Question 1

What is the adoption fee?

Accepted Answer

Effective February 20,2023, Fetching Hearts Rescue’s adoption fees are as follows.
 
Puppies less than 6 months old - $600.00
Dogs age 7 months to 8 years - $550.00
Seniors age 9 years or older - $400.00
Bonded Pair - $100.00 off 2nd dog (excluding puppies 6 months and younger)
 
These fees cover transportation from the southern shelter the dog was pulled from as well as full vetting including but not limited to:
·        Spay/Neuter
·        Heart-worm testing
·        All age appropriate vaccinations
·        Testing and treatment of parasites
·        Micro-chipping

**Please note: Payments submitted by Paypal will incur an additional $15.00 transaction fee.

Question 2

What happens after I submit my application for a dog?

Accepted Answer

Our team of screeners will process you application once received. This process typically takes a couple days to a week. Once processed, you will hear back from one of our team members regarding your approval status & next steps.

The next steps typically involve scheduling a meet and greet if the dog is already in the state, or informing you of the transport process, date & what to expect.
If all goes well during your meet & greet you will be able to take home your new family member. All meet and greets are held with the intention of adoption, but only if you and the foster agree that the dog is a good match for you and your family.

We ask that you come to the meet and greet or transport day with a leash, collar, name tag (even with just your information on it, if you don't know a name yet), water, a few biscuits, and maybe a blanket or bed for the car ride home. If your dog has any special food, toys, a bed etc., the foster or volunteer will provide these to you. They will also have the dog's medical records and will review these with you before handing them off.

Question 3

Why can't you guarantee me the dog I am applying for?

Accepted Answer

We work hard to process applications as they come in so it may be that there are several other potential adopters that have already expressed interest in the same dog. That said, just because an application comes in first does not guarantee first adoption rights. Dogs are matched based on a variety of criteria. We want to give our dogs the best chance at a forever home. That's why our screeners are so thorough in vetting our applicants to find a match that will last a lifetime. So the good news is that you don't have to be the first applicant to be chosen as the adopter. You just need to be the first great match.

If you don't get to adopt your "first choice" it may be that you got lucky and they were not a good fit for you. Don't worry, there are always amazing dogs right around the corner. So get your application in regardless, you never know. Also, once you have been vetted the process can move much faster for the next dog that you see.

Question 4

Do you know any additional background about my dog?

Accepted Answer

We get varying degrees of information about dogs before they come up to our rescue from down south. Some may have been stray dogs, while others may have been owner surrenders. As part of the adoption process, we share everything we know about your dog with you prior to adoption.

Please only fill out an application if you’re serious about adopting! We are volunteer ran and it takes time for us to screen each application to make sure you and your dog are the best match.

Question 5

What food should I feed my dog?

Accepted Answer

Each dog will have specific needs and preferences. If the dog was known to have a specific food before, your screener will let you know this. Most of our puppies in foster are eating Purina Pro Plan Puppy.

If you are introducing a new dog food, your dog may experience an upset stomach. To avoid this, gradually introduce your new food to the food your dog has been eating prior. Or you can mix a tablespoon of canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix) into your dog’s food to help during this adjustment period.

A bland diet such as white rice and boiled chicken can assist with digestive upset. For specific recommendations, please consult your veterinarian.

Question 6

Do you have tips for crate training?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We highly recommend crate training your dog if it’s something you’re comfortable with. Crates can be a safe haven for dogs, can help make potty training go more smoothly and prepare your dog for travel.

Often times, crates can be a safe space for your dog to decompress, especially in those first few days & weeks in their new home. Most dogs grow to love their crate once they associate it as a good environment.

Feeding your dog in their crate and giving them treats (such as a frozen peanut butter filled Kong) to keep busy while trying to settle your pup in their crate can help them build positive associations. We recommend gradually introducing the crate so they can better adjust.

Question 7

Do you have any tips for house training?

Accepted Answer

House training a dog can be very successful if you stick to a routine. Be sure to take your dog out frequently (especially after playing, eating & sleeping). Watch for signs that they might need to go and use praise when they go outside rather than punish when they have accidents. It’s important to be patient while your dog transitions into their new life.

Question 8

How long will it take for my dog to adjust?

Accepted Answer

Some dogs adjust very quickly while others need some time to adjust to their new life with you. Please be patient and understanding and be aware of the 3-3-3 rule.
 • First 3 days: Your dog may be anxious, not yet comfortable, may not eat or drink a lot, may not be very social and may test boundaries. Be patient and give them space.
 • After 3 weeks: Your dog will likely start to settle in, start to show his true personality, feel more comfortable, and get into a routine. During this time, behavior issues may appear.
 • After 3 months: By now your dog will likely feel very comfortable in their home, have a set routine and be bonded with you. For some dogs this may take longer so please remember to be patient and supportive.

We will tell you everything we know about their dog prior to adoption. Keep in mind that every environment is different. While we may have great feedback from one of our CT foster homes about a dog, their behaviors in your home may vary, including but not limited to, house training, manners, behaviors with children, and behaviors towards other dogs or household animals.

Question 9

What do you consider appropriate practices for how dogs and kids should interact?

Accepted Answer

It is very important for you to teach kids of all ages how to positively interact with dogs. It is always the responsibility of an adult to monitor interactions between dogs and children of any age.
 • Be polite and kind to pets
 • Learn to recognize when your dog is scared or anxious
 • Play appropriate games with pets such as fetch, training tricks (like roll over, shake etc.), going for walks, playing hide-n-seek
 • Supervise all interactions
 • Train your dog to associate kids with positive experience 
Things your children should avoid:
 • Bothering dogs when they are eating or resting
 • Taking dogs bones or toys
 • Putting your face in a dogs face/personal space
 • Grabbing a dog’s tail and ears
 • Climbing on or trampling a dog. Do not allow your child to “ride” your dog. Even though it may seem cute, this can be very upsetting and lead to bites.
 • Hugging; most dogs do not like it.
 • Hollering and shouting which can be upsetting to dogs. Use your inside voice!

Question 10

What can you tell me about my dog's medical history?

Accepted Answer

Upon picking up your new best friend, you will receive an adoption folder that has all the medical paperwork we have on your dog. You will find all of the dog’s  paper records including information such as when your dog was spayed or neutered, when your dog’s rabies vaccine was given, dates other required vaccines were given (including Bortedella and DHPP), when your dog was last tested for Lyme, Heartworm, Platys, Ewingii, intestinal parasites, and your dog’s microchip ID (if applicable). It is very important that you schedule a first appointment for your dog with your veterinarian so that they can discuss next steps and get them seen on a routine basis. Ideally this should be within two weeks of your adoption date.

Question 11

Why do I need to give my dog Heartworm and Flea/Tick prevention?

Accepted Answer

While your pup was tested for a variety of flea, tick and mosquito-borne illness prior to adoption, dogs are always as risk of coming into contact with an infected insect. Therefore, all dogs should be given regular preventative medication in order to minimize their risk of getting highly preventable diagnoses such as Lyme Disease or Heartworm. 
Using preventatives will greatly minimize the risk of your pup contracting a flea, tick or mosquito-borne illness which can be fatal. Your vet may have multiple options for flea, tick and heartworm prevention such as a monthly/quarterly chewable or a yearly injection. Talk with your vet about which options best suit your pup.

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