Adoption FAQ

The following are just a few initial guidelines you should consider before deciding to adopt.

• Dogs don’t come pre-programmed.  In your dog’s previous life, he may have been encouraged to jump up on people, steal food, or play too rough.  Use clear, simple, consistent commands and positive reinforcement.  Reward good behavior with treats, hugs and a happy voice.  Use corrections sparingly.
• Count on a dog marking or having accidents the first few days, even if he was housetrained.  Have pet-specific cleaning products on hand.  Also be prepared for other transitional behavioral problems.
• There may be additional adoption requirements for puppies (puppy classes, spay/neuter, etc.)
• All adoptive homes must be stable, supportive, and willing to meet all veterinary needs of the animal.
• Changing a dog’s name:  A dog can learn a new name quickly if you use it consistently.  Start by linking it with the previous name.

How much does it cost to adopt a dog or puppy?

We have three set adoption fees, depending on the age of the dog.  All our adoption fees include age-appropriate vet care, including spay/neuter surgery, Distemper/Parvo shot, Rabies shot, and de-worming.  Dogs coming from foster homes are on heartworm preventative and a flea and tick program.

• Puppy (6 months and under) – $325.00
• Young/Adult Dog (7 months to 9 yrs) – $280.00
• Senior Dog (10 years or older) – $200.00
• Heartworm positive Dog – $350.00 ( This includes treatment for heartworm, which can otherwise cost $500 – $1200 to treat)

What is the adoption process?

The adoption process begins when you send an adoption application to the contact listed in the dog’s petfinder bio.  (This can also happen when an adoption application is turned in at an adoption event.)  The contact, which we call the “Adoption Coordinator,” will then set up a time to discuss what you are looking for on the telephone.  If both you and the adoption coordinator think the dog is a good fit, a meeting will be arranged.  Before the adoption is complete, the adoption coordinator will check your vet reference to make sure that all current and past pets were kept up to date on their shots.  The adoption coordinator will also set up a home visit, where one of our volunteers will come to your home to ensure both that it is safe and that everyone in the home is on board with adopting a dog.

Do you adopt out of the DC Metro Area?

Yes.  As long as we can arrange to have a home visit done and you agree to come here to pick up the dog, we can adopt out of our area.  However, priority will be given to local adopters – especially with puppies.

Do you have to have a fenced yard?

No.  But, for some of our dogs, we will ask that you have a plan for exercising that dog – including, perhaps, visits to a fenced in dog park.  We realize that there are many resources for dog owners in this area that make having a fenced yard less important.  We also realize that different dogs have different exercise needs – it is all about matching the right dog up with the right adopter.

Do you adopt to renters?

Yes.  We will just need verification from your landlord that you are allowed to have a dog.  In addition, we will need to know any weight, size, or breed restrictions.  This is particularly important if you are adopting a puppy because we cannot guarantee that a dog will grow to a certain size or weight.

Can I adopt a dog that is listed as being “in a shelter”

 as opposed to “in a foster home”?

Yes you can!  The only catch is that you cannot meet the dog before committing to a minimum 2 week trial adoption.  Because K-9 Lifesavers has limited foster home space, we can only bring in dogs that we know we have the room for.  If you want to adopt a dog in a shelter, we can bring the dog in if you commit to holding onto the dog for a minimum of 2 weeks – even if it is not what you’re looking for.  This gives us time to find another suitable foster or adopter.  Of course, if the dog presents a danger to you or your current pets, we will do everything we can to move him/her quickly.

What happens if there is more than one applicant for

 the dog?

We try our very best to find the best home for our dogs – and the best dog for our adopters.  Sometimes this decision is based on who applied first.  Sometimes it is based on who is in the family or what kind of living situation the family has.  We try to be as open and honest about the selection process as we can.

If the dog I like is adopted, will you help me find a

different one?

Absolutely!  If the dog you originally apply for gets adopted, we will help you find a great match for your family.  There is no need to reapply or to start the process over again.

Do you know the exact breed of each of your dogs?

Unfortunately, because our dogs turn up at rural shelters without full histories, we cannot guarantee a dog’s breed.  We usually have no idea who the parents are!  We can only make our best guess based on the dog’s appearance and temperament.

Do you know how big your puppies will get?

Unfortunately, no.  We try to make an educated guess based on the puppy’s current size, current age, and estimated breed.

Are the dogs spayed/neutered?

All dogs that are adopted out over the age of 6 months are spayed or neutered prior to adoption.  Spay and neuter fees are included in the price of puppy adoptions, as long as you use our partner vet in Grasonville, Maryland.  Those who adopt puppies under the age of 6 months will be required to send in a copy of the spay/neuter certificate by the time the dog is 6 months of age.

If I have trouble with my new dog, what should I do?

Let us know immediately!  We have lots of resources to share with you, including trainers that give discounts to our adopters.  Sometimes dogs take a few weeks to settle in and establish a routine.  Because we have been doing this a long time, we have probably been through what you are going through.  Let us help!!

What happens if I can no longer keep the dog I

 adopted?

K-9 Lifesavers has a lifetime commitment to each and every one of our dogs.  If you cannot keep the dog you have adopted from us, you should let us know immediately, and we will get to work on finding it a new, loving home.  Perhaps more importantly, if you are experiencing trouble with your dog before you make a decision to re-home, you should let us know.  We can provide you the advice and support you need to fix the problems befoe they get out of control.