Frequently Asked QuestionsIf you have a question that we don't address here please feel free to contact us. Questions About AdoptionWhat areas do you adopt too?We only adopt to households residing in San Diego County and Orange County. We will also consider parts of Imperial County and Riverside County. I'm interested in a dog. What do I do next?Your first step is to fill out an adoption application. You can download one in Microsoft Word or PDF format. Please be as specific as possible with your answers so that we can get the best possible picture of your home and family. We will review your application and get back to you within one to two days. Download an Adoption ApplicationClick here to download an
adoption application. Once you have
filled it in, you may email it to us at
info@thedogsquadrescue.org.
Alternatively, fax it to 760-804-1455 or send it via snail mail to: When do I get to meet the dog?Once we've reviewed your application, we will contact you to set up a meeting between you, your family members -- including any existing dogs -- and the dog. You can either come and see the dog at one of our adoption events, at the dog's foster home or we can bring the dog to your home. What is a home check and why is it necessary?We do a home check to make sure the home is suitable for that particular dog. Some breeds, huskies for instance, need high walls or fences. A home check allows us to assess potential dangers and offer advice on how to overcome them. The interaction went well. What comes next?Even if we're sure that you'll give the dog a good home, there may be other potential adopters. In that case, we'll choose what we feel is the best home for that dog. If that is not you, then we'll be happy to work with you to find another, suitable dog. If you are chosen, then you'll need to fill out an adoption agreement and pay the adoption fee. This can happen at the time of the home check, in which case we may leave the dog with you. What if we like the dog but aren't completely sure?You have a month to decide if the dog is right for you. Within that time, we will refund your application fee if the adoption doesn't work out. Generally, we don't like to extend this period but we will consider it depending on the dog and circumstances. Our goal is for both you and the dog to be happy. As an alternative to adopting, you could foster the dog. See our foster page for more information. How much will it cost?The adoption fee for puppies (aged four months and younger) and purebreds varies from between $200 and $300. For dogs up to and including three years of age, it is $175. For dogs older than that, it is $150. This fee helps us to provide the necessary medical care and other needs for the dogs in our care. If you return the dog within one month the adoption fee will be returned; after that period, unless circumstances warrant it, it is non-refundable. What if it doesn't work out?We want both your family and the dog to be happy. Most dogs, especially rescue dogs, have an issue of some sort. They may bark or not be housebroken. Most of these issues can be overcome with time and training. We can give recommendations, literature and suggestions to help you through this adjustment period. However, if you can't keep the dog, you must return it to us or, if you have another home for it, we must approve it. What do I have to do once the dog is mine?One of the first things you'll need to do -- on the same day that the dog comes to live with you -- is get a tag for the dog with your phone number on it. Until the dog bonds with you, it is very likely to bolt at the first opportunity. You will also need to contact AVID to change the dog's chip information. As part of your adoption agreement, you agree to get the dog licensed within 30 days. We will give you all the information and paperwork needed to get this done. Follow-UpWe will follow up with you one to two days after the adoption to make sure that everything is going well. We'll then follow up again in a week or two. We are always happy to receive updates and photographs of our dogs and we do expect to be kept notified on any change of address.Questions About FosteringWhat does a foster parent do?A foster parent cares for a dog in much the same way as an owner would by nurturing, feeding, grooming and exercising the dog. It will be up to you how involved you want to be in adoption activities. How long will the dog be with me?Typically, a dog is in a foster home for around two months. However, we do, sometimes, have a need for short-term fosters. What type of home do I need to have?It really depends on the dog. Different dogs have different needs. When you apply to foster a dog, we will review your circumstances and determine which dog is a good fit for your home. Do I need permission from my landlord?Depending on your lease, you may need to get permission. How much will it cost me?Nothing. We will provide all the supplies, food and veternary care. We are, however, always grateful for any help that we receive. What if I want to adopt the dog?Many foster parents do end up adopting their foster dog. We will be happy to consider your application. How do I proceed?Your first step is to fill out a foster application. Please be as specific as possible with your answers so that we can get the best possible picture of your home and family. You may also want to review our fostering guidelines. Once we have reviewed your application, we will contact you within one to two days to arrange a home check. What is a home check and why is it necessary?We do a home check for several reasons. It helps us to decide if the home is suitable for a particular dog. Some breeds, like huskies, for instance, need high walls or fences. A home check allows us to assess potential dangers and offer advice on how to overcome them. What comes next?After the home check, we'll work with you to find a dog that suits your home and family. We'll then arrange for you, your family and any existing dogs to meet the potential foster dog. The interact went well. What next?If the interact didn't occur at your home, we'll bring the dog (and all necesary items) to your home. Both parties will then sign the foster agreement. What if I need help?We want your fostering experience to be as positive as possible. We will follow up with you on a regular basis and you can always contact us. Copyright © 2007-2008 The Dog Squad Rescue, Inc. |
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About The Dog Squad