When it comes to adopting, everyone has questions (even if it’s not the first time!) Here are a few we run into frequently.
Do you adopt to apartment renters?
Yes! We’re not nearly as concerned with the size or layout of your home, as we are the training and exercise you intend to give the dog you adopt. We do require written proof that your apartment building allows pets
How old do I have to be to adopt?
You must be at least 18 years old to adopt a dog from CHAR.
Can I adopt two CHAR dogs?
Not at the same time. When you bring a new dog home, there’s a lot of time and work involved in helping your new dog to settle in. Adopting two would add to the stress level for you and your dogs. We love repeat adopters, however, so when you’re ready for another, please come back! We typically require a minimum of 6 months between adoptions.
Do you adopt to the first person interested in a dog?
No. We do not operate on first come, first served – we choose the best applicant for the dog. If that happens to be the first or only applicant for a dog, so be it, but in cases where we have many applicants for one dog, we work with the foster home to choose the best adopter for the dog.
Can I apply to adopt a dog without knowing what dog I want?
Yes! Please! Many times, we get multiple applications on one dog. If you are pre-approved, there is a better chance that you will be chosen, as we know you better and also know that you’re committed to choosing the right dog, not just the first dog or the prettiest dog.
I want a blue merle female with two blue eyes. Do you get those?
Yes, the animals we have in foster care are as varied as the breed themselves. Dogs selected for our program are not judged based on color but on temperament. We suggest that you forego selecting a lifelong companion based on color and focus on the type of personality you want in a pet. If you are dead-set on a specific color of dog, you should be prepared to wait much longer than usual, as we will not prioritize color preference in our matching process.
Why is your adoption fee so much? I can go to a shelter and get a dog for uner $100.00.
As you know a pure bred aussie can sell for between $400 and $1000. You would then be responsible for vetting, spay/neuter, shots, etc. Animals in most shelters have been exposed to a variety of bacteria and illness while there. We pay a fee to take the animals, give them vet care, shots, spay or neuter them, and microchip them. Then we require that each animal stay a minimum of 2 weeks in foster care to evaluate the animal. Frequently it takes longer to work with them and provide training to them. The cost of the average dog is more than $300 (initial intake care and 1 month of treatments), and each additional month of treatments costs around $30.
My husband and I are retired and we travel extensively in our RV during half the year. Can you help us find a dog?
Yes. It may take a bit of time to find the perfect fit for you but there is certainly a dog out there who would love to travel and see the sights with you.
What happens at the home visit?
When we visit your home as a part of the application process, it’s to check a number of things. This is not a white-glove inspection – we are first making sure that everything on your application matches what’s “real”, and to see how you and your family interact with the dogs you own. All family members, housemates, and/or current pets should be present.
What do I do if I’m having trouble with my CHAR dog?
If your adopted dog is not getting along for some reason, you should contact us immediately. We will try to work you and the dog through the issue.
What do I do if I can’t keep my CHAR dog?
CHAR will always take a dog back – we actually require it. If there is an issue that cannot be resolved, the dog should be returned to us. If this occurs within 15 days of your adoption date, you will be refunded for your adoption fee. If you return the dog after 15 days, we will write you a donation receipt for the total of the adoption fee. CHAR dogs may never be rehomed without our consent.
Will my CHAR dog be spayed/neutered?
Yes. All CHAR dogs, provided they are old enough, come spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. Only young puppies are adopted unaltered, and those require a spay/neuter deposit.
There’s a dog I want to adopt, but I’m going on vacation. Will you hold it for me?
No. We do not hold dogs, because that foster space is valuable to us for saving others. If you are going to be traveling and unable to care for a dog, please wait until after your vacationing is finished to adopt. There will always be more dogs, and we cannot operate as a boarding facility for adopters.