Adoption Procedure

We are so happy that your are considering adopting a rescued dog. Here are some frequently asked questions about the adoption process:

Step 1: Application

Click the “Application” button above and complete the online adoption application.

*Fill out everything on the application honestly and fully. Incomplete applications will not be processed.

Step 2: Review and Reference Checks

After our volunteers review all applications received for one dog, we call vet and personal references.

*Please call your vet, references and landlord (if renting) prior to submitting the application and give them notice that they may be expecting a call from us. 

Step 3: Phone Interview

One of our processors may call you for a phone interview. After the phone interviews are completed on all applicants that applied for the same dog, our administers will make the final decisions on which family will be approved for that dog.

Please understand that we do not adopt on a first-come, first-serve basis. We work very hard to choose the “right fit” for both the family and dog. We consider the dog’s demeanor and behavior, the family’s lifestyle and activity level, ages of children in the home, the family’s experience with certain breeds, and home environment.

We are 100% volunteer and this is no easy task, so your patience is highly appreciated.

We cannot guarantee breed mix, size, or age of the dogs.

Most of the dogs are not hypoallergenic.

Make sure all family members have agreed to this adoption. You must be 21 years of age or older to apply.

If you are not the homeowner, we will need to verify with the person(s) that own the home that it is acceptable to adopt a dog.

Adoption Donations

What does my adoption donation cover?

All puppies/dogs have been vetted at least twice and have received all age-appropriate treatments.

This includes at least 2 rounds of vaccinations, preventatives, and de-wormer. The older dogs may have received additional vaccines and may have been spayed/neutered.

You will be sent a link to your PET PORTAL, which is a website that lists all the vaccination information for your dog. You can print out the records and bring them with you to your first vet visit.

All dogs are microchipped and come with 30-days of emergency pet insurance. You will need to register your microchip to finalize the adoption. There is a small fee to do this. You will need to print out and have the vet sign the pet insurance form (found in your pet portal). Then call the insurance company to activate the same day for immediate coverage.

All dogs have received a health certificate prior to leaving their home state.

Adoption donations differ per dog; this price will be discussed during your phone interview. You will need to complete our contract to finalize the adoption, a link will be sent to you.

If the puppy you adopt is too young for the spay/neuter at the time of the adoption, you will be responsible for the surgery. If you are a New Jersey resident, we participate In the NJ Spay & Neuter Program which may offset some of the cost. Click button below:

Our rescue’s code number is R219

Pre-adoption

What does it mean?

In many cases you can adopt your dog prior to them arriving in New Jersey. Pre-adoption will ensure that you are adopting a specific dog that was posted in our database. We will not accept any other applications on that dog once you pre-adopt it.

You will be required to place a non-refundable deposit to secure the dog and the dog must be picked up within 24 hours of arriving in NJ. The deposit will be applied to the adoption donation fee and you will only need to pay the balance to finalize the adoption at pick-up.