Frequently Asked Questions

You can adopt a dog from our rescue by applying on our website. Click on "ADOPT" then click "Adoption Process" from there you will find a link to our adoption application. Fill this out and an adoption coordinator will get back to you within 5 business days. Please note, our goal as a rescue is to find the dogs we take in the best homes possible; our rescue personnel reserve the right to deny your application and we do not guarantee approval upon completion of the application. 

Our adoption process is very straight forward! We ask that you fill out our adoption application online, after receiving a phone call from our adoption coordinator we will set up a meet & greet for you to meet the dog or puppy, the final step is a home visit. Upon passing the very simple home visit the adoption is complete! On average the whole process takes about one week. 

Our adoption fees include age appropriate distemper vaccines, rabies vaccine, microchip, spay/neuter, flea & tick prevention, and lifetime support from our organization. We also offer training and boarding discounts to dogs adopted from our program. 

We ask that you fill out an adoption application prior to meeting the dogs we have available. The reason for this is because we are a mainly foster based program. We coordinate meet & greets with the foster families and prospective adopters after the application has been filled out.

Yes, we have certain requirements for potential adopters to ensure the best possible matches between our dogs and their forever homes. While the specific requirements may vary depending on the dog's individual needs, here are some general criteria we consider:

1. Age and Legal Capacity: Adopters must be at least 18 years old and legally capable of entering into a contract.
2. Homeownership or Landlord Approval: If the adopter rents their home, we may require written consent from the landlord allowing pets or proof that pets are permitted in the rental agreement.
3. Ability to Provide a Suitable Environment: Adopters must demonstrate the ability to provide a safe and suitable living environment for a dog, including sufficient space, and appropriate shelter.
4. Time and Commitment: Dogs require time, attention, and care. Adopters should be prepared to dedicate time to exercise, train, and socialize their new companion. We consider the adopter's lifestyle and ensure they have the time and commitment to meet the dog's physical and emotional needs.
5. Compatibility: We assess the compatibility between the adopter's lifestyle, preferences, and the specific needs of our dogs. This may include factors such as energy level, compatibility with other pets or children, and any specific requirements based on the dog's medical or behavioral history.
6. Financial Responsibility: Adopters should be financially capable of providing proper veterinary care, food, and other necessities for the adopted dog. We want to ensure that the dog will receive the necessary care throughout their life.

These requirements are in place to ensure the well-being and long-term happiness of both the dogs and the adopters. Our goal is to make sure that each adoption is a successful and lifelong match.

At our rescue organization, we have a thorough process in place to assess a dog's temperament and compatibility with potential adopters. Here's an overview of how we determine these factors:

1. Behavioral Assessments: Our experienced staff and trained volunteers conduct comprehensive behavioral assessments of each dog in our care. These assessments involve observing the dog's behavior in various situations, such as interactions with humans, other animals, and exposure to different environments.
2. Temperament Testing: We utilize temperament testing protocols to evaluate the dog's response to specific stimuli, assess their sociability, trainability, and behavior around food, toys, and handling. This helps us understand the dog's individual personality traits and preferences.
3. Observations in a Home Environment: Whenever possible, we place the dog in a foster home where they can be observed in a typical home environment. This allows us to gather valuable insights into the dog's behavior, reactions, and interactions on a day-to-day basis.
4. Input from Caregivers: Our dedicated caregivers spend time with the dogs, getting to know their personalities, likes, and dislikes. They provide valuable feedback about each dog's temperament and any special considerations that potential adopters should be aware of.
5. Adoption Application and Interviews: We have a detailed adoption application that potential adopters are required to complete. The application asks questions about the adopter's lifestyle, previous pet experience, and preferences. Our adoption team reviews the application and conducts interviews with potential adopters to understand their expectations, lifestyle, and ensure the dog's needs align with their capabilities.

By combining these methods, we gather a comprehensive understanding of each dog's temperament and behavior. This information, along with the adopter's preferences, lifestyle, and any specific requirements they may have, enables us to make informed matches and recommendations. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that both the dog and the adopter are well-suited for each other, leading to a successful and fulfilling adoption.

Yes. All dogs and puppies are administered age appropriate vaccines, microchipped, and spayed/neutered (if they are old enough at the time of adoption) before adoption. 

If the puppy is too young to be spayed/neutered: the adoptive families will receive a voucher to have them spayed/neutered at a later date at no additional cost. Please note, the adoption contract states failure to have the dog spayed/neutered when old enough will result in FTLODR taking possession of the dog. 

At FTLOD Rescue, we prioritize the well-being and successful integration of adopted dogs into their new homes. To support this process, we provide various training and behavioral support resources. Here are some of the services we offer:

1. Basic Training: We encourage adopters to engage in basic obedience training with their new dogs. This helps establish a positive and consistent communication channel between the dog and their new family. We can provide guidance on basic commands, leash walking, crate training, and house manners.
2. Training Recommendations: Our team can offer personalized training recommendations based on the dog's specific needs and behaviors. This may include referrals to local trainers or training programs that align with the adopter's location and budget.
3. Behavior Modification: If an adopted dog exhibits specific behavioral challenges, we can provide behavior modification advice and support. This might involve addressing issues like separation anxiety, resource guarding, fearfulness, or leash reactivity. We may recommend positive reinforcement techniques or refer adopters to certified behaviorists for further assistance.
4. Follow-up Support: We believe in maintaining an ongoing relationship with adopters to address any questions or concerns that may arise after the adoption. Adopters can reach out to us for continued support, advice, or recommendations regarding their dog's training or behavior.
5. Online Resources: We offer access to educational resources, articles, and videos related to dog training, behavior, and enrichment. These resources can provide helpful tips and guidance for adopters to continue their dog's training and development.

It's important to note that each dog is unique, and their training and behavioral needs may vary. We strive to provide adopters with the necessary tools and resources to promote a positive and harmonious relationship between the dog and their new family. Our goal is to ensure that both the adopter and the dog receive the support they need to thrive together.

You can find links to donate online or via virtual payments under the "DONATE" tab on our website! We also accept new or lightly used dog beds, toys, food, and medication drop offs! Please email contactftlodrescue@gmail.com to schedule a drop off donation.

If, for any reason, an adopter finds themselves unable to keep a dog they adopted from our rescue, we have policies and procedures in place to support a smooth transition for the dog. Our adoption agreement states that in such cases, the adopter must return the dog to our rescue organization. We emphasize the importance of not surrendering or giving the dog away to anyone other than our rescue, as we want to ensure the dog's well-being and safety.

We understand that circumstances can change, and we are here to assist and support adopters in making the best decision for the dog's future. When an adopter contacts us about returning a dog, we work closely with them to understand the situation and provide guidance and resources. Our priority is to find a suitable solution that prioritizes the dog's welfare.

Once the dog is returned to our rescue, we reassess their needs, provide any necessary medical care or behavioral support, and work towards finding them a new loving and permanent home. We are committed to finding the best possible match for each dog, ensuring their well-being and happiness in their new environment.

We believe in maintaining an open line of communication with our adopters and encourage them to reach out to us in case they ever need to make the difficult decision of returning a dog. Our dedicated team is here to provide guidance, support, and understanding throughout the process.