Rescues are fantastic organizations that help place many animals in need into homes all across the country.
They’re also notorious for being difficult to attain approval from. It’s the rescues’ job to ensure the pet is going to a home that can provide excellent and life-long care for each animal, so it’s reasonable that their standards are often high. You can help improve your chances of giving a dog or cat a home by taking a few simple steps.Follow these tips for getting approved by a rescue:
Fence in that Yard
A fenced yard is incredibly important when it comes to adopting a dog. They’re active creatures that need a safe space to run. Dogs cannot be cooped up all day but they can’t be trusted to run loose all over the neighborhood either. A yard helps to ensure that they have a place to play and exercise where they won’t be in danger. It’s a harsh, but necessary, requirement for most rescue organizations. If a fence isn’t possible, be prepared to show that your dog will get enough walks to satisfy his exercise requirements.
Research the Breed
Failing to research the dog or cat breed is one of the most common mistakes potential adopters make. Every breed has its own set of common personality and health traits that need to be taken into account. Can you handle the extremely high energy of a Border Collie? How about the medical bills of a hefty Great Dane? Too many people choose a breed of dog because they think it’s cute rather than for its compatibility with their lifestyle. A rescue will know if you haven’t done your research and will reject your application accordingly.
Show Effort
Getting a new pet is a daunting task and it’s important to show that you’re ready for the challenge. Seek out a veterinarian if you don’t already have one to show that you’re prepared. Pick out a trainer as well. Have these resources on hand before filling out the application to show that you know what you’ll need to get off to a great start. This will show the rescue you’re serious about providing a good home.
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Meet the Pet
Many rescues list their adoptable pets online or in advertisem*nts. Don’t turn in an application based upon a picture and a few words written on Facebook. Take the time to meet with those who run the rescue and schedule some playtime with the animal first. This shows that you’re interested in that specific animal rather than how well he poses for a photo. It’ll also let you see whether or not that dog or cat meshes well with your family.
Ask a Lot of Questions
The rescue wants to know that you’re committed to providing a forever home. Put together a list of questions you have about the animal. You’ll want to ask about any behavioral or health issues that will need to be addressed and be prepared to explain how you’ll handle them. Ask about temperament, previous abuse and what the organization thinks will help set you and the animal up for success.
Provide Detailed Information
When filling out an adoption application, be thorough. Provide as many details as possible about your living situation, family experience and how you plan to care for the animal. Explain your previous experience with raising an animal, including training and exercise regiments. The more information you’re able to provide, the better you’ll look on your application.
Don’t be Discouraged
You’ll likely face rejection early on in your search for a new member of the household. Not every dog is going to be suitable for your family but there’s certainly one out there that would do wonderfully in your home. Don’t become discouraged if your first application is rejected. Continue your search and ask for suggestions from the rescue organizations on animals that might work better for your situation.
Ben Kerns
Ben Kerns is a freelance writer, photographer and outdoor adventurer based out of San Diego. When he’s not busy working you can find him hopping across the world looking for new places to climb big rocks. He’s also fanatically obsessed with funding his outdoor obsessions for as little money as possible.
FAQs
Be Honest About Yourself
The rescue agency is probably going to ask questions like “Why do you want to adopt a dog?” and “Do you rent or own your home?” Rescues aren't looking for perfection in your answers. They're looking for a full picture of what you'll be like as a dog pawrent.
How to answer questions on a dog adoption application? ›
Be Honest About Yourself
The rescue agency is probably going to ask questions like “Why do you want to adopt a dog?” and “Do you rent or own your home?” Rescues aren't looking for perfection in your answers. They're looking for a full picture of what you'll be like as a dog pawrent.
How to answer why do you want a dog? ›
“I have a dog because I love animals and going for long walks." “When my husband occasionally has to leave for work before dawn, it makes me feel safer to have dogs for protection - in addition to the unconditional love they give!” “I wanted both an incentive and a partner to hike in the Santa Monica Mountains.
What to write on a dog application? ›
Include plans for training, dog walking, and back up plans for vacation or emergencies. In the Brown Dog Coalition adoption application, we ask for an annual estimate of care for a dog/cat—include a reasonable estimate and think through the cost of food, vet care, emergencies, training, walking, etc.
How do I pass a pet adoption interview? ›
Ask a Lot of Questions
The rescue wants to know that you're committed to providing a forever home. Put together a list of questions you have about the animal. You'll want to ask about any behavioral or health issues that will need to be addressed and be prepared to explain how you'll handle them.
Why do you want to adopt a rescue dog answer? ›
You help break the cycle of pet overpopulation.
There are not enough homes for all the animals that are born every year. Adopting from a shelter helps weaken the pet overpopulation cycle. Each year 8 to 12 million dogs, cats, puppies and kittens are euthanized because there are simply not enough homes for them.
What is the 3 3 3 rule of adopting a rescue dog? ›
The 3-3-3 rule is a guideline for transitioning a rescue dog into its new home and helping it to settle in. It suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to its new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training.
What is the hardest part of adopting a rescue dog? ›
Most pets will be apprehensive when you bring them home. Rescued animals often react more fearfully than a normal pet might. Much of this has to do with a lack of socialization or stress. Those who have been at the shelter longest usually have the most anxiety.
What are red flags when adopting a dog from a shelter? ›
If a shelter is unable or unwilling to provide a clear medical history for a dog, it's a significant red flag. At minimum, you should expect information about the dog's vaccination status, whether they've been spayed or neutered, and any known health issues.
What do dog rescues ask references? ›
Have you personally witnessed their care and treatment of animals, and do you feel that they would be a good and responsible pet parent for the pet's entire life? Do they currently have any other pets and how many of each type? Are you aware of any history of rehoming or abuse/neglect to animals?
The bio should including the following information: age, breed, gender, weight, likes, dislikes, personality, temperament, energy level, favorite activities, all of the adorable and amusing things she does, the sort of affection she likes to give and receive, history of aggression or destructiveness, a description of ...
What makes you a good candidate for adoption? ›
There are many ways to be “ready” for adoption, such as being financially secure, having a safe environment in which to raise a child, having a good support network, and being physically and emotionally stable.
How do you answer adoption questions? ›
If your child asks why they were “given up” or “given away,” address their phrasing. Let them know that they weren't given up at all, and that their birth parents made an adoption plan because they loved them and felt that was the best option at the time.
How do you answer adoption reference questions? ›
Include how you know the person you are writing the reference letter for and how long you have known them. If you have witnessed the individual or couple's involvement with children, either your children or others, tell how they interact and what qualities they have that would make them good parents.
What questions do I have to answer about my service dog? ›
Answer: In situations where it is not obvious that the dog is a service animal, staff may ask only two specific questions: (1) is the dog a service animal required because of a disability? and (2) what work or task has the dog been trained to perform?
What questions do they ask references for dog adoption? ›
Have you personally witnessed their care and treatment of animals, and do you feel that they would be a good and responsible pet parent for the pet's entire life? Do they currently have any other pets and how many of each type? Are you aware of any history of rehoming or abuse/neglect to animals?
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