Animal House Rescue

Our Adoptable Dog List

Click here to see our Happy Tails



WHO WE ARE - ANIMAL HOUSE RESCUE IS A DIFFERENT TYPE OF RESCUE

Animal House Rescue is a 501(c)(3) no kill dog rescue dedicated not only to rescue but also to the education & guidance for a responsible canine - human relationship. Rescue is not our hobby. It's what we do. We have made a full-time commitment to rescue and specifically, to the canine species. Making our passion a full-time, life-long commitment is how much we believe in what we do.

We like the problem children! Although we will gladly accept 'ready-made' dogs, we welcome the dogs with character, as we like to put it. Our dogs can be bounce backs (returns), abused or neglected, and the misunderstood ... essentially dogs with issues. We have found that these dogs will make perfectly good (& safe) companions ... someone just needs to understand them. That's where we come in. When we agree to take a dog, we evaluate, rehabilitate, and look for the right fit ... the right new home ... the perfect match. By the time a dog leaves us, we know it inside and out. We oft' times will put the dog's picture out to the general public to create enthusiasm and to allow the dog a channel to potential adopters. When we feel the dog is responding to our influence, we will start to describe our findings. We will do our best to describe the dog and its future needs. This may change as we get to know our guest but for the most part we are tweaking characteristics.


ANIMAL HOUSE & CO.

Animal House & Co. is a proud partner of Animal House Rescue. Founded in 1998, Animal House & Co provides Doggie Daycare, Grooming, and Bed & Breakfast to the general public. Animal House & Co currently exists for the sole purpose of helping to support our rescue. The IRS has dictated that "such companies be separate entities", ... hence the reason for the two names, two businesses, and two times the confusion.


HOW WE DO WHAT WE DO

Because the Animal House deals with a lot of 'problem' dogs, we need to eliminate poor diet as a factor in behavior problems. If necessary, a dog is immediately started on a no grain, human grade dog kibble. This kibble is supplemented with vitamins, minerals, digestive aids, probiotics, and herbs, as well as fruits, vegetables, meat and fish. There is a standard regime that all dogs are started on and later this standard is changed or tweaked by what we observe.

The first week or two after a dog enters the Animal House, the dog is 'allowed to be a dog'. No stress, no worries ... just fun and play. It is observed during this period and behavior modification techniques are slowly implemented as the dog becomes more comfortable with its new environment. Issues are constantly being discussed and methods changed or tweaked. Some dogs respond quickly, others take months. Most dogs just need structure and to be reminded of their manners. If this part of their education is missing, we will provide 'Basic Manners 101'. Most dogs receive two naps per day in their kennel - quiet time, if you will - where they listen to soothing music and are free to take a nap, chew on a (peanut butter or cheese) bone or play with various other toys.

We believe in lots of fresh air and exercise for our fosters. How long or how often a dog is inside or outside depends on the dog and our judgment (and the weather). Some dogs enjoy the freedom and play time and others would like to hang out on the window sill watching the cars go by. We are all constantly discussing, evaluating, and adjusting schedules for the better of the dog. We work very hard to make our dogs happy and to do what is best to assist them in getting on with their life. And all of this is done with only positive reinforcement. By the time a dog is ready for their new home, we will know them inside and out which will assist us in finding a perfect new home.

When we receive an application on a dog, we will call and speak with you. This is when we will explain to you the particulars of the dog you are interested in and discuss whether this choice is right for both you and the dog.


OUR ADOPTION PROCESS

We prefer that families interested in one of our dogs fill out an application first (below). This saves everyone a step and gives us a starting point. It will only take a few minutes. If our adoption coordinators have any questions (concerning your answers), they will ask them during the initial phone call.

After we receive your completed application, an adoption coordinator will call and speak with you, hopefully within a few days. During this initial conversation, the coordinator will answer any questions, address any concerns, and try to determine whether your home would be a good match. The next step would be to process your application. Once your application has been approved, you (& your family) will be invited to 'interview' with the dog(s) of your choice. At this meeting, if it appears as if you & the dog are a good match - and after completing the necessary paperwork - you will be invited to take the dog for a 'home visit'. This visit is for the purpose of discovering whether your home and the dog actually are a good match. Once you are sure the dog will fit into your family, just give us the word and the adoption will be final. Normally the paperwork and the adoption fee is completed at the 'interview' step. All that's left is for you to enjoy your new addition.

Each dog has an adoption fee which includes:

HEALTH: All dogs will be altered (spay/neuter), and have received basic vaccines. They will have received a veterinarian administered physical and a Heartworm/tick test (if applicable). Some will be microchipped and most will have their teeth cleaned. Essentially, dogs will be fully vetted prior to adoption. We want the transition to be as smooth and stress-free as possible.

BEHAVIOR: All dogs will receive a behavior assessment and will be started on manners & basic training. You will be made aware of the dog's assessment & progress during the initial phone conversation, when our Adoption Coordinator calls.

CRATE TRAINING: All of our dogs, unless otherwise stated, are crate trained. It is our opinion that even if a dog is 'potty trained' at our house, it does not make it 'potty trained' at yours. We encourage every adopter to treat a new dog like 'potty training' a puppy. Crate training gives both the dog & the new family a head start on this training.

Over the years, we have found a procedure that works for us. Please do not be offended if we ask you to fill out an application before we answer any questions about a dog. Besides letting us know that you are serious about adoption (by completing an application), keep in mind that when you ask, "What can you tell me about Fido?", we could literally write a book. Our method is the best way we have found to accomplish the most in the shortest period of time. Thank you for your patience and understanding .... and thank you for thinking adoption.


MISCELLANEOUS NOTES

ANIMAL HOUSE ADOPTION APPLICATION
('Cut and Paste' into your word processor or an email. If you have problems, please email us at AnimalHouseRescuePa@comcast.net and we'll send you an application.)

Please provide more than one word answers. Try to help us understand why you (and your family) want this 'rescue' dog and help us to meet your family via words. These dogs have been through an ordeal just in the process of re-homing. Many have been abused. You must forgive us if we appear to be protective. We are doing the best we can with the information you provide on your application. Remember, we may have several applications on a particular dog. Why should we pick your application over the next? Help us to understand.
  1. Name:
  2. Address (Street, City, Zip):
  3. Phone number(s):
  4. Email Address(s):
  5. Dog applying for:
  6. Have you ever adopted from us before?
  7. Where did you hear about us?
  8. Have your ever filled out an application with us?
  9. Who shares your household? (Live alone, Spouse, Significant Other, Roommate, Children, Other)
    What are the names of all adults in the household?
    Are there children in the household?
    What is the age and gender of all persons in the family?
    Is anyone in your household mentally, physically or behaviorally handicapped?
    Is everyone in the household in agreement about the dog?
  10. Do you live in a: (House, Townhouse, Condo, Mobile Home, Apartment, Other)
  11. Do you rent?
    If you rent, do you have your landlord's approval?
    Landlord info (name & phone #):
  12. Is anyone in your household allergic to dogs?
    Slight allergy to some?
  13. What type of dog are you looking for?
    Male, Female:
    Small, Medium, Large:
    Any particular color:
    Primarily a house dog, Primarily an outside dog:
    Shedding, Non-shedding:
    Long haired, Short haired:
    Low maintenance coat, High maintenance coat:
    If there are no children in the family, will the dog be interacting with children:
  14. What adjectives would you use to describe the dog you are looking for?
  15. Where would the dog sleep at night?
  16. Do you plan to crate your dog?
    If yes, when?
  17. How many hours will the dog be left alone on a normal weekday?
  18. When you are home, will the dog have access: (Full run of the house, Partial run of the house, Mostly outside)
  19. Do you have a yard?
  20. Is your yard fenced? (Animal House does not require a yard or a fence.)
  21. Do you have a pool?
    If yes, fenced off from the rest of the yard?
  22. Tell us about your plan to exercise your dog.
  23. Do you currently have any dogs?
    If yes, what kind(s)? (Please include size, age, gender)
  24. On a scale of 1 to 10, what do you consider you and your family's experience with dogs to be?
    (1 - never had a dog before TO 10 - expert, can handle any issue)
    Please explain your answer to the above question.
  25. Why [do you think] your family is the best match for this dog? (i.e. Why did you choose this dog?)
  26. Have you had any dogs (in the past) not currently living with you?
    If yes, what happened to the dog(s)?
  27. Do you have any other pets (besides dogs)?
    If yes, what are they?
  28. Are all of your animals spayed/neutered?
    If not, why not?
  29. If you have other pets, how will you introduce them?
  30. What brand of dog food do you feed or have you fed in the past?
  31. Where will your pet stay when you go on vacation?
  32. Under what circumstances would you give up a dog? (Moving, New baby, Divorce, Behavior problems: barking, digging, house-training, aggression, large vet bills)
  33. What is the name and address of your vet (if applicable)?
    May we contact them for a reference?
  34. Have you ever been cited for animal cruelty?
    If yes, please explain.
  35. Have you or anyone in your household ever been convicted of battery or assault?
  36. Please provide 3 references. Be sure to notify the persons listed that we may be calling. Provide: Name, Phone #, Email Address, Relationship to the person.
    1.
    2.
    3.
  37. All answers to the best of my knowledge are accurate and true.
    Name of person submitting application:
Please send your application to animalhouserescuepa@comcast.net. PLEASE REFRAIN FROM CALLING THE ANIMAL HOUSE. We also operate a business (that supports our rescue) and cannot be distracted from our duties. Once we receive your completed application, we will call and speak with you (hopefully within a few days). Thank you for your patience and understanding.


EVENTS

VACCINE & MICROCHIP CLINIC
Sat Feb 25, 2012, 11 - 2 McCracken's Pet Food & Supply, 700 N Market St, Elizabethtown, PA 17022

VACCINE & MICROCHIP CLINIC
Sat March 10, 2012 11 - 2 Benny's Pet Depot, Windsor Park Shopping Center, 5202 Simpson Ferry Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

VACCINE & MICROCHIP CLINIC
Sat April 7, 2012 11 - 2 Benny's Pet Depot, Windsor Park Shopping Center, 5202 Simpson Ferry Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050

VACCINE & MICROCHIP CLINIC
Sat May 12, 2012 11 - 2 Benny's Pet Depot, Windsor Park Shopping Center, 5202 Simpson Ferry Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050


OUR WISH LIST

To keep our guests WARM & COMFY: Towels, Blankets, Flat Sheets, Comforters & Quilts, Bathroom Rugs, Shower Curtains
To keep our guests BUSY: Marrow Bones, Tuffy, Busy Buddy or Kong 'type' toys, 'interactive' toys, Basketball or Socker type Balls, Tennis Balls, Rope Toys
To keep our guests HAPPY: Canned dog food, Purina One 'Smart Choice', any 'Human Grade' type kibble, any type of Treats, Peanut Butter
To keep our FINICKY guests HAPPY: Canned Soup (any brand), Cheese Whiz or Canned Cheese, Gravy (jars or cans), Canned Salmon, Canned Tuna
To keep our guests CLEAN: Washer Detergent, Dryer Sheets, Bleach, White Vinegar, Paper Towels, Dish Soap, Simple Green
To keep our guests PARASITE FREE: Diatomaceous Earth
Oh, and we can always use: Kennels/Crates, Baby Gates, Critter Playpens, Outside Kennels, Stall Mats (or Rubber Mats)


MANY THANKS TO OUR 'BUSINESS' SUPPORTERS
Dr. Diane's Mobile Veterinary Services
Diane J Ford, VMD 717.343.3815
Dr. Ford keeps all of our dogs healthy, wealthy, and wise ;O)
Abrams & Weakly General Store for Animals
3963 N 6th Street, Harrisburg, PA 717.232.3963
Kristen supplies the Animal House with all of the 'holistic' food that our homeless friends enjoy.
Benny's Pet Depot
Located in the Windsor Park Shopping Center at 5202 Simpson Ferry Road Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
Diane & Michele are our gracious Cumberland County host for our vaccine & microchip clinics. And they keep our guys stocked with yummy 'holistic' food and treats.
Kelly's Magical Garden
Products & Services for Your Spiritual Quest
Ms. Weaver helps the Animal House with it's spiritual development. Thanks to Kelly, our fosters have an easier transition.
McCracken's Pet Food & Supply
700 N Market St Elizabethtown, PA 17022
Jerry is our gracious Lancaster County host for our vaccine & microchip clinics.
Silver Springs Animal Clinic
5 Sample Bridge Road, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050 717.766.5980
Without these wonderful people, Animal House would not be able to provide for the health needs of our homeless furry friends.
Who's Your Doggie
Mike Romberger, Harrisburg, PA 717.418.2725
Mike offers his expertise with our most difficult guests. He provides invaluable insight into understanding some of our 'damaged' friends.


Animal House Rescue
a proud partner of Animal House & Co, Inc.
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
www.AnimalHouseRescuePA.petfinder.org
www.facebook.com/animalhouserescuepa
Email: AnimalHouseRescuePa@comcast.net

Our website is currently under construction. Thank you for your understanding and patience.

Click here for a list of pets in our rescue