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- Texas, USA
- Connecticut, USA
- info@addicuslegacy.org
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Adoption Application
Adoption Process
- Adopting a dog is a 10-15+ year commitment. We take the welfare of dogs we rescue very seriously and want our adopters to be 100% committed to taking care of their new family member for life. Once you decide that you are ready to move forward, please fill out an adoption application. Please be sure to completely fill in all fields as our volunteer adoption coordinators will only follow up on completed applications.
- Our coordinators will follow up on all the vet and personal references that you provide and then reach out to you to schedule an interview. It may take a few days as we are 100% volunteer based and our wonderful coordinators also have jobs and families. Please be patient and know that we will be in touch!
- Our interviews are typically around 30 minutes in length. We will talk about your home, yard, current and past pets, kids, your schedule and what kind of dog you are looking for. If we feel the dog you applied for is not a good fit, we will suggest a different dog for you to consider.
- Once your application has been processed and approved, we will then put you in contact with the foster parent so that you can find out more about your potential new family member. Video calls are encouraged if you can’t meet in person.
- Once approved and everyone agrees that this is a great dog/family match, we will forward the contract for you to adopt the dog.
- You have 48 hours to sign and pay the adoption fee. (We can’t hold onto dogs longer as there may be other adopters interested in the same dog.)
- Next is arranging for pick up in Texas or for our furry friends heading north, transport to Connecticut! We have bi weekly transport to safely move our dogs to adopters in the Northeast.
Adoption Fees
Our Adoption fees are as follows:
Texas Adoptions – $300
Northeast Adoptions – $500
Rescuing a dog...What does it REALLY cost?
On average, Addicus spends $190 MORE than the adoption fee for EVERY dog we adopt out. This is an average, and some dogs require thousands of dollars in medical care in order to get them healthy and ready for their new homes.
We do not turn away dogs due to medical needs. We rely on fundraising to continue to take in the sickest and most neglected/abused dogs that cross our paths.
We regularly spend $3K -$10K in order to help give a dog a second chance. We believe every dog deserves love and compassion and do all we can to help as much as we can.
What Goes into Adoption Costs?
FOR DOGS 6 MONTHS AND OLDER
Addicus will provide:
- Spay/Neuter
- First and second DHPP vaccine
- Bordatella vaccine
- Rabies vaccine
- Heartworm testing & treatment if necessary
- Tick disease (anaplasma, ehrlichia and lyme disease) testing & treatment if necessary
- 3 kinds of dewormer
- Microchip
- Heartworm preventative
- Flea and tick preventative
- Health certificate for transport
- Transportation (if going to the NE)
FOR PUPPIES UNDER 6 MONTHS
Addicus will provide:
- First and second DHPP vaccine
- Bordatella vaccine
- 3 kinds of dewormer
- Microchip
- Heartworm preventative
- Flea and tick preventative
- Health certificate for transport
- Transportation (if going to the NE)
- A strict NO PAWS ON THE GROUND policy must be followed until the 4th DHPP! For more information on NPOG, click here.
The Adopter is responsible for:
- Third and fourth DHPP vaccine (for puppies)
- Rabies vaccine at 16 weeks (for puppies)
- Spay/neuter at 6 months (for puppies)
- Yearly vaccines
- Monthly flea/tick/heart-worm preventatives that they’re on when you get them.
Can I Afford a Dog?
Dogs are family members and they will require more than just food to be happy and healthy. Size, age and medical condition all play into what a dog will ultimately cost, however here are some basic costs to consider:
Which Dog is Right For ME?
Are you ready to choose the right dog for you? Bringing a new dog into your life is a major decision that will require a financial, emotional and time commitment. Besides the basics of food and shelter, dogs require exercise and human interaction in order to thrive.
They also require regular medical checkups, flea/tick and heart-worm preventatives. Keep in mind, as your furry friend ages, their medical needs will most likely increase.
Adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment, and depending on the age of the dog you adopt, that may be fifteen+ years. Consider carefully if you are really prepared to care for a dog for the next decade and a half. There will be changes in your life and lifestyle over the lifetime of the dog.
Will you be prepared to continue to care for your pooch even when life situations change?
Many of the dogs we rescue ended up in a kill shelter because their family experienced a change in life….these are things to consider BEFORE committing to a new family member.
Size
You may already know you want a little lap dog that you can carry around, or, you might have your heart set on a large or giant dog breed.
Thinking of adopting a small dog?
Remember that some small dogs are delicate and more vulnerable to injury. Being stepped on or mishandled can cause serious injury. Also, little dogs can be more sensitive to colder temperatures, so be ready to help keep them warm. They may also need more frequent meals and potty breaks due to their small size, so this can make them more high maintenance than some larger dogs.
Don’t forget that small dogs need obedience training too! Sometimes little dogs are not trained as consistently since they are easy to pick up and physically remove from difficult situations, however, this can lead to unwanted behaviors, such as growling, nipping, or constantly wanting to be held. Be sure you are prepared for this possibility.
How about a large dog!
Very large dogs need a bit more space to move around. Big, happy dogs with long, whip-like tails need “wagging space” to avoid tail injury or damage to household objects.
Another consideration is the expenses: the larger the dog, the more expensive things like dog food, dog supplies, and medical treatments become.
Training is also a key factor here. If you get a large or giant breed puppy that is allowed to act like a lap dog when young, he will grow up to walk all over you, literally!
Activity Level
You probably already know that some dogs have more energy than others. A dog’s activity level is often determined by breed, but it does not mean you can rely on breed alone to determine how energetic your dog could become.
Every dog needs routine exercise, regardless of breed or size, so make sure you can provide this daily. If you know you can not commit to more than one or two casual walks per day, then you will probably be better off with a lower energy dog.
A dog that is barking constantly, digging up your yard, destroying your home, or acting out in some other way may need extra activities, mental enrichment, and additional training. Many behavior problems are exacerbated by excess energy.
Unfortunately, many dogs are given up or even euthanized because of behavior problems that may stem from lack of socialization, exercise, training and attention, so it is important to do your research and make sure the dog you want is compatible with your lifestyle.
Physical Maintenance
Your dog’s appearance has a lot to do with their maintenance needs. All dogs need basic grooming, but certain types need more based on the type of hair coat.
If you get a dog with hair that keeps growing, then advanced routine grooming is essential. Some grooming tools can help reduce shedding.
Be aware that dogs with long, floppy ears are more prone to ear infections and may require frequent thorough ear cleanings.
And many small breed dogs are prone to dental disease, which can require costly dental procedures as well as dedicated regular brushing at home.
Age
PUPPIES!
Puppies require the greatest amount of training and attention, especially during the first six months. Be prepared to dedicate much of your time to housebreaking and raising your new puppy. Your dog will likely have plenty of accidents in the house and will probably chew your furniture and personal belongings. These problems will gradually resolve with dedicated training, but patience is a must. You should also be aware that your puppy might grow up to be different than you expected, especially if you adopt a mixed-breed dog. This is not necessarily a bad thing, just something to keep in mind. Another thing about a puppy is the fact that they cannot be left alone as long as an older dog. If you spend longer than 2 hours away from home per day, then you should probably consider an older dog that can tolerate longer periods alone.
ADULTS!
Adult dogs can be an excellent choice. An adult might be a better choice if you want to have a good idea of the true energy level, attitude, and temperament of your new dog. Just because the dog is an adult does not mean he is trained, so you should still expect some degree of dedicated training at first. Fortunately, many adult dogs have been trained and socialized to some degree and can easily adjust to their new lives in their forever homes.
SENIORS
We LOVE our senior friends! Senior dogs are beautiful….they typically are lower energy and just enjoying spending time lounging around the house and spending time with their humans. Some seniors may need more medical care, however this is something we can discuss. Senior dog rescue is something Addicus has always been committed to and we have SO many heartwarming adoptions in our history.
Breed
We can NOT guarantee the breeds of our rescue dogs.
In general, most of our dogs are mixed breed, however on occasion we rescue a dog that looks like it might be pure bred.
We find that mixed breed “mutts” make for wonderful pets.
They often avoid many of the health and behavior issues that some “designer” dogs may possess.
After You Adopt
Be Patient
Most Important Rule: Be patient and do not expect instant perfection.
When you first get your new dog, you can expect him or her to be out of sorts for a few days to a few months. Moving to a new home is stressful and your dog may be reserved when you get him or her. Your dog may pace or whine, which are normal signs of stress in a dog. This will stop once the dog settles into the new routine. Your new dog may be thirsty and not hungry, so do not be surprised.
When you get home, your new dog may be really tired or wired and ready to play – every dog is different. If you have a puppy, you will likely need to see your vet to continue shots as are age-appropriate and follow up with more fecal exams. Your dog’s medical records should be emailed to you upon signing the contract, but are also put in the packet you are given on transport or at the meet and greet. We will also let you know when the dog’s last flea treatment and heart-worm preventative were given. Talk to your vet about what is best for your dog to use in your environment.
When your new dog comes home, expect an adjustment period. We always advise adopters to avoid taking your new dog everywhere and introducing them to extended family and friends. Your new dog needs to know what its new environment is and what the routine is before you start introducing new people. After a few days when your dog is calm and relaxed is the time to broaden its horizons.
Use a Crate
We crate train our dogs unless you are told otherwise and we suggest you continue to crate your new dog until he or she earns inside privileges.
Crates are not cruel. Crates keep curious puppies safe and insecure dogs more secure.
Our resources page has some great information on how to crate train your dog and housebreaking rules plus information on introducing dogs, cats and kids to your new dog.
For many dogs, their crate is their safety zone. Changes create anxiety for a dog and the arrival of the dog will be stressful for the new dog. Crates can help.
Decompression
LET YOUR DOG CHILL OUT!
Remember that the dog is in a new place with new smells, new people and a whole new routine. Most likely, your dog thought it was in its forever home with its foster family, so this new place and new people can be stressful for them until they settle in. This is scary for a dog. The dog will figure it out, but dogs like to watch and observe to learn the lay of the land.
Remember you adopted an “inside” dog and until they are comfortable and have bonded to you, they may try to dig out, climb the fence, or find some other way out. In most cases, this period varies from dog to dog but you need to be on your guard for at least a month or more.
**Do not leave your new dog outside without supervision!**
Walking Your Dog
SLIP LEADS + MARTINGALES + HARNESSES are your NEW BEST FRIENDS!
DO NOT rely on a regular collar and leash to keep your dog safe. MANY dogs have slipped out of their collar and ended up lost in this situation.
Consider your dog a flight risk until they have adjusted to their new home. However, we would always recommend walking them (double leashed at first) using a combination of a slip lead, martingale collar and/or a well fitted dog harness. This will keep your dog much safer on walks.
We also recommend keeping them on a leash in your yard (fenced and unfenced) until they are settled. Many dogs dig under fences or climb over the top, which we do not want to happen!
DO NOT LEAVE martingales or slip leads on your dog when not attended as they are choking hazards.
Your new dog may dart out of an opened door.
Never open the door to an unfenced area if the dog is in the room and not crated or on a leash. While obedience training is optimal, you can never, ever trust the dog not to bolt. Teach your children to be aware of this and to not give the dog a chance to run out of the house and possibly be hurt.
Children
Never leave children unattended with any dog.
No matter how well behaved your child or the dog is, if you must leave the room, either the dog or the child goes with you. If a child bites someone at daycare, he goes home with a note. If a dog bites someone, he goes to a 10-day quarantine and then a possible euthanasia. It’s that simple.
Don’t put a dog in a situation where he could be at risk. The dog’s life is in your hands.
ID Your Dog ASAP
Your dog should have a dog tag with your name and number on it. Your dog is microchipped, but without that tag, the average person won’t be able to scan for the chip. Keep your contact information current with us and with the chip company.
We are always your back up contact for emergencies and if the pet recovery company cannot locate you, they always call us and that is why it’s important that we are notified of any contact or address changes.
Dogs Need Training
We work with them from the moment they come to us, but you need to continue to work with them.
If you experience a behavior issue, we want to hear from you. Most things are easy to address, but some need a trainer and you need to be prepared to get one if needed.
Do Nots
- Do not feed your new dog around your existing dogs until you know what they will do.
- Don’t put out high value treats with your new dog and your existing dogs. This causes fights.
- Don’t leave out your kid’s toys or your other dog’s toys.
- Do not simply open the door on arrival and walk in with the new dog. Introductions are the key to successful incorporation into their new home.
- Do not expect that just because your existing dog likes other dogs that he or she will love the new one. Typically it takes time, but pretty soon the dogs will be interacting and happy to have one another!
Health Issues Upon Arrival in Their New Home
Your dog is in good health when they leave our care. We have a strict medical protocol for every dog in our rescue, and we check them out from top to bottom. We send each dog to the vet for a health check up before they are transported to the Northeast to check for any issues.
Stress in moving can cause minor sniffles, diarrhea and similar irritating, but not life-threatening issues. We do vaccinate for kennel cough, but be warned it is very contagious and the vaccine does not cover every strain. If a cough is kennel cough, it will sound like the dog is trying to clear its throat and your dog may have a runny nose. If you see this, let us know.
We always tell people to pay attention to things that would cause concern. Examples would be a fever over 102.5, vomiting and/or a dark bloody stool. Diarrhea in and of itself is not a big deal and is fairly common. It happens because of stress and because of changes in food. If that occurs, switch a dog to a bland diet like chicken and rice for a day or so.
We treat all dogs for parasites multiple times while in foster homes. Due to the life cycles of parasites, they may need additional de-wormer in the near future.
Transportation Information
Yay! Your dog is heading to the Northeast on transport! What to expect….
DETAILS:
- Your dog will be arriving in New England on a Saturday.
- Additional pick-up locations may be available and should be discussed with your Adoption Coordinator.
- You will receive an email from one of our transport coordinators the Thursday night prior to arrival.
- If you have any questions or issues, please do not hesitate to contact your Adoption Coordinator.
It is VERY, VERY important that you read and understand the following instructions for picking up your dog from transport:
You will need to bring a leash (not a retractable one; they are the worst invention EVER) for your new family member and we will provide you with a martingale collar.
Why, you ask, should I use this type of collar? Because attaching a leash to a regular collar is not a safe way of walking your new best friend. These dogs have been on a long ride, they have just left a loving foster home and are now going to people they have never met.
You can understand if they are a little scared and might get spooked by something. New things like noises, traffic or strange people may startle them. So please take care of this ASAP. We feel that this is so important that we will not release the dog to you without the proper collar or Loop leash!!!
NOTE: THE MARTINGALE COLLAR SHOULD ONLY BE USED FOR WALKING AND NEVER LEFT ON YOUR DOG AS IT IS A CHOKING HAZARD!!!!
Lucky Love Dog donates martingale collars for dogs that transport to the Northeast. (www.luckylovedog.org….matching leashes are available!)
All our volunteers take pride in what they do and they would love to see their foster in their new home so please send pics or post on our Facebook page. We LOVE seeing them in their new homes!
On behalf of everyone at Addicus’ Legacy Dog Rescue:
THANK YOU FOR ADOPTING!
