Adoption Process Information:

As of 3/1/2008, our adoption fee is $165.00, which includes spay/neuter, age-appropriate vaccinations, vet exam, microchip implantation and microchip registration fee with Home Again. Typically, our average costs per dog are much higher (around $300). We make up the difference with fundraisers, generous donors, and sponsorships.

Homes with fenced yards are strongly preferred, but exceptions are made based on the size, age and activity level of the dog.  An application is required and a home visit will be conducted before an adoption is final.  Blue Dog Rescue does not adopt to homes where a pet has been abandoned in the past or where there are currently un-sterilized, adult dogs or cats in the home.

A “Typical” Blue Dog Rescue Story:  How the Process Works
(The story may differ slightly from dog to dog.  Some dogs have more special needs and take longer to adopt.  Others find their forever home within a matter of weeks.  Blue Dog fosters remain in their foster home until they are adopted.) 

Stella was a medium sized, 2 year old, tan female Lab mix who was scheduled to be euthanized at Austin’s City Animal Center at the end of the week.  There are too many plain brown dogs in the shelter and her chances for adoption are very slim, just because of her color.  Stella was a stray who was found running loose with the end of a chain around her neck.  She is a little timid at first but quite loving once she warms up to someone.  A Blue Dog foster parent has just had a space come available in her home when a dog was adopted and decides to check out Stella.  A brief temperament assessment is done at the shelter.  Does Stella mind having her teeth looked at?   How about being picked up or being hugged?  Does she seem attentive and eager to please when she is around people?  How does she seem to be with the other dogs?

Stella seems to be a friendly, sociable dog.  Just to be sure, another Blue Dog volunteer visits Stella at the shelter and spends some time with her too.  Stella’s foster mom pays a rescue fee and takes her home, where she will spend time transitioning from the stressful shelter environment.

Day 1: At first, it doesn’t go so smoothly.  Stella seems to have never been in a house before!  She is scared of the sound her nails make when they click on the tile and she barks at the television.  She hides under the sofa, except when she comes out to chase the cat.  She promptly pees on the floor when she arrives home.  Plus, her ears look infected.

Day 2:  Stella goes to the vet!  She is tested for heartworms, given a physical exam and vaccinations, and spayed.  Her ears were infected, but after a course of antibiotics and daily cleansing for a few days, the vet believes it will clear up nicely.

Day 5:  Stella is relaxing around the other dogs and is even starting to play a bit.  She still stalks the cat.  Housebreaking is well under way and Stella only had one accident today.  Stella seems to be good with children and tolerates having her ears and tail tugged.  Stella’s foster parent starts to work with her on walking on a leash and learning “sit”.

Day 7:  Stella’s foster parent takes her picture and writes a biography for the website.  She notes that Stella will have to go to a home with no cats as she will chase them.  There is an adoption day today at Petco that Stella’s foster brother and sister attend, but Blue Dog will keep Stella for at least a week before adopting her out in order to assess her temperament and needs.  (For more information about scheduled Blue Dog events, please go to our events page.

Day 14:  Stella hasn’t had any accidents in the house in a week and she has gotten along with the other dogs in her foster home quite well!  There was one incident where she snapped and growled at another older, larger, dominant female dog, but otherwise she loves to play.  She is well-behaved with the children in the family and loves to sleep curled up on the foot of the bed.  Stella does seem to have a bit of separation anxiety and when left alone in the house without a buddy, she will chew on things that are not hers.  When she is left alone with other dogs, she seems to be fine.

Day 20:  Stella’s foster mom got two applications inquiring about Stella!  One is a family where nobody is home nine hours a day and there are no other dogs, just a cat.  Stella’s foster mom explains that Stella has some separation anxiety and cat-chasing issues and that she wouldn’t be the best match for this family; the family agrees. 

The other email is from a family, The Wrights, who have another, smaller, younger, male dog.  The Wrights are looking for a family companion and a dog that is big enough to go on long walks with them.  They work split schedules and Stella would only be alone 4 hours per day.  Stella’s foster mom calls the Wright family the next night and talks with them a little more about Stella.  She explains that Stella was probably an outdoor dog for most of her life and might need some extra attention to make her comfortable in the house.  The Wrights are willing to work with her special needs and are still interested in meeting her.  This might work!  They arrange for Stella’s foster mom to bring her over to their home for a visit that weekend.  They would like to keep Stella for overnight if everything looks good and the dogs get along.

Stella’s home visit:  Stella is in love!  She plays with the younger, male dog and is friendly with the family.  It looks like it might be a good match and Stella’s foster mom doesn’t have any major concerns, so Stella stays for the night.  Stella’s foster mom calls to check on her the next morning and is delighted to hear that Stella is fitting in well!  She had one accident on the carpet and when the Wrights went out to breakfast, she pulled some laundry out of the basket, but other than that, she seems to be doing fine.  The family asks if Stella can stay longer since everything seems to be going well and Stella’s foster mom agrees.

Day 30:  Stella’s new family reports that she and Bradley, the younger dog, are getting along very well.  They have taken Stella to the park and swimming and Stella is happy to be involved in all activities.  At times, Stella will chew a bit when left alone, but the Wrights have enrolled her in an obedience class and bought some new and interesting toys for her and this seems to have done the trick.  The Wrights have submitted their adoption fee and agreement and Stella has found her forever home!