Frequently Asked Questions
Adopting
How much does it cost to adopt? Where does that number come from? What is included in the adoption fee?
Puppies/Dogs up to 7 years old are $375, and Dogs 7+ are $175.
Are your puppies and dogs up to date on vaccines? What am I responsible for after adopting?
Yes, your dog is up to date on all age appropriate vaccines. If the dog is not spayed/neutered at the time of adoption, the procedure will be scheduled post adoption at one of our participating vets. After finalizing the adoption, any remaining or annual vaccinations as recommended by your veterinarian are your responsibility.
What is your adoption radius?
We keep our adoption radius to within approximately a 60 minute drive from Buffalo. Keep in mind, one of our volunteers will come to your home to complete a home visit. Typically we can find a volunteer to travel to most places if the household has no other pets and is willing to come to the buffalo area for meetings with the dogs. Following that, we will have the foster of the dog you want to meet also come to your house if you currently have another dog for a meet and greet. For these reasons, we do have a limitation on how far we can adopt. We also do welfare checks on our adopted dogs from time to time to make sure that our application process is the best it can be and our rescues are ending up in happy homes. We may make exceptions on a case-by-case basis for those applicants that don’t currently have other dogs.
Do I need to have a fenced in backyard?
No! We fully understand that many people walk their dogs for pottying and exercise. However, we do not condone chaining, tethering or leaving your dog unattended in an unfenced yard.
Can I live in an apartment and still adopt?
Yes! We do, however, require a copy of your lease to confirm that you are able to have a dog in your home. We will also ask for your landlord's contact information. We will note any restrictions, such as size, weight, or breed. Our primary concern is for the well being of the dog, therefore we consider apartment and yard size in relation to the size/activity level of the dog you may be interested in.
How long is the home visit?
The length of the home visit depends on the volunteer, but typically it was last approximately 30-45 minutes. The volunteer will look at your home, backyard and answer any questions you may have.
Why does my current dog need to be spayed/neutered?
The reason rescues exsist is because there is an overpopulation of dogs. In addition to finding homes for all the homeless pets, we strive to help control the pet population by spaying/neutering dogs. Neutering your male dog will completely eliminate its risk of getting testicular cancer. Spaying your female dog eliminates the risk of developing pyometria, a severe infection of the uterus that can be fatal. It also greatly reduces the risk of mammary tumors. In general, pets that are spayed/neutered live longer, healthier lives and "accidents" do not happen.
What is your adoption process?
Once you have completed and submitted your application, a volunteer will contact your veterinarian and personal references. After that, the volunteer will contact you to set up a home visit. The home visit is to ensure your home is a safe environment for a dog. The volunteer will give a brief background of the rescue, review important adoption information and discuss with you your adoption goals. If the volunteer believes you are a fit dog parent, you will receive an approval card. Don't lose your approval card, as it is your "golden ticket" for adopting.
Where do your dogs come from?
We focus ours efforts on pulling dogs from kill shelters in the south, where overcrowding forces euthanization of many wonderful dogs each week.
Do you have a shelter of building where I can view the dog? Where are you located?
We are not a shelter. We are a foster-based rescue in the Buffalo area. Our dogs come up on transport from kill shelters in the South and go straight into foster homes. In their foster homes, they begin potty, crate and leash training. They are also socialized with other dogs, cats, kids and people depending on their foster home.
Can I apply to adopt even if I do not see a dog I am interested in at that time?
Yes! In fact, we encourage people to get pre-approved to adopt! Then, when you see the perfect dog you've been longing for, you get on it's list right away.
How long is my pre-approval good for?
Six months
I saw a dog I am intereted in learning more about. Who do I contact?
We generally list everything we know about a dog in their bio, but you can private message the Facebook page or email us with additional questions.
I have not submitted an application yet, but see a dog I am interested in meeting. What do I do?
You are always welcome to meet any of the dogs we have at events, however, we strongly encourage you to get pre-approved if it's definitely the right time to add to your family.
I have submitted an application. Now what? How long until I hear from a volunteer?
You should be hearing from a volunteer within 3-5 business days. Check your messages and voicemail! If you do not hear from anyone, please message the Facebook page or send us an email.
How long does the process take to get pre-approved.
Depending on your schedule and the schedule of the volunteer, we usually get you pre-approved within a week.
Why do you require a meet and greet with my dog?
We want to make sure the two dogs get along. Remember, relationships take time to build. Things may not be 100% perfect at the first meeting, but it's rare that dogs don't learn to get along. Dogs are pack animals and generally enjoy each other's company once they get to know each other.
What happens at the meet and greet?
The foster will ask you to bring your current dog(s) outside to the edge of your property to meet in a "neutral territory." A walk is encourged while you chat, just so the dogs are aware of each other's presence and get a general idea of scents. After the walk, you can let them sniff each other and even let them play together if you have a fenced yard. After a short while, the foster will take the new dog into your home to see how your dog tolerated the furry stranger. Again, relationships take time to build and dogs need time to find their place in the pack. A second meet and greet can be arranged if it's a dog you have your heart set on.
What is required to adopt a dog/puppy from you?
Our fosters are instructed not to leave the dog in the new home until the new owners have a leash, collar that fits and name tag with the owner's address and phone number.
I adopted a dog from you. What do I do if I am having behavior trouble or I have any questions? Who can I contact?
It depends on the specific issue you are having. You are welcome to contact us first. After chatting, we will advise you if we think you would be best to contact a trainer or behaviorist, as you stated you were willing to do in your adoption contract.
What do I do if I cannot keep my dog?
Contact us. We will do everything in our power to help you keep your dog. If you absolutely cannot keep the dog, we will find an open foster that can take the dog, but you have to keep the dog until we have an open foster, as stated in your adoption contract.
How can I pay the adoption fee?
We accept cash or check
Do you accept donations?
Absolutely! We depend on them! Our rescue is run soley on donations, adoption fees and fundraising.
Is there a minimum age to adopt?
Yes! You must be 21 years of age.
Fostering
How do I become a foster?
You must fill out a foster application on our website. You will be asked for personal references and veterinarian information. You will also be required to complete a home visit and foster orientation.
What do I have to pay for when I have a foster dog?
Nothing! Our rescue supplies crate, food, toys, collar, leash, vetting, vaccines, medicine... anything the foster dog may need. You just supply the love and training!
What is required to become a foster?
The approval to foster is much like being approved to adopt. Your current animals must be fixed and up to date on vaccinations.
Volunteering
What are ways you can get involved?
We understand not everyone can foster a dog, but we can always use help at transports, events, processing applications/home visits, fundraising, etc. There is something for everyone!
How do I become a volunteer?
Fill out an application on our website and a volunteer will be in touch to provide you with any training you may need.