Adoption Policies
While Lifelong Buddies does not have a lot of strict rules, we do have policies that we follow when approving adoptive homes. The goal of these policies is to help the dogs find homes that are right for them. Applicants may be perfectly nice people and have a perfectly nice home, but it may not be the right home for the dog. Please remember that our job is to find the right home for the dog, NOT to find the right dog for an applicant.
- We require an EXCELLENT veterinarian reference showing a history of annual visits to the vet for shots, exams, tests, etc. for all pets (including cats). We also require evidence that all dogs have been kept on year round heartworm prevention and that the veterinarian’s suggestions for care have been followed. We look for homes where the animal’s medical needs are treated as seriously as the medical needs of their owners. We are very strict about this requirement. Because past behavior is our best predictor of future behavior, we evaluate first time pet owners on a case by case basis.
- We require an adequate setting for the dog. What is adequate varies from dog to dog. Some dogs may not do well in an apartment, some may need a fenced yard, some may need someone at home during most of the day, etc. Some require being placed in a home with another dog. We do our best to find the right fit. No one is served well if we place the dog in the wrong setting.
- We require a substantial commitment to the dog. If an applicant has given away multiple animals or has given away any animal for an insufficient reason, we are unlikely to approve the application. We want our dogs to be members of the family, and family members are not given away.
- We require that all dogs be indoor dogs. They want to be near their family and will become lonely, bored and destructive if cast outside. Our contract gives us the right to visit the adopting party’s property to verify this.
- We carefully scrutinize applications from families with children under the age of 6 because that is when most serious dog bites occur. We do not want anyone to be injured, and we don’t want to have to euthanize a dog for a mistake in judgment. Such applications will be evaluated on a case by case basis, but do not be offended if we do adopt to you if you have young children.
- We believe that the only solution to the pet overpopulation problem is spaying and neutering. Therefore, we look for families who share this philosophy and spay and neuter their pets.
- We try to match our dogs and puppies with homes that will stimulate them and have a similar energy level. We also want our dogs and puppies to be able to spend their entire lives with their new owners. So, as a rule of thumb, if the dog or puppy is likely to outlive you, then it is unlikely that your application will be approved.
- We have an ongoing relationship with our adopting parties, so we look for families with whom we find it easy to work. We reserve the right to refuse adoption to anyone for any reason at any time.