Adoption Information

Note To Adopters: Lassie and Cleo and Rin Tin Tin and Toto don't show up in rescue. We don't get the elegantly coiffed, classically beautiful, completely trained, perfectly behaved dog. We get the leftovers. Dogs that other people have incompetently bred, inadequately socialized, ineffectively "trained," and badly treated. Most Rescue dogs have had it. They've been pushed from one lousy situation to another. They've never had proper veterinary care, kind and consistent training, or sufficient company. They've lived outside, in a crate, or in the basement. They're scared, depressed and anxious. Some are angry. Some are sick. Some have given up. But we are Rescue and we don't give up. We never give up on a dog. We know that a dog is a living being, with a spirit and a heart and feelings. Our dogs are not commodities, things, or garbage. They are part of sacred creation and they deserve as much love and care and respect as the next Westminster champion. So please, please don't come to rescue in the hopes of getting a "bargain," or indeed of "getting" anything. Come to Rescue to give, to love, to save a life and to mend your own spirit. For Rescue will reward you in ways you never thought possible. I can promise you this -- a rescue dog will make you a better person.

Author Unknown

PLEASE READ BEFORE FILLING OUT THE APPLICATION

NOTE: We do not do same day adoptions. After submitting your application, it will be reviewed by our adoption committee, we will then contact you to discuss your application. If the application is approved, a home visit may be required before the adoption. We appreciate your interest in helping a rescued dog in need. It's a RUFF Life Rescue is an all-volunteer organization, and our foster dogs reside in private volunteer homes throughout the area. There is no facility or location where all the dogs can be visited. We receive numerous inquiries and applications. we appreciate your patience while we process applications and inquiries. The adoption form must be filled out in its entirety.

YES WE ADOPT OUT OF STATE, however you must be willing to drive to the foster home to get the pet. We do NOT ship any of our adoptable pets, PLEASE do NOT ask us to do so, NO EXCEPTIONS!

We receive many online adoption forms everyday and we appreciate people taking the time to fill them out for us. But we can not process your adoption form if all of the required information is not provided to us.

This application is the first step in the adoption process, appointments to view pets are not available until an application is submitted and approved. Feel free to contact us regarding the status of your application at ruffliferescue@aol.com

Choosing Your New Pet: We ask that the whole family help in selecting the pet. It is essential that everyone responsible for caring for the pet approves of the selection. Before you select a pet, especially a pet for a child, it may be worthwhile for you or even the whole family to visit the library to research what kind of pet would be best. Keep some of these things in mind:

Don't adopt a pet on impulse.
Think of your family's lifestyle and how a pet will fit in. How much attention can you give? A dog demands a good deal of time.
Match a pet to the members of your family's temperament.
Keep the ages of children in mind. Young children and toddlers can be knocked over by an over zealous puppy
Check the members of your family for allergies to animals.
Know who will be responsible for the pet before you adopt.

We want to be certain that you have carefully considered the cost and responsibilities of pet ownership and to help you determine what type of pet would be most suitable for the entire household.

We are glad you are considering adopting a new pet through It's a RUFF Life Rescue. The following information is requested so that we may assist you in the selection of a new pet. The consultation process is designed to help us determine if the adoption is in the animal's best interest and to assist you in finding an animal most compatible with your lifestyle.

Please read and carefully review our Dog Adoption Contract / Cat Contract. A signed contract is required before adoptions are finalized.

To Be Considered A Potential Adopter, You Must:

Be 21 years of age or older; verification may be requested.
Have identification showing your present address;
Have the knowledge and consent of your landlord and can be reached by our staff prior to adoption;
Be able and willing to spend the time and money necessary to provide vaccinations, medical treatment, training and proper care for a pet;
Agree not to chain the animal outdoors;
Not be adopting an animal for a Gift or on behalf of someone else(other than for your child);
Not have had an animal who has died of any contagious disease within the last 6 months;
Contact It's a RUFF Life Rescue, if, for any reason, you are unable to keep the animal.
Consent to a home visit, with prior notice at a mutually agreed upon day and time.

If You Meet The Above Qualifications, Please Complete The Online Application. We do have an alternate application available that can be mailed, faxed or emailed, however Online Applications are preferred and processed more quickly with faster turn around time.