When It’s Time
Navigating the Adoption Process for Your Foster Pup
Whether you're cheering on a friend who’s fallen for your foster or you’ve decided to make them a permanent part of your family, this guide walks you through every step of the adoption process. From quarantine requirements to how to handle “foster fail” love stories, here’s everything you need to know to help your foster pup find their forever home—maybe even yours.
What You Need to Know
If a friend, neighbor, or family member is interested in adopting your foster pup, please follow these steps to guide them through the adoption process:
• Submit an Application
• If your foster pup is listed as “active,” have the interested party submit an adoption application as soon as possible.
• If the pup is not yet listed, they can submit a generic application. While we prioritize family, friends, and individuals who have met the pup, applications are processed in the order received to ensure the best fit.
• Reach Out to the Foster Team
• Contact the foster or medical team to confirm when your foster pup will be ready for adoption. They can provide updates on the pup’s quarantine status and any remaining medical requirements.
Preparing Your Foster Dog for a Forever Home
When Will My Foster Pup Be Ready for Adoption?
• Quarantine and Medical Requirements
• All pets must complete a minimum 10-day quarantine (two weeks for certain medical cases) before being eligible for adoption.
• Puppies under five months may be adopted after their second round of shots, with a signed spay/neuter contract and a $100 refundable deposit. Spaying/neutering must occur by six months to receive the deposit back.
• Adult dogs (five months and older) must be spayed/neutered, fully vaccinated, and medically cleared for adoption. If heartworm-positive, they may still be adopted if the adopter is committed to completing treatment. Dallas DogRRR covers treatment costs, but the adopter must handle transportation for treatment appointments.
Adoption Interest & Foster Fail Process
When an adoption application is received for your foster pet, an adoption processor will reach out to confirm your intent. This is your opportunity to decide if you’re considering adopting (foster fail).
Important Reminders:
Timely Response: Please respond within 24 hours when contacted by the adoption team, as adopters may be considering other rescues.
Meet and Greet Feedback: After the meet and greet, provide feedback to the adoption team.
Final Steps: Before the dog goes to its new home, the adoption contract and payment must be completed.
If you’re interested in adopting, please confirm with your entire household before notifying us.
If you’re not considering adoption, please also confirm this with your household before informing us.
Once you decide not to adopt, the adoption team will proceed with the applicant, conducting a home check, vet check, and arranging meet and greets.
FOSTER FAIL
Adopting Your Foster Pet
Wonderful News! It’s always exciting when you, or someone you know, falls in love with your foster pet and wants to make it official! The main goal of fostering is to care for these animals until they’re ready for adoption, but sometimes you realize you can’t live without the pet you’re fostering. Or maybe a friend or family member has made a special connection with them.
If this is the case, please notify the Foster & Adoption Team as soon as possible by emailing foster@dallasdogrrr.org or adopt@dallasdogrrr.org with any questions.
Ready to Adopt Your Foster Pet?
Congratulations on joining the special group affectionately known as “foster fails!” Don’t worry—this is a positive term. Being a foster fail means you’ve fallen head over heels for their playful charm and warm snuggles and just can’t imagine letting them go.
To adopt your foster pet, contact the Dallas DogRRR Foster and Adoption Team at foster@dallasdogrrr.org or adopt@dallasdogrrr.org, and we’ll guide you through the adoption process.
Please Note: If your foster pet is already scheduled for a “meet and greet” with another potential adopter, you may adopt only if that meeting does not lead to an adoption. Therefore, it’s essential to let us know as soon as you decide to adopt so we can prioritize your interest before any other meetings are arranged.
