Adoption Information
At BBCR, our dogs count on us to make the best decision possible for them when it comes to finding their forever home. We are their voice.
Where Do I start?
What Happens Once I'm Approved?
Once your application is approved and your home visit has been completed, you will be contacted by the foster or volunteer to come meet the dogs of interest to you. In many cases, a dog will have multiple adopters interested, we do our best to place pups in the home we feel they will do well, please understand the dog you would like to meet may be homed elsewhere. If the dog you’re interested in has been adopted, your approved application is valid for one year and you can bet our volunteers will help you find the best fit for your family!
After you’ve been approved and had a chance to meet with the dog you love, it’s time to finalize the adoption and seal the deal if the foster agrees you’re the best fit! Via your Animals First account, you can complete payment of the adoption fee and contract. Any adoption pictures taken by our fosters and volunteers will be shared to our Facebook and Instagram pages!
What kind of adopters do you approve?
We aren’t like some rescues that have a cookie cutter idea of what an ideal adopter looks like. Sometimes a dog needs a big, fenced in yard, other times they’re best suited in an apartment. We recognize that KIDS LOVE DOGS. Our kids were raised with dogs and we think your kids should be raised with dogs, too! YES! Even big ones! We also recognize that not all dog owners own their home. That’s okay with us, too! Every dog is different and so is every human. It’s our job to help make a great match based on the needs of both!
Often times, a single dog will receive numerous inquiries from approved adopters. We do our best to make sure the right adopter is chosen. In some cases, this becomes a very difficult decision. We ask for your patience and understanding that we do what we do to ensure the best possible outcome for our dogs.
What is your adoption contract like?
Our adoption contract outlines the kind of care we expect our dogs to be given. In a nutshell, we expect them to be treated like members of the family. They deserve a warm home, a loving hand, and a full belly. We do not permit dogs to be left outdoors, ride in the back of pick-up trucks, run freely in unfenced areas, or be left in vehicles. We expect our adopters to care for our dogs in sickness and in health whether they’re young or old and be treated with respect.
Should you become unable to provide for your BBCR dog, you are contractually obligated to return or rehome through our organization only. Selling, surrendering, or giving away any of our dogs is strictly prohibited.
Your adoption fee is 50% refundable if the adoption is terminated within the first 7 days. After that, it is completely non-refundable.
BRINGING HOME YOUR NEW DOG
We feel it’s important to help you recognize the stress involved for every dog when they get adopted. As humans, we love our new dogs immediately, but, please remember your new dog doesn’t really know you yet or have reason to trust you. Below are some of the key things we’ve learned over the years that we feel are important for every new adopter to remember.
- Bring a leash and collar with you for your new dog.
- Secure the dog in the car by tethering the leash or with a crate.
- Purchase a crate. It should be large enough for the dog to stand up and turn around freely, but not too much excess space.
- Purchase some dog toys and treats (ask the foster for some ideas).
- Check with the foster and/or facility rep to find out what your new dog has been eating. You should plan to transition them slowly to their new food. This helps prevent stomach upset.
- Keep visitors to a minimum until your dog has a chance to bond with you and your immediate family.
- Keep outings with your new dog to a minimum while you get to know them over a few weeks and can build a trusting relationship.
- Feed your new dog separately from resident dogs and keep treats/bones/etc. to a minimum while everyone establishes boundaries.
- Children should refrain from showing their love to the new dog in the form of hugging and kissing.
- Please keep your new dog under your supervision while outdoors (even for potty breaks) for a few weeks while they learn about their new environment.
- Remember the best doggie friendships are built overtime. Respect your new dogs need for alone time as well as your resident dogs need for alone time. Take walks together and engage in play, but don’t force them to be together 24/7 right off the bat.
- Consider the use of a crate when leaving your new dog unattended. Start with short periods of time (20 minutes or so) and work your way up to longer stretches.
- Keep your new dog secured in your vehicle when you are out and about for the first few weeks via a leash. Door darting out of a car is the most common way a newly adopted dog is lost following adoption.
- Avoid dog parks. If you are a dog park type of person, consider avoiding them for at least a month or two after adopting your dog until you really get to know their personality.
