We would like to explain that if you are looking for a perfect dog, they are rarely found in rescue. Our dogs often have unknown histories and we do our very best to evaluate each dog with kids, cats, and other dogs as well as determine how they behave in a home. It is important to understand that we have some specific criteria for each dog based on their backgrounds and input from their foster families. The purpose of these criteria is to better match each dog with an appropriate family. While a certain dog might appeal to you based on breed, size, gender or appearance, you may not match the listed criteria. Please understand that we are not trying to make adoption difficult—we are trying to make each adoption successful for the dog and the new family.
If you are interested in fostering or adopting one of our dogs, you can send us an email with some information so we can ensure the dog will be a good match for your family. Our application process does not include a form to fill out. We just ask that you write us an email that fully covers these topics.
We would like to know your name, where you live and a phone number where we can reach you.
Do you live in a home or rental unit?
If you rent, does your landlord allow pets?
Do you have a fenced yard? (not required for all dogs)
Have you ever had a dog hit by a car?
What kind of food do you feed your dog?
Please tell us the names and ages of everyone who lives in your home.
Do you currently have other pets?
Please list your previous dogs, their ages when they died or left your home, and the reasons.
What experience do you have with dogs as adults?
What kind of training methods do you prefer?
Where will the dog stay while living with you?
Do you work, and if so, how long will the dog be alone each day? (We realize that people must work and most dogs will do fine alone for periods of each day).
If you have a vet clinic, please include the name and phone number of the clinic for our reference check.
If you don't have a vet please let us know when you would be available for a home visit. Our home visits are primarily educational and usually occur within 1-3 days.
We will respond to your email within 24 hours and make every effort to match you with the right dog for your family. We do not have a shelter and all dogs are in private homes where wonderful people--our fosters--help their foster dogs recover from their past, learn household manners, firm up house training, learn basic obedience commands and check out how they do with kids of various ages, other dogs and cats.
When your application has been approved, you will be provided the contact name and number of the foster so you can set up a visit. If you decide to adopt a Happy Hound, you will need to pay the adoption fee must be paid, including sales tax. Also, the adoption agreement must be left with the foster family. Happy Hound Rescue offers a full refund within the first two weeks of an adoption if the dog doesn't work out if the dog is in good condition.
Our adoption agreement requires the adopter to provide lifelong care for the dog. The provisions are spelled out in detail in the agreement. If the adopter cannot keep the dog for any reason, the dog must be returned to Happy Hound Rescue and cannot be given away, sold, turned into a shelter or pound or in any other way disposed of. If you have a family member or friend who would like to offer the dog a home, that may be approved when it is brought to our attention.