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Hello. My husband and I have been wanting a dog for years. After a long time waiting, we finally feel that it is the right time and we’ve done our homework to determine the right dog for us. We were surprised when we quickly found a dog that seems like a great match and we are very eager to start the process to adopt this little guy. I filled out the application and also emailed the rescue through their website. I have been getting concerned though because it has been nearly a week and I haven’t heard a thing back from them in response to my email. A friend suggested that they are likely very busy and a phone call might be better, but when I went back to the site, I noticed there was no phone number listed. Of course they probably get a good many emails from people who aren’t serious about adoption, and perhaps don’t always respond unless they get a solid application (I’m hoping to hear from them next week after I can assume my application has arrived and has been read). But this got me wondering about how to tell if a rescue is reputable. I found several forums here on Petfinder indicating that adopting a dog can be a really challenging process and that rescue organizations run the gamut from stellar to unethical. Many posters emphasize the importance of doing your homework before getting involved with a rescue, but I really don’t know the best way to do that. I’ve extensively gone over the rescue site (read the testimonials) and looked for reviews online (I found two – both positive). I even contacted the department of agriculture, but it turns out this group doesn’t actually have a building; they consist of a network of volunteers and foster homes around the country and they aren’t licensed with the state. Beyond these steps, I really don’t know how I would find out if an organization is reputable.

I’m afraid we’re already too much in love with our would-be doggie and I suspect we’ll be very disappointed if nothing comes of this. But now that we’ve made the decision to adopt, I’m sure we’ll keep going until we bring the right doggie home. In the meantime, I was hoping to find out additional info on the adoption process, things to look for in a rescue, how to find out if an organization is reputable, and any other info that a newbie adopter should really know before getting into this process. I guess I just want to be sure we have realistic expectations about this process so that we don’t freak out over something pretty normal. I’d also love to hear stories of people who maybe had a rough go but were ultimately successful.

Thank so much!

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2011 9:22 am Post subject:

I have adopted dogs from shelters and rescue groups. I am now also involved in the rescue of dogs/pups. Here is a little info that might help in your search.

Most rescues use foster homes and do not have a building. I am sure they would love to have a physical location but the expense would be too costly.

You are on the right track in applying to rescue a dog. Keep in mind some dogs may get a lot of applications on them. It takes the rescue a while to weed through them and get back to people. Many people involved with rescue hold down jobs and have families to look after.

Any chance this rescue holds adoption events at any local public places? That is a great way to do a meet and greet with both the dog and the rescue group. Making the effort to attend an adoption event is well worth it. You should also check to see if they have a facebook page. If so see if you can join and read what other poster have said about the rescue group.

Some signs of a great rescue group, all animals are spayed/neutered prior to adoption, home checks are done prior to adoptions, the rescue is willing to give you their vet references, all vetting is up to date, all animals are micro chipped and in foster homes.

Good luck with your search and thanks for saving a dogs life!

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2011 11:28 am Post subject:

Most rescues are reputable so don't worry extensively about that. Some are better than others. The important thing is that the animals are spayed/neutered and for dogs heartworm tested. Rescues run the gamut from being quick to respond to sometimes taking several weeks. Volunteers tend to be few and far between and most do not do this on a full time basis.

Most rescues do not place dogs first come first serve. They really want the best match for their dogs. The more information that you can provide about your home the better. Although you've fallen in love with this one, it's quite possible that there is a better dog out there that you just haven't found yet. When I was adopting recently, I contacted a rescue about a female Yellow Lab. She sounded PERFECT for me. The rescue got back to me and told me that they already had several applications on her and that they really wanted her to go to a home with kids (I have none). They told me to look at another dog that they had available. I hadn't even noticed his listing. Well, the black Lab mix that they pointed me to turned out to be the PERFECT match for me! You really need to trust the volunteers on making sure you have the perfect dog. Most rescues are really successful in making matches.

Without a vet history, you are a little behind to begin with when compared to adopters with an extensive vet and pet ownership history. But that doesn't mean it's a bad thing. I don't know if you have done this already, but it would be a good idea to find a vet now and indicate on the application that that is the vet that you plan on using. Rescues want to make sure that you will be committed to health care and training of the dog. I would also suggest looking around now to find a good local trainer so that you can do some basic obedience in the beginning. It will help your relationship with your new dog and you will have a better pet overall.

Although I don't suggest putting in a bunch of applications, it can't hurt to reach out to a couple of rescues. let them know what you are looking for and what kind of home you can provide. When I adopted I was approved with two rescues. I was up front with them and let them know that I had applied with two organizations. They were both fine with this and wanted me to just end up with the right dog. In the end, a great dog found a good home and a rescue had a spot opened up to take in another needy animal.

Adopting isn't really that hard. What you find on these boards is the small percentage of people who have had trouble. You aren't hearing about the majority who quickly found their perfect pet. Keep at it and you will end up with a wonderful new family member.

And I echo the suggestion of going to meet and greets. It's a great way to meet a new dog and to get to know an organization.

also, don't overlook your local shelter. Shelter dogs are just as good as those in rescues. A lot of times the dogs are even housebroken. My new dog came housebroken with wonderful manners and he is originally from a high kill shelter that takes in 40 to 50 dogs a day. Great dogs can be found everywhere. They are just down on their luck.

Keep us posted and make sure you post pictures when you get your new baby!

edited to add:

Don't worry about not having a phone number. The rescue where I got my dog was email only and I didn't talk to them on the phone until later on in the process. Some rescues do this because of the huge volume of calls they would otherwise receive from people who wanted to "get rid of" their pets. Rescues tend to get WAY more of these calls than calls from potential adopters.

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2011 3:14 pm Post subject:

Thank you Butter&Lola and StacyBinnj for your input. This is really helpful.

Butter&Lola, I'd love to go to an event, but unfortunately neither the dog I'm interest in nor the actual organization are anywhere close to me. If we were approved to adopt, we'd be making a trip to pick up the dog.

StacyBinnj, although we don't have a dog we do have a bird and have been using the same vet for him for regular visits for years. We'll be using this same vet for the dog down the line. I'm hoping that is helpful.

Based on what you both have said, it sounds like this organization is solid. I'm feeling more optimistic now, especially after hearing how you ended up with your lab, StacyBinnj.

I wonder, do people ever find a dog on Petfinder, submit an application and then actually get to adopt that dog? Or do most people identify the rescue they want to work with, submit an application, and then wait until the rescue pairs them with a dog?

Posted: Thu Feb 10, 2011 3:34 pm Post subject:

It depends. I think the path to a pet is different for everyone.

I was approved by an Australian Shepherd rescue for a dog that I inquired about. After more thinking, I was the one that decided that it probably wasn't the right match. That dog was described as "exciteable". I think he's an awesome dog but I started to think that he wouldn't be best for my Standard Poodle.

So you HAVE pet ownership history? That's great. You'll just want the rescue's guidance on trying to find a dog with low prey drive. My Labrador could be in a home with birds but my Poodle... no way. The rescue did some extra cat testing for me since they knew I have 8 cats including a couple of handicapped ones. My dog was being fostered at a Doggy Daycare facility. One of the workers took him home one night to test him with his friendly barn cats. After he passed that test, he took him inside to see how he would react around his parrots. Not that I have birds but it was a good indication of his prey drive.

What breed of dog are you looking at adopting?

Posted: Mon Feb 21, 2011 5:03 pm Post subject:

You stated that you would be driving to get the dog if approved. You might want to be sure that ths rescue does long distance adoptions. A lot of rescues don't adopt more than a few hours drive because of getting the dog if there are problems with the adoption. You might want to check rescues in your immediate area so they can do a home visit. The closer you are to the rescue area the greater the chance of a more rapid adoption process. The rescue I'm with contacts within 24 hours but our director is at home and I only work part time so more of our time is available. Please remember that the foster knows the dog and is much better suited to know whether the dog you pick will fit in your home. Please be patient and good luck with your search for your new family member.

Posted: Fri Jan 06, 2012 6:08 pm Post subject:

Thanks jessegirl 4 for this thread, I need some first time adopter advice.

After reading this thread

1. 1st time adopters should apply to as many shelter and rescue groups in their area first and don't focus on a certain dog just yet (get approved first)

2. 1st time Adopter should try to visit these place in person because the shelters are short staff and email and phone calls could be delayed.

3. If you see a dog long distance, a 1st time adopter should make sure the shelter accept out of county or state pet adoption and don't forget transportation

what else

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