Adopting a Pet

Adoption Fees

Explanation of Adoption Fees

Unfortunately, animals taken into rescue most often require significant medical care for a variety of reasons. In almost every case the animal has to be spayed or neutered, and all cases require vaccinations, deworming, a heartworm test, and an exam by a veterinarian.  In addition, any health problems, small or large, have to be addressed and treated.  This includes tremendous costs such as heartworm treatments, necessary surgeries, high cost medications and hospital admissions.  

Even though we are a rescue and take in a large number of sick animals, we, too are responsible for medical fees, just like everyone else. Please understand these adoption fees only cover a portion of the funds we put out for the treatment of these animals and certainly not all of it. We love to care for these animals, and do not mind doing so if it will save from euthanasia or make a sick animal well again, but we do need to receive an adoption fee so that we can function as a rescue and continue in our efforts.

Each animal is placed into their permanent home current on vaccines, spayed or neutered, microchipped, tested (and treated if necessary) for heartworms and placed on preventative, as well as flea and tick preventative. We also provide a detailed history and personality information on the animal, as well as training.

You are welcome, and even encouraged, to call around and ask about veterinary costs to learn what it takes to care for an animal, not only to ease any questions about what we put into the animals but to also help you understand the costs that you will face when he or she becomes a part of your family. Animals are like children and do require medical care at times, so learning about veterinary care is a beneficial tool that can assist you in learning the responsibilities of being a pet parent.

Adoption Process

The adoption process includes:

1. Completing an application, discussing animal with applicant, and a veterinary reference.
2. A home visit
3. Spending time with the potential pet prior to completion of the adoption process (for out of state residents we can make exceptions with thorough discussions)

Common Questions

Why are the applications so long?

We realize the applications are of length, but we’ve learned that each question plays an important role in the proper placement of an animal.  It helps in a variety of ways, including choosing the best animal for the applicant.  Questions are asked to help both the applicant and the rescue think about all aspects of having the pet as a part of the family. 

What is a home visit and why do you do it?

A home visit is a very simple visit to your house. We don’t go through closets and drawers, but instead get a general overview of your home. It’s also a verification of where the dog will be going, for unfortunately, some people are dishonest about their address and where they live when they apply for an animal. It also assists in fence checks for particular animals, as well as providing time for additional questions the applicants might have.

I have other animals, and we’d like to make sure they get along.  Can we arrange a “meet and greet” for them?

Absolutely – we want to make sure they get along as well. We’ll definitely make arrangements so that the animals can spend time together.

Can I do a trial run with the dog?

We do not allow test runs with our animals, meaning our policy does not allow animals to be “tried out” over the weekend or similar. Moving animals back and forth or in and out of homes is emotionally very difficult for the dog. We do not want our dogs to be confused, uncertain, afraid or discarded because of bouncing them around.

Do you adopt out of state?

Yes, we do. Please know that we still follow the protocol for the adoption process, including home visits. We have contacts all over the US, so we can make arrangements for someone in your area to do the home visit for us if it’s too much of a distance for a member of our rescue to drive.

I don’t have a fence – can I still adopt?

Great Pyrenees, other livestock guardian breeds and Pit Bulls will not be placed without a solid and secure fence, and in most cases it must be a minimum of 5ft. Other dogs/breeds generally will not be placed without a fence, with some exceptions. *Please read the information provided on the animal that you are interested in to learn if he/she requires a fence.

If I live out of state, how do I get the animal if I am approved for adoption?

There are professional transports for certain areas in the U.S. that charge a fee for taking the animal to their new home. The adopter meets them at a designated spot in their area for pick up. 

What if we get the animal home and it doesn’t work out?

While we try our best to prevent this from happening via the applications, interviews, meet and greets, and home visits, sometimes unexpected things happen and the animal needs to be returned to rescue. As written in the legal contract, the adopter is required to return the animal to k9.5 Rescue vs. giving the dog away, taking it to a pound/shelter, etc., regardless of the amount of time from the initial date of adoption or the location of the adopter. A breach of contract can result in fees and/or legal action. The adopter is also required to get the animal back to our rescue regardless of the distance.  We will assist as much as we can.