What does adopting from a rescue look like?

We know these dogs better than if you were adopting directly from shelter; many of them have been in homes with the co-founders and we've been able to better assess their personalities and needs in a new home, ensuring better placement and compatibility. With that in mind, the adoption process is a bit more rigorous through a rescue than if you were to adopt directly from a shelter. This is not only to protect our dogs but to ensure that the adopter gets the best dog for their lifestyle. Adopting through our rescue, you can rest assured that we will be as transparent and honest about our dogs as possible. Being in homes, they'll also be better house- and crate-trained (training is expected of all our fosters) than if they were adopted fresh out of a shelter.

HOW MUCH ARE YOUR FEES?

We are a small rescue, so our fees are NOT set in stone. Our adoption fees include spay and neuter and our partner clinic. Our range starts at $250- $600.

What is the adoption process and what does the fee go towards? DF

1. Submit an adoption application for a specific dog

2. Phone interview with one of our volunteers

3. We love each and every one of the pets in our care and must ensure that they're placed in homes that are a good fit for that individual dog.

4. Meet the pet (this is something we aim for with every pet before adoption, though exceptions can be made)

5. We require that all members of the household (resident pets included, with certain exceptions) meet the animal and are compatible.

6. Application approval /rejection

7. Once all references are contacted and information verified, we'll reach out to let you know whether we think the adoption is a good match.

8. Sign our Adoption Contract and pay the nominal adoption fee

9. We send the dog off to their happily ever after with you!

Adoption fees are vital to the continuation of our organization. We are 100% volunteer-run, so rest assured they go directly to the medical care, prevention medications, transportation costs, supplies, and emergency boarding for our dogs. 

I don’t see a dog that I like on your website, can you help?

Please contact us with your specific needs in a dog and we'll let you know when we take one in! There are countless dogs needing rescue and facing euthanasia every day, so we'll always have a huge variety of adoptable dogs that changes day by day.

Once I adopt, can I reach back out to you for any help?

We are invested in our rescued dogs for the duration of their lives; we are with them (and you!) for the long haul. Please reach out to us if you ever have any questions or concerns about them at any point in their lives. We expect that any animal adopted through us be returned if the owner is considering relinquishment to a shelter or can no longer adequately care for that animal.

How does fostering saves lives?

Many times we pull dogs from the shelter that are scheduled to be put down later that same day simply due to overcapacity. By fostering, you are literally saving that dog's life by buying them time to find a no-kill rescue or forever home, often in the northeast where there isn't such a dramatic overpopulation of dogs. You are teaching them good manners, how to live in a home (many of our dogs may never have lived inside!), beginning the important decompression period, and learning about their unique personality and needs - ensuring that we find them the perfect forever home!

Can I be a renter and foster? I don’t have a fenced yard; is that okay?

Absolutely! Just ensure that your landlord contractually allows dogs in the home. Not having a fenced yard is just fine, too! Just ensure that the animal is on a leash at all times when outside - we don’t want to have to pull them out of the county shelter a second time!

It’s not working out with my adopted dog… What can I do?

Per the adoption agreement, we expect the dog to be returned to our care should you no longer be able/willing to care for it adequately. We also expect patience with our dogs and ask that you adhere to the 3/3/3 rule, and give the dog at least a couple of weeks for decompression before deciding that it's not working out. Depending on the circumstances, you may not be able to adopt from us again after returning a dog.

I want to help, but I’m not sure where to begin.

Fostering is our #1 need, but if you're unable to foster, donating to the care and placement of our dogs is always greatly appreciated. Share our adoptable dogs or those needing foster across your social media. Keep an eye on our social media and website for any specific volunteer opportunities!