue organizations if you choose to submit an application with us. That is not a good use of anyone's time.
Q: How do I know if my application was submitted?
A: You'll see a "Thank you confirmation page.
Q: How do I know if you are going forward with my application?
A: The selected applicant will be contacted. Once we are in the home visit process, we MAY put "Home Visit in Process" on the listing. Once the dog is adopted, we remove it from the PetFinder site.
Q: What is the typical timeframe?
A: We do require that adopters adopt within seven days of applying, so that would be the estimated timeframe before adoption. Exceptions to this would be if the dog is noted as not adoptable at the time.
We will do an initial vet history check with both your current and/or past veterinarians. This is done with deceased pets as well as ones currently living. We will move forward only if the following records are complete:
-spay/neuter
-rabies and distemper combo vaccines
-heartworm tests
-monthly heartworm preventative
If those records are not complete, we will not be able to move forward.
PLEASE NOTE: We have a $50 records release penalty if you indicate you've released records and we discover you have not.
If we select your application to move forward with, you will be sent an email requesting a $100 deposit. This deposit will be applied to the adoption fee and is non-refundable. The reason we do this is to make sure that you are serious about adopting at this time.
We will conduct a virtual or in-person home visit. All members of the family need to be present during the meeting. The purpose of this home visit is to discuss your needs and expectations, and also the needs of a dog in general.
Q: What can I expect during a home visit?
A: We will discuss the proper care and training of your rescue dog and answer any questions you may have.
Q: Will the home visit volunteer be able to tell us more about the dog?
A: The home visit volunteer will not know the particulars of the dog you are interested in. What we know is on the dog's listing. It's a good idea to read the articles on the resource page before your home visit.
If all of the above goes well, we will put you in touch with the dog's foster parent, or our rescue volunteers so you may set a time to meet the Fluffy Dog.
Please note: We will do our best to match you with the dog you applied for, but our dogs are popular and there are many applications on them. Going through this process quickly and meeting the dog in a timely manner will work in your favor in matching you with the dog you have selected.
Q: Can I bring my other dog(s) to the meeting?
A: Yes, you are welcome to bring your dog or dogs to this meeting.
Q: Am I required to adopt the dog if I feel it is not a good match?
A: No, if you don't believe the dog is a good match for you, you are not required to adopt at or after the meeting.
WI State law requires that every dog have a vet exam prior to adoption for contagious diseases. Fluffy Dog Rescue pays for these exams and we begin to work on getting them scheduled as soon as an application is received. Because of the vet shortage these exams are very difficult to get.
Your decisive, clear and proactive communications regarding the Fluffy Dog you want to adopt goes a long way! This will help us get a vet appointment for the required exam in a timely manner. And this makes it more likely you'll be able to take home your dog within seven days!
These exams are good for 30 days, so the dog you are interested in may, or may not have a current exam.
Adopting a rescue dog is a rewarding journey that requires preparation and understanding. We've carefully curated these resources to help you make informed decisions and create the best possible environment for your new companion. From essential reading about what to expect, to practical guides for the first few weeks, these materials will guide you through every step of the adoption journey.
ONLINE ARTICLES
DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES
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