| |
There are many types of rescue groups out there. Some specialize in a particular
breed; others care for a variety of animals, including cats and mixed-breed
dogs. Unfortunately, there are also some groups and individuals who call
themselves “rescue organizations” but who are actually brokers or traffickers.
So, how can you tell a reputable group from one whose practices leave something
to be desired? Here are some hints:
A
reputable rescue group will
-
want you to meet and
spend time with the animal
-
have lots of
questions for you
-
share their history
on the animal
-
have had the animal
checked by a veterinarian, given vaccinations, and spayed or neutered if
appropriate
-
have treated the
animal for any medical problems
-
ask you to fill out
an in-depth application
-
check your
references
-
do a home visit (or
reserve the right to do so at a future point)
-
follow up after
adoption to make sure everything is working out
-
include a trial
period—typically two weeks—before an adoption is finalized
-
take the animal back
at any time after the adoption is finalized—no questions asked—if it does
not work out.
-
provide a contact
person (with phone number) for adopters to call in case of problems
-
transfer all records
to you when the adoption contract is finalized
A
reputable rescue group will NOT
-
expect you to adopt
an animal sight unseen
-
ask for a deposit to
hold the animal for you
-
want cash up front,
either in the form of a deposit or an adoption fee, for an animal you have
not met in person
-
ask you to meet them
at odd times or places (most reputable groups have their adoption events
on weekend afternoons at pet stores or other public, pet-oriented venues)
-
disappear after the
adoption is finalized
A
note about adopting from shelters:
Many of the criteria above do not apply to shelter adoptions. Though most
shelters will have potential adopters fill out an application and be
interviewed, they may not do home visits or follow up after adoptions. But
adopting from a shelter is a lot safer than adopting from a non-reputable
rescue group. Their animals have been examined by a vet, are up-to-date on
vaccinations and, in many cases, have been temperament tested.
If you would like
more information on choosing a rescue group, or have any questions about pet
adoption in general, please call Furry Suits Rescue at
(703) 889-5335 , or email us at
Admin@FurrySuitsRescue.org.
|
