Dog Adoption FAQ's

 

On this page you will find the answers to some frequently asked questions. We kindly ask that you browse these questions before e-mailing or calling us with your questions.
The questions are listed at the top in the order they are answered below. Please scroll down to your question.

GENERAL ADOPTION QUESTIONS:
1) Do you adopt out of your local area?
2) How long does the adoption process take?
3) Why does the process take so long?
4) Can you tell me if my application is approved before I come?
5) Can I adopt a dog as a surprise or a gift?
6) Can we take the dog home for a trial-run?
7) Can I bring my dog to the shelter to meet one of your dogs to make sure they get along?
8) What needs to be done if I want to adopt an "Outside Dog?"

ABOUT THE DOG:
9) Is the dog good with kids?
10) Is the dog housebroken?
11) Is the dog good with cats?
12) Why have you had the dog so long?

 

GENERAL ADOPTION QUESTIONS:

1) Do you adopt out of your local area?

Yes we do, but we do not have “same day” adoptions.  That means that you must be willing to make at least two trips to meet the dog that you are interested in.  We also require that all members of the family and all current dogs in the house meet the new dog before sending him or her home.

2) How long does the adoption process take?

This is a hard question to answer as all adoptions are processed on a case-by-case basis.  Local adoptions (~30 miles or less) usually take 1-2 weeks.  A non-local adoption usually takes about 2-4 weeks.  The adoption process can be longer, but it is rarely shorter.

3) Why does the process take so long?

Your adoption application is processed entirely by volunteers. We work as quickly as we can, but often cannot work as quickly as we want.  We feel that waiting a few weeks to adopt a dog that will give you a lifetime of companionship is worth it.  We take the extra time to make sure that the dog you are adopting is a good match for your family and that you are ready to adopt.  We try as much as we can to prevent dogs from being returned.

4) Can you tell me if my application is approved before I come?

Unfortunately we cannot do this.  We consider meeting you, your family, and any dogs you currently own part of the adoption process.  We wait to make our decision until after we have met you and you have met the dog you are interested in.

5) Can I adopt a dog as a surprise or a gift?

This is a gray area.  We will not allow you to adopt a dog as a gift for another family or for a parent by a child (of any age).  We will allow you to adopt a dog as a gift for a minor child, as long as you understand that as the parents you will be responsible for the dog. We will also consider allowing a surprise adoption for a spouse, but we much prefer that all adults adopting the animal be aware and consenting.  You may like the dog that you choose, but your spouse may not.

6) Can we take the dog home for a trial-run?

We do not allow this because we try to reduce the confusion and stress that we subject our dogs to.  We have seen how hard it can be on dogs that leave the shelter for a permanent or foster home and then have to be returned.  We understand that as hard as we all try not every adoption will work and always require that our dogs be returned to us if the adoption does not work out.  If we feel that the adoption failed because of a lack of compatibly between the dog and the family we will make suggestions on a different dog to adopt.

7) Can I bring my dog to the shelter to meet one of your dogs to make sure they get along?

Absolutely! We actually require that you do so before we will adopt a dog out.   When you come with your dog please safely secure your dog in the car, come inside and let someone know that you have your dog with you and would like to introduce him/her to the dog(s) you are interested in. (It is best if you have someone come with you so you don’t have to leave your dog unattended in your car)  If you have to come alone please remember that a dog can overheat in minutes in a hot car.  We ask that you not bring your dog into the shelter.

8) What needs to be done if I want to adopt an "Outside Dog?"

The vast majority of our dogs MUST be adopted as inside dogs. Any dog that is approved for an outside adoption has a note in the bottom of their profile. No other dogs will be adopted as outside only dogs. Most of our dogs that are approved to be adopted outside are older adult dogs that we know have always spent their entire life outside and will have a difficult transition to living inside. We never adopt puppies or young dogs as "outside" dogs. There are a series of conditions that must be fulfiled to adopt one of our approved "outside" dogs.
A) You must own, or plan to adopt a second dog. Dogs are pack animals and being left alone for that long is not natural for them. They will have much happier lives if they have some companionship. Even if the adoptive home can find time to spend 2-5 hours a day with the dog that still leaves the dog alone for 22-19 hours a day. The only exception to this is if the dog you are adopting from us is not dog friendly. The dogs must be kept in the same enclosure so they can interact.
B) The dog must be kept in a secure pen/enclosure. No dogs will be tied or tethered. They will also never be allowed to run or roam off lead. It must be larger than a 6x6 dog kennel, especially because we expect that there will be two dogs. The dog must be provided with a clean area to stand (cement is prefered), a shaded area (not just a dog house) and shelter.
C) We also expect that the dog be removed and walked on lead each day. Dogs need to get out, explore, smell new smells and interact with YOU in order to have a good life. The dog's water should be changed at least twice a day. This is very important in the cold of winter and the hot of summer.
D) We would prefer if you have an alternate location that the dog can be kept in cases of extreme weather. As an example a kennel or a crate would be acceptable in the winter, but would not be in the summer as it could become very hot.

ABOUT THE DOG:

9) Is the dog good with kids?

If the dog was an “owner surrender” we usually try to ask if he/she has been around kids.  If they were not an “owner surrender” we really can’t say for sure.  Often we can make a very educated guess based on the dogs overall personality.  We try our best to indicate when we know the dog is NOT good around children.  If there is nothing in the profile either way, feel free to contact us understanding that we will be making an educated guess.

10) Is the dog housebroken?

Due to the fact that 99% of our dogs are kept in a shelter environment and not a foster home we cannot safely make a claim that they are housebroken.   If the dog was an “owner surrender” we try to indicate what the owner told us in the dogs petfinder.com profile.  We will NEVER promise that a dog is housebroken, and expect all our adopters to be willing for a few mistakes.  Sometimes we can get a feeling for a dog based on their bathroom behaviors at the shelter and will indicate if we think he or she might be housebroken.  Please do not take this as a guarantee.

11) Is the dog good with cats? 

This is something that we very rarely know for sure.  Because 99% of our dogs are in the shelter environment they don’t come into contact with cats.  If the dog was an “owner surrender” and they indicated that the dog lived with cats we will put that in the dog’s profile.  We will do a less than perfect cat test if a dog is going to be adopted with cats.  (It has actually worked pretty well thus far) But---We will NOT do this test until you have come to meet the dog, your application has been approved, and you express interest to adopt the dog.  It is very difficult for us to do, which is why we can’t do every dog at the shelter.  We often suggest that people with cats look for two dogs they might be interested in.  That way if the first one is not cat friendly, they won’t have to come back up to meet a second dog.

12) Why have you had this particular dog so long? 

Many people ask this question thinking that there is something wrong with the dog.  In most of our situations, it is just a case of too many dogs and not enough adopters.  We have the same number of dogs as many shelters in larger suburban areas, but obviously do not have as many people to adopt.  Do not be afraid to ask us if you are curious, but be prepared that the answer will most likely be “not enough homes.”  We do have a few dogs that will be harder to adopt because they aren’t good with children, or other dogs as examples, but usually those reasons are clearly described in the dog’s profile.  Do not be afraid to ask about a dog we have had for a long time, that dog needs you the most.