THE ADOPTION PROCESS
Our dogs count on us to make the best decision possible for them when it comes to finding their forever home. We are their voice.
WHERE DO I START?
So you want to add a new member to the family. Great! First step, fill out an adoption application. You can submit a general application, or an application for a specific dog. Once submitted, we will work as quickly as we can to reach out regarding your application.
We are a very small team, all volunteers working full time jobs. Some of us are parents, business owners, and nurses…but we’re all volunteers. Please be patient with us as we work through the large number of applications we receive on a daily basis.
If you have applied for a specific dog, we will reach out ASAP if we think you’re a good fit. If you we think you may be a good fit for another pup, we will reach out to discuss adoption options for other available dogs.
Again, these pups rely on us to help find them the best homes, and the best adopters. Although we want to reach out to every single applicant, we unfortunately do not have the manpower to make that happen.
WHAT KIND OF ADOPTERS DO YOU APPROVE?
We will only approve adopters if they are over the age of 21 and the right fit for the dog they are applying for. We will not put a puppy into a home we do not think they will thrive in. Every dog is different and so is every human. It’s our job to help make a great match based on the needs of both! Because we receive numerous applications for each dog, we take time to review each application and choose the best home for each dog. In some cases, this becomes a very difficult decision. We ask for your patience and understanding that we do what we do to ensure the best possible outcome for our dogs.
WHAT IS YOUR ADOPTION CONTRACT LIKE?
We take animal welfare very seriously. That being said, we require every adopter to sign our adoption contract. The contract covers requirements for adoption such as:
The adopter agrees to have the dog spayed or neutered (if not already altered) within 6 months of adoption.
The adopter agrees to provide for and unconditionally love the dog in sickness and in health.
The adopter agrees to give the dog a warm bed, food, water, medication when needed, and will treat the dog like a family member.
The adopter agrees to certain living standards including:
The dog will NOT be left in hot cars
The dog will NOT ride in the back of pick up trucks
The dog will NOT be left outdoors unsupervised or overnight
Should the adopter become unable to provide for the dog, the adopter is contractually obligated to return or re-home the dog via A Friend of Jack Rescue. Selling, surrendering, or giving away any of our dogs is STRICTLY prohibited.
If for any reason you need to return the dog after adoption, please let us know immediately and we will discuss options.
HELPFUL TIPS FOR ADOPTION
The day you get to bring your new family member home is overwhelming emotionally, mentally and physically for both the adopter, and the puppy. Keep this in mind as you’re transitioning them into the home. We often find it takes a few days for the puppy to truly relax and let their personality shine. Be patient.
Here are a few helpful tips and recommendations:
Buy a leash and collar and bring with you to the adoption event
Purchase a crate. All of our puppies have been working on crate training while in their foster homes and they will appreciate the familiarity. The crate should be large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around freely, but not large enough that they feel they have too much space for other activities. We also recommend purchasing wire crates with dividers so you can expand the crate as your puppy grows.
Purchase dog toys and treats so they’re waiting for you at home.
Purchase a bag of puppy food. We feed our puppies Purina Pro Chicken & Rice. We recommend slowly transitioning them if you plan on changing their food. This helps prevent digestion upset.
Keep visitors and outings to a minimum until your puppy becomes more familiar with you and their new surroundings.
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian ASAP to talk about necessary vaccinations, and to help answer any questions you may have.
Avoid dog parks, busy public sidewalks and trails until your puppy has ALL their vaccinations.
Remember, all the volunteers at A Friend of Jack Rescue are here for you prior and post adoption. If you need anything at all, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!
