1. First thing you need to do if you if you are interested in adopting is to fill out our Adoption Application
2. Your application will be reviewed and your references checked out. If you rent we will check with your landlord to make sure pets are allowed and talk with your veterinarian if you have any current or previous pets.
3. After your application is reviewed, and vet and landlord are checked, you will be called for a phone interview or a home visit if one of our volunteers lives close to you! We like to make sure you get a companion best suited to you and your lifestyle!
4. If everything checks out, you will be approved and the foster family of the puppy you are interested in will contact you to set up at time for you to meet the dog and ask any questions you may have about them. (Our dogs are fostered all over southern WI and IL, most of the dogs Petfinder sites say what area they are located in or near). If it is the perfect dog for you, you may be able to take it home the same day you meet!
5. You will pay that dogs adoption fee at the time of adoption. NO PERSONAL CHECKS! We accept cash, money orders and cashiers checks. For any dogs that are not spayed/neutered, a $25 deposit is required that will be refunded to you when proof that the dog is spayed/neutered is sent to us. It is REQUIRED that all dogs are spayed/neutered as soon as possible.
**NOTE** Adoptions are on a first come first serve basis, we approve applications in the order they are received so if you are interested in a specific dog or puppy fill out an application as soon as you can to ensure you are the first in line to adopt it!
Get Pre-Approved for Adoption! If you are looking for a specific breed or mix or just want to be ready for when the perfect dog comes along and you plan to adopt within the next month or two, fill out an Adoption Application and get approved ahead of time, then you will be all ready when that perfect puppy comes along and you will be first in line to adopt it! The application will also help us to know what you are looking for and we can keep an eye out for the perfect dog for you!
About Our Adoption Fees:
Adoption fees vary from dog to dog. The fees are anywhere from $100 to $300. This money helps us pay for gas (to pick the dogs up and transport them to their foster homes), food, crates, vet costs, vaccines, dewormer, flea and tick preventative, treats and toys for the dogs. Every fee helps us to save even more dogs! If you take your adoption papers to Petco you can get a book with $170 worth of money saving coupons!
Thinking of getting a "free" puppy?
Puppies are not free! Below is a list of some costs for a puppies first year and normal yearly costs thereafter. Please make sure you know the financial commitment involved in getting a dog before you adopt!
Do you think our adoption fees are too high?
Look at the price info below, our fees cover some of these costs and go towards saving more dogs. Our fees are normally between $100 and $300. At minimum our dogs have been given their first set of shots and have been dewormed. Dogs over 6 months of age get a heartworm test and a rabies shot and spayed/neutered whenever possible. All dogs are fed a high quality, all natural dog food and are given lots of love and attention! All puppies are well socialized with people, kids, other dogs and some even with cats! They are fostered in homes and are treated like family members. We will tell you anything we know or have learned about the dog. We treat any medical problems they have, including fleas if they have them and get any vet work done that they need. With your adoption also get 1 month of free pet insurance paid for by Petfinder.com and if you take your adoption papers to Petco you can get a book with $170 worth of money saving coupons and lots of information and us as resources any time you need us! We welcome comments, questions, suggestions and feedback! If there is anything we can do to help please let us know. Our goal is for everyone to be happy with their new family member!
Puppy Costs – The First Year
Veterinary Care/Laboratory Tests - $100 to $200 (can be more if dog gets sick or gets hurt badly, emergencies can run up to $1000 in vet bills pretty fast!)
Immunizations - $50 to $100 (depending what pet already has done!)
Internal/External Parasite Treatment and Control - $100 to $150
Spay/Neuter - $100 to $200. (The cost often depends on the dog's size and age)
Food - $200 to $400 (depending on size and energy needs)
Crate- $50 to $160 (depending on size needed!)
Misc. (Toys, Treats, Collar, Leash, License)- $90 to $120
Puppy Classes (HIGHLY recommended for every dog!) $150 to $300
**Add $200 to $400 in grooming costs if getting a dog with long hair!
Total: $840 to $1,630 for pups first year! Plus grooming if needed!
Adult Dogs - Annual Costs
Veterinary Care/Laboratory - $50 to $125
Immunizations - $40 to $75
Internal/External Parasite Preventatives - $100 to $150
Misc. (Toys, Treats, License)- $70 to $100
Food - $250 to $500
**Add $200 to $400 in grooming costs if getting a dog with long hair!
Total: $510-950 every year for your pet, that does not include emergency medical expenses, grooming or classes!
NOTE: Amounts vary considerably, based on factors such as growth rate and size of the adult dog, types of food and unforeseen medical conditions. Generally, puppies require more routine medical attention than adult dogs. However, statistics show that older animals (those over eight years old) will require more veterinary care than younger adults.
You should also note that costs vary between stores, veterinarians and by region.