Our dogs’ profiles are listed online on our website, on Petfinder.com, as well as on our Facebook page. We do not have a central shelter facility. As we are 100% foster-based, with the exception of dogs in training programs, all of our foster dogs are in private homes with our dedicated volunteers.

In order to be considered as an adopter you must:

• Be an adult, 25 years* or older, in a stable single or family situation;
• Have the knowledge and signed consent of your landlord, if you rent; and
• Be able to demonstrate that you’re willing to spend the time and money necessary to provide training, annual and emergency medical treatment, and proper care for the lifetime of your dog.

*Please note that we will not process applications for those under the age of 25 without a co-applicant over that age (parent, guardian, spouse).

Each potential adopter must undergo three stages of screening:

* Please note that all family members and those living in the household must be present at the time of the home visit.

**Please note that due to volunteer restrictions there may be times that the home visit can be done via Zoom or FaceTime.

After all 3 phases are complete, our Director of Screening and Adoptions will review your complete file, along with the dog’s information and adoption requirements, and will make a decision on whether or not to approve the adoption.

If you are approved for adoption, you will receive a congratulatory e-mail from the Board of Directors connecting you with the dog’s foster home. At this point, you and the foster parent(s) can arrange the “meet & greet” with the foster dog. At that meeting, you can make the decision to formally adopt him/her, if desired*.
*Even once approved, you are under no obligation to adopt. SAVE ME also reserves the right to decline the adoption at the time of the meet-and-greet if we feel that your family is not the right match for the dog

We are all volunteers, many of whom have full-time jobs outside of rescue, and we appreciate your patience. We do respect the time that you have taken to apply for one of our foster dogs, and we try to process things as quickly as possible. Sometimes we receive several applications on the same dog and numerous applications/inquiries come in when we post information on new dogs. On average, we try to maintain a 2-5 day window during which you’ll hear from us at any of the phases of screening. If you have not heard from us for a few days or would like an update, please do not hesitate to reach out.

Please understand that:

• the adoption process is the same for everyone (we have had celebrities, family members and friends apply and everyone goes through the same screening process); and
• it is not our intention to frustrate you or cause unnecessary delays during the adoption process.

Screening is the only way we have to ensure that our rescued dogs are placed in the loving, dedicated homes that they deserve. We are looking for people who will not abandon their dog because of a move, a new baby or just because they “no longer have time”. After all, these are some of the most common reasons dogs end up in shelters and pounds in the first place. All reputable rescues strive to place each dog into its forever home as opposed to giving him/her to the first person who expresses interest.

Please note that there are sometimes several people/families interested in the same dog, though we typically process only one application for each dog at a time. It is never a case of “the first application is the best application”; we try very hard to match the right home with it’s most suitable dog, and vice versa. Again, please understand that our number one responsibility is the best possible placement for each dog. Your patience while we work through this very important process is definitely appreciated!

Certainly it is easier to walk into a store and buy a puppy, but it is exactly this “instant gratification” mentality that has contributed to the hundreds of thousands of homeless (and subsequently euthanized) pets in Canada today. Adopting a dog is a lifetime commitment and not something to be done on a whim.

The nature of rescue is that we have a duty to ensure our dogs are homed with a family best suited for them, with applicants who believe in the ideals of rescue and have the patience to work through the screening process. The application provides the exact details we need to make the right decision for each dog, and each potential forever home. Therefore, all incomplete applications (unless otherwise specified) will not be considered as the information requested is absolutely critical to the adoption process.

The reason for the adoption fee is two-fold:

First, it helps to defer some of our costs associated with the vetting costs of that particular dog. Second, it is an important financial investment in the dog by you, the adopter. Often, we take in dogs that require thousands of dollars in veterinary care and only receive a small portion of that back at the time of adoption. There is no profit through adoption fees.

What does the adoption fee include? Why are your fees more than a pound?

Save Me Rescue is committed to, and pride ourselves in providing extensive veterinary care above and beyond what many rescues do, and certainly far more than pounds and shelters. The sad reality is that we often get the most unwanted, un-vetted and uncared for dogs. Of course, this is a conscious effort on our part as we see potential in all dogs, regardless of age, breed, gender or size.

Many adult dogs come to us in need of extensive medical and/or dental care. Veterinary costs for the special cases can run into thousands of dollars. Younger, healthier dogs may not have quite the same needs as the older dogs do but they too must be examined, vaccinated, dewormed, temperament checked and spayed/neutered prior to adoption. While our supporters and partner veterinarians are amazingly generous, donations only begin to defray our expenses. We offset the difference through our ongoing fundraising efforts.

Our preferred method of payment is through e-transfer. Which can be sent to donations@savemedogrescue.ca for both adoption fees and additional donations. Requests can be made to pay by cash, money order, or certified cheque.

Can I donate more than my adoption fee?

Yes! Absolutely. As a not-for-profit organization, every donation makes a huge impact.

No. All fees must be paid in full on the day of adoption. Because any dog can require unexpected veterinary care, it is important that adopters are able to pay for these expenses as they happen. We do encourage our adopters to consider pet insurance, as the monthly premium can be eased into a budget more easily than a sudden expense. Sadly, and without prejudice, if a family/individual can’t afford the adoption fee, they very likely cannot afford the ongoing care of the dog.

Unfortunately no; the number of available foster homes influences the number of dogs we can save. If SAVE ME keeps a dog for an extended period of time it could prevent the rescue from helping another dog in need. We always have new dogs coming in, so if you are unable to adopt at this time please keep an eye on our website and Facebook page and apply when the time is right.

Absolutely not. While you may think this is the “right” thing for both the dog and the person, it is not a decision that can be made for someone else without their knowledge and input. Every family member must be present during the screening process (phone screen and home visit), and fully aware of the decision to add a new member to the family.

Occasionally our dogs are taken to special Adoption Events where you can meet them prior to submitting an application. However, as multiple families/individuals may be interested in the same dog, we require all interested adopters to complete our adoption process first. Having every interested person coming to the home of our volunteers to meet a dog is just not feasible.

We will not consider a home with an unaltered dog or cat unless it is due to a medical condition, which condition must be confirmed by your vet reference.

The number one priority is to ensure the safety of every dog in our care. The second priority is to ensure all adoptions are permanent. There are many preventable reasons that dogs are surrendered, re-homed or lost. New eyes can often see potential dangers for the dog or inconvenience for the family. Home visits are not a judgement of decorating or housekeeping – they are for safety of the dog and of the family’s belongings, in order to ensure that a happy, forever match is made.

Absolutely not. There are families who adopt from us who live on country properties, in suburban areas, and in condominiums / apartments who do not have fenced yards. Of course there are always certain dogs that must have a fenced yard, but we will specify this in the dog’s bio. Please read carefully before applying!

We consider invisible fencing as “no fence present”. Please be aware that there are a number of risks to dogs with this type of fencing. For example, dogs who get outside of the fence can be fearful of coming back over the fence line, and of course, it does not protect your dog from animals/people coming into your yard. We also do not promote the use of any collar that uses shock as a training method.

No, there is no guarantee that you will be able to adopt a specific dog. We typically process only one application at a time for each dog, however not every application is approved. Once an application is closed, we move on to the next most appropriate application for that dog.

Adopting a dog should be a well-thought-out decision by all members of the household. Is it the right time? Do you understand the years of emotional and financial commitment? SAVE ME’s best suggestion is to really think hard about what qualities in a dog are important to you, which may help you figure out what breed, age, size, activity level and temperament will work for your family.

Here are some other things to consider:

• How will the dog fit into my family/lifestyle? Please take time to thoroughly read the dog’s bio/profile and feel free to e-mail the foster home questions about what to expect.
• I have children; what should I take into consideration? If you are looking for a dog that will be good with children, it will be noted in the dog’s bio and his/her foster home can provide you with relevant information. Please remember that young children need to be taught how to interact positively with dogs of all types and sizes BEFORE you bring one into your home. We can provide you with some links and tips on this crucial topic.
• Am I willing to commit to obedience classes with my dog? Please do – we advise even experienced dog parents to take their new dog to class. It helps both of you establish a solid relationship in a positive, public environment.

SAVE ME’s Director of Screening and Adoptions reviews all reports associated with each phase of the application process and will match those with the needs of the dog for whom you’ve applied. The approval or denial of any application is not the responsibility of the foster home or the person conducting the home visit, but will be reviewed and finalized by the Board of Directors

No. Under exceptionally rare circumstances a foster-with-intent-to-adopt situation will be considered. However, this will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

Yes, of course. Once you’ve been approved, you should bring your current dog with you for the “meet & greet” with the adoptive dog. Taking home a new dog that is not a good match with your current dog is not something we would ever want to have happen for you or the dogs.

No, we will not fly or transport a dog to his/her new home. As a volunteer not-for-profit organization, this is logistically and financially impossible. If your application is approved to adopt, you must make the drive to both meet and to pick up your new dog in person. Typically, we do not proceed with out-of-province adoptions, simply for this reason. We can direct you to rescues in your province, if you are interested.

We have many great resources, so don’t be afraid to ask! We would be happy to provide you with handouts and fact sheets or direct you to a trainer who can help. Please contact us with any issues or concerns.