We have received an overwhelming amount of interest in these dogs, even prior to their arrival and while we are still getting to know them. Because each dog is an individual and their personalities, medical needs, and behavioral needs are still emerging, we are taking a thoughtful and deliberate approach to the adoption process.

We are currently hoping to begin the meet-and-treat process for all of the dogs. However, some dogs have not yet been spayed and will need to complete their spay surgery before they are able to go home with an adopter. Please review each dog's profile for the most up-to-date information regarding their availability, medical status, and adoption readiness.

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All dogs will require multiple meet-and-treat visits before adoption, the exact process may vary depending on the individual dog. Anticipate a minimum of three meet and treat visits to ensure everyone is comfortable prior to heading home. Visits should be humans only for the first visit, and then the introduction of other dogs in the household is required in a later visit.  Some may be ready to move forward more quickly, while others may need additional time and visits to build trust and confidence. These dogs have experienced significant trauma, and it is important that we allow them to progress at a pace that is comfortable and successful for them.

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Adoption Requirements & Expectations

These dogs have spent their lives in a highly restrictive environment with very little exposure to the world around them. While they have already made remarkable progress, adopters should understand that these dogs are not typical pets and will require significant time, patience, and commitment as they continue learning how to navigate life in a home.

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A Secure Fenced Yard is Required

These dogs are extreme flight risks. When frightened, their instinct is often to flee rather than seek comfort from people. A secure physical fence is required to help keep them safe while they learn to trust their new surroundings and caregivers. During moments of panic, these dogs can easily slip out of even the most secure harness of collar, and they can also quickly chew through harnesses, tie-outs, and leashes. 

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Another Confident Dog is Required

A confident, social, and behaviorally appropriate resident dog is required for adoption. Other dogs are the only source of comfort, security, and social learning many of these dogs have ever known. They watch and learn from other dogs every day. A stable canine companion helps them understand routines, build confidence, and navigate unfamiliar situations. Homes without another dog will not be considered.

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House Training Will Be a Process

Adopters should expect house training to be difficult, time-consuming, and non-linear. These dogs have spent their entire lives eating, sleeping, and eliminating in the same area. They have never learned to hold their bladder or ask to go outside. Stress and anxiety can make accidents more frequent, and setbacks should be expected as part of the process.

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Go Slow

These dogs need the world introduced to them one small step at a time. Calm voices, gentle handling, patience, and predictable routines will help them feel safe and secure. When frightened, overwhelmed, or overstimulated, many will shut down rather than engage. Something as simple as entering a new room, hearing an unfamiliar sound, meeting a new person, or experiencing a change in routine can feel overwhelming.

Success comes from allowing the dog to progress at their own pace rather than expecting them to adapt quickly.

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Basic Life Skills Are Still Being Learned

Many of these dogs are still learning skills that most dogs acquire naturally as puppies. Some are working on navigating stairs, walking through doorways confidently, riding in vehicles, accepting handling, or simply exploring unfamiliar environments. These seemingly simple tasks may require weeks or months of practice and encouragement.

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These Are Not "Plug-and-Play" Dogs

These dogs are not ready to immediately fit into the flow of an average household. They will require ongoing support, management, patience, and understanding as they learn that the world can be safe and predictable.

The right adopter will understand that progress may be measured in small moments: taking a treat by hand, choosing to approach for attention, exploring a new room, or resting comfortably in a home. While the journey can be challenging, helping a dog experience safety, trust, comfort, and confidence for perhaps the first time in their life is an incredibly rewarding experience.

 

For the right adopter, the reward is extraordinary. Watching a dog experience safety, comfort, play, affection, and confidence—sometimes for the very first time—is an incredible privilege. However, adopters should be prepared for a journey measured in months and years, not days and weeks.

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If you are interested in one of the dogs, we encourage you to submit an adoption application to begin the process. Once your application is received, we can schedule a phone conversation to discuss the individual dogs in greater detail, including their personalities, needs, and progress, to help determine the best potential match.

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All dogs must be spayed prior to adoption. In addition, every dog receives age-appropriate vaccinations and essential preventative care. Dogs are vaccinated for distemper, Bordetella, and rabies (when age-appropriate), are dewormed, microchipped, and kept current on flea and tick prevention. Each dog also receives an Intrastate Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) prior to adoption.

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Applications may be submitted below. Approved applicants will be contacted as we are able to move forward with the adoption process for each individual dog.